Rules of Conduct

Rules of Conduct

Handling artifacts and archival materials:

When handling or dealing with any artifacts or archival material from USSRC, please follow the guidelines outlined below. 

  • No researcher will be left unattended in an area containing archives or objects.
  • Always follow instructions provided by the supervising USSRC staff.
  • Wear clean gloves that are appropriate to the handling requirements of the artifact:
    • Nitrile gloves when handling most objects
    • Cotton gloves with nitrile-coated palms when handling large objects that require extra grip
  • Never eat, smoke, or drink in the vicinity of collections.
  • Use extreme precaution when handling any artifact:
    • Do not place the object in any area where you are using tools, liquids, pens, or other non-artifacts
    • Be aware of the object’s location at all times to avoid accidental breakage, bumping, or dropping
    • When moving an artifact even a short distance, plan where you are going before you go there
    • Always lift or hold an object over a surface, never slide or push an object across a surface
    • Always use two hands to lift or hold an object (unless it is oversized or awkward, then use several people)
    • When moving a spacesuit, a minimum of two people are necessary at all times
    • Avoid lifting objects by limbs, handles, spouts, or other extended areas
  • Do not clean any artifact.
  • If an object breaks or is damaged in some way, collect all broken pieces no matter how small, and label them in a container with object identification.