AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL MATERIAL INC.
Quarantine
Working with the Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry (DAFF) to import exhibitions and use non
chemical pest control for cultural collections
AICCM Preventive Special Interest Group in collaboration with the Australian Museum
Monday 16 June 2014 9.00am – 5:00pm
Australian Museum, Sydney
The aim of this seminar is to bring together the expertise of cultural institutions and the
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to discuss effective approaches for pest
control within a Quarantine framework.
8:30 am
Registration
9.00am
Welcome
9.10am
Key note- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
Quarantine plays a crucial role in preventing pest animals and plants from entering
Australia. Representatives from DAFF will provide an overview of the serious pest
issues that may be introduced with travelling exhibitions or new acquisitions entering
Australia, and the steps that cultural institutions can take to minimise the risks.
Exotic pests: A look at several exotic pest species, their damage, and the signs to
look out for
Quarantine approved treatments: An overview of convention fumigation treatments
that may be required/ recommended by DAFF
ICON: The ICON database is an important tool when planning exhibitions, as it
identifies the ‘red flag’ items that quarantine will look for in incoming material, and the
required treatments for each
Quarantine Approved premises (QAP): A QAP allows post-import inspections of
exhibitions/new acquisitions to take place at an institution. Alex will outline the
requirements for obtaining and maintaining a QAP
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10.15am Discussion
10.30 am Morning Tea
11.00am
Panel discussion Cultural Institutions and Quarantine
An outline of current Quarantine procedures from the perspective of cultural
institutions including managing QAP, import permits, negotiating with DAFF and
addressing quarantine issues
12:00pm
Facilitated discussion between DAFF and panel of cultural institution representatives
about quarantine requirements
12:30pm
LUNCH
1.15 pm
Using non chemical treatments for pest managementAlex Roach and Colin MacGregor
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE FOR THE CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL MATERIAL INC.
Setting the scene- what are the key pests that effect collection material, why we use
non chemical treatments for pest management where it all began and how we now
approach it including an outline of:
 Freezing- minimum temperature and time to ensure successful treatments.
What to look out for (defrost cycles, overloading freezers, materials that aren’t
recommended for freezing)
 Low Oxygen- Oxygen concentrations to ensure mortality, the impact of
temperature and relative humidity, timeframes for successful treatments and
mortality data
o Low oxygen fumigation using bags (including an overview of oxygen
scavengers, nitrogen flushing, high barrier film and bags, monitoring)
o Low oxygen fumigation using chambers (including chamber types,
nitrogen cylinders, nitrogen generators, monitoring)
2.30 pm
Specialist approaches to pest management of cultural material
Three speakers 15 min each followed by facilitated discussion
3:15pm
Roundtable to discuss treatment methods
3:45pm
AFTERNOON TEA
During afternoon tea, people will be able to take a tour of the Australian
Museum Pest management facilities in groups of 10
4.30 pm
Seminar closes