What is BS EN 16790 – Conservation of cultural heritage about?
Protecting cultural heritage from pests including insects and rodents, and microorganisms such as fungi is a serious concern for many cultural heritage institutions. BS EN 16790 defines Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and describes a comprehensive methodology for managing pest problems for the protection of cultural heritage. BS EN 16790 applies to objects and buildings, housing collections, such as museums, archives, libraries, historic houses and buildings, places of worship, art dealers and auction rooms, art transport and storage companies.
Note: BS EN 16790 does not apply to caves, gardens, and parks.
Who is BS EN 16790 – Conservation of cultural heritage for?
BS EN 16790 on conservation of cultural heritage using integrated pest management is useful for:
- Pesticide manufacturers
- Pesticide Suppliers
- Research personnel
- Museums
- Cultural Heritage Institutions
Why should you use BS EN 16790 – Conservation of cultural heritage?
This is part of preventive conservation. The challenge of controlling these pests is increasing as several effective biocidal products have been banned by European legislation because of risks to health and the environment. International trade, tourism, and global climate changes, with a rising mean temperature, may cause increased activity of microorganisms and an influx of insect pests not formerly known in many European countries. In addition, loans between museums or other cultural heritage institutions are increasing, thereby raising the risk of spreading pests.
For this reason, there is a need for integrated pest management (IPM), a long-term, ongoing, and holistic strategy, minimizing risks of damage to cultural heritage and its environment and reducing the use of biocidal products. The aim of BS EN 16790 is to be a management tool, describing IPM policies and procedures. Using BS EN 16790 you can define Integrated Pest Management and describes a comprehensive methodology for managing pest problems for the protection of cultural heritage.
