Adjustor Supplies for Loss Examination:

• Task lights  
• Generator when necessary/possible
• Tyvec suits, gloves, boots, masks
• Planks
• Controlled area off to the side
• Digital camera

Resources:

• Experts/conservators with whom you've already established a relationship.
• In high security situations: security/escorts

Action Steps:

• As soon as the property can be safely entered, immediately document in situ and contact your experts/conservators.   They can then advise on the process of removing all items of concern.   Items should be moved as soon as possible to a controlled area off to the side where they can be kept safe from further damage.


• As items are removed, they should be inventoried with a brief written notation and photographed.   Numbering each item and creating an inventory will assist in the management of the recovery process.   Although it is important to address the items in a timely manner, a few moments spent ensuring precise records are kept can be invaluable to the smooth handling of the claim.


• During recovery, if pieces become structurally unsound be sure to retain all components where possible and keep these together. Bag and label any pieces which come loose for easy identification.


• Never assume an item is a loss.   During the recovery stage, all items that can be removed should be considered for possible triage and conservation.


• Where necessary, items should be dried under controlled conditions, with humidity levels reduced slowly in order to avoid additional stress on the Art should not be dried in the sun or under direct heat and should not be exposed to rapid fluctuations in temperature or humidity.


• Property should be transported as soon as possible to a conservation center for immediate triage.   When dealing with high-end property, conservation experts should assist with the arrangements to transport items in a climate controlled truck.   If it's necessary to ship property through UPS or another service, begin the process immediately so that items can be assessed by experts while they are still wet.   Books and works of art on paper can be shipped in coolers with ice packs so that they can be kept cool and damp.


• When handling wet objects where the threat of mold growth is present, wear protective clothing such as Tyvek suits, respirators, goggles, boots and gloves.


• Wet items with mold growth should be carefully cleaned under controlled conditions to minimize dispersal of spores and halt the process of contamination.


• During triage, conservators will carefully review each piece and undertake controlled drying as necessary.  


• Once items are stabilized, a conservator should prepare a thorough condition report of each piece and provide detailed treatment recommendations for review.   This process should include consultation with the clients to determine which items are eligible for conservation and expected treatment outcomes.
  

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