Storage of the Radioactive Mineral Collections at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, UK

Abstract

Devon and Cornwall, in the South West of Britain, have a rich variety of rare and beautiful minerals formed through millions of years of geological change. Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery (PCMAG), in Devon, holds over 10,000 mineral specimens from rare and unique sites across Devon and Cornwall. Held within the main mineral collection at PCMAG are 139 radioactive minerals. This paper explores the best practice for storing the radioactive mineral collection safely in the workplace, minimising any potential hazard and risk to staff and researchers. Included in this paper are examples of how other museums have stored their radioactive minerals safely and includes relevant legislation. The storage project also allowed the opportunity to digitally image the entire radioactive mineral collection permitting PCMAG's database to be updated with images and new storage information. PCMAG worked closely with a Radiation Protection Advisor for advice and also appointed three Radiation Protection Supervisors to monitor access to the collections and reduce any potential risk further.