Preparation – procedures used in the field or in an institution to enhance the utility of a specimen or object for a particular use (SPNHC, 1994). In paleontology this frequently involves the removal of the rocky matrix in which fossils are embedded and subsequent stabilization of the exposed specimen to enable study or exhibit.

-From the Glossary of Terms in the AMNH Paleo Portal website

Before beginning any specimen preparation task, photograph the specimen or field jacked from multiple angles. These images will be attached to the Collection Object record in Specify. At the end of each day, fill out a preparation record for that days work.

Equipment Use:

Most compressed air tools at NPL are stored in the on top of the equipment cabinet, in the red toolbox. These tools, replacement parts and product manuals are color coded for easy identification. See the training section for instructions on becoming an approved user.

Lab Safety:

PARTICULATE HAZARD:

Long term exposure to inhaled pulverized matrix can lead to a respiratory illness known as Silicosis. Work in a well ventilated area, use PPE to reduce risk and wipe down surfaces a least once an hour.

CHEMICAL HAZARD:

Many of the consolidants used in the lab are dissolved in Acetone or Denatured Alcohol. If you find yourself getting lightheaded, dizzy or feeling faint stop what you are doing and leave the room. Alert the Curator or another member of the NPL staff to your symptoms. One of the staff will take responsibility for discovering the source of the fumes, removing the problem and venting the room.

Workstation set-up

Lamps, or other additional light source:

Desk lamps, clamp lights and lighted articulated magnifiers are located around the prep lab. Gooseneck desk lamps and articulated magnifiers are good for projects where having control over the direction of light is needed.

Microscope and loupe:

Dissecting microscopes that are in the prep lab may be used for work in that room. If all microscopes are in use, or if you need a boom scope, ask the collection manager which microscope from the main room can be moved. Do not remove microscopes from the Research Room.

Loupes are available in the chest of drawers found on the wall with the Flammables cabinet.

Re-use container:

Boxes from the shipping area can be used as receptacles for reusable plastic bags and trays. These will multiply rapidly as the specimens are cleaned, so must be culled regularly. Ask the collection manager for guidance in deciding which trays to re-use and which to send to the recycling center.

Trash can:

Keep a trash can for excess dirt and discarded notes, plastic bags, and trays.  IMPORTANT - DO NOT SET THE TRASH CAN NEAR THE EDGE OF THE TABLE. Labels, tools, and even fossils can inadvertently be brushed into the trash can without being noticed.  Ideally, set the can across the aisle from the work table.

Vacuum cleaner:

In the space below the workstations, a variety of vacuum cleaners are stored. The hyper-vac vacuum cleaners minimizes primary as well as secondary dust. Shop-vacs can be used wet or dry, and are ideal for large messes.

Prep Tools:

All staff, students or volunteers should be fully trained in the equipment they are to use. Rock saws are not to be used without supervision. To obtain training in how to use the prep equipment, as the Curator where to obtain training.