Monitoring of deposited particle levels within the museum of Scotland: During and after construction

Abstract

Dust deposition and distribution were studied over an 18‐month period during the construction and installation of the Museum of Scotland (MOS) next to the Royal Museum of Scotland (RMS). Deposition levels were assessed by measuring the loss of reflectance of the surface of a clean glass microscope slide. Selected slides were examined by scanning electron microscopy to characterise the phases present. Levels were monitored in the established museum to assess dust ingress during construction. In the new museum, monitoring aimed to assess the effectiveness of containment measures during construction work, installation of displays and cleaning.

During installation, dust levels at all sites in the MOS were up to fifteen times greater than those suggested for museums and galleries, with the highest values during the final stages of construction and installation. The major source of dust was ingress of external dust from the building areas to the installation areas, although some local generation of dust within the installation areas also occurred. Due to the high deposition levels measured, the sealing of the installation areas and the policing of dust containment procedures were improved. After opening, particle levels remained high compared to suggested values due to ongoing activities to finish the museum. During the final stages of installation and the post‐opening activities, dust levels were also elevated in the RMS, due to particle flow through the access corridors joining the two buildings. One year after opening, levels in both museums are below those suggested for museums and galleries. Results were obtained retrospectively and correlation to specific events proved more difficult than expected. This could be minimised by measurement of slides on‐site, using custom‐built equipment.

Notes

Author for correspondence.