Connecting to Collections Care

Good morning, all,

We are part of a private operating foundation and the foundation has scheduled active shooter response training for all employees. As part of this active shooter response training, the trainer would like to fire a firearm loaded with blanks in order for staff to hear the sound of a firearm discharging in a building.

Taking this only from a collections safety standpoint, what concerns are there with firing blanks from a firearm in a space or spaces where there are collections objects? What should we request/consider when working with the trainer in order to ensure collections safety?

Of course the firearm will not be aimed at any collections objects, but I am trying to determine if any other aspects of firing the blank will affect collections.

I appreciate any responses on this matter and request that responses only address collections safety. Other possible issues surrounding this (human safety, mental health, etc.) are being addressed by staff internally.

Sincerely,

Anna

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Anna Goss
Director of Collections & Exhibitions
Stark Museum of Art
Orange
United States
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Hi Anna,

This is a fascinating question, and not one I've encountered before. I don't have expertise in firearms, so I hesitate to speculate beyond the general collections concerns that come to mind (such as residue, muzzle blast, and combustion byproducts).

I reached out to someone on the Connecting to Collections Care expert list whose specialty includes firearms to see if they have any experience with this specific scenario or know of any relevant guidance. If I hear back, I'll share in another reply.

In the meantime, I'm interested to see if others have encountered a similar situation and can speak from firsthand experience.

Best, 
Kate

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Kate Jacus
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
Preservation Education Specialist
Documentary Heritage & Preservation Services for NY (DHPSNY)
*based at the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts
Philadelphia, PA
USA
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Hi Anna,

The mistake often made with blanks is to think they are blank. We use firearms with blanks often in the film industry. The blanks have everything but the metal projectile. The gun powder, wadding and extreme air pressure are still present. 

So the chemical residues and trauma from the air pressure are concerns. The straight path is the most powerful yet the wave is also a concern coming in a triangle shape from the muzzle 

I would plan to fire in an area away from the collection and not in the vicinity of any fragile pieces. 

Hopefully the armour is well trained and will be firing to the ceiling.

Good Luck and may the training not ever be needed 

~ jo

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~ jo lynne
MuseumArtist123@gmail.com
NM
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