3.2.3 Security and fire management
Background
As custodian of a significant Commonwealth biological collection, the
Gardens has responsibility for the security and maintenance in
perpetuity of this collection. The collection is not generally open
to the public, although anyone with a bona fide research interest is
granted access. The collection is housed in secure, weatherproof
buildings, within a locked boundary fence and with security patrols
at night. The specimens are stored in robust steel cabinets, with
close shelving to reduce physical handling and damage. Since the
buildings are situated in large areas of bushland, great attention
has been paid to fire prevention, from both inside and outside the
buildings. A boundary sprinkler system is designed to prevent fire
getting into the Gardens, and the Herbarium is fitted with an
external drenching system and an internal, central gas
fire-extinguisher system. In addition, hand-held extinguishers are
situated throughout the buildings. Staff are trained in the use of
these systems.
It should be noted that water on dried herbarium specimens can do as
much damage as fire. Disaster contingency plans include bulk
freezing of waterlogged specimens until means can be found of drying
them.
Management prescriptions
Objective
The objective is to provide a safe and secure environment for the
storage of the collection in perpetuity.
Implementation
The physical security and storage of the specimens will be maintained
at current levels; specimens will not be stored in physically
insecure environments. The buildings will have approved fire
prevention measures, such as flame retardant gas and drenches, both
internally and externally, and these will be independently inspected
and tested on a regular basis. Staff will continue to receive
regular training on the use of the herbarium drenches and the gas
retardant systems.
The central gas extinguisher is based on a chemical that no longer
meets required environmental standards. The system is large and will
remain in place until a safe means of disposing of the gas and a
suitable replacement system can be found.
The site disaster plan will be reviewed to ensure that adequate
provision is made for the security and recovery of specimens and
printed material.