[DaveA]

in reply to: EU Biocides Directive Formaldehyde #1188

I have printed off and had a quick read of the document mentioned. On page 5 it mentions in the first paragraph that “Taxidermy fluids and those intended for long-term preservation are not covered by this reference document.” Our colleagues in the funeral trade, however, would be covered and I think we should give them whatever support we can. I also agree that section 1.2.2. should be challenged again in support of our FT colleagues.

On page 9 in the last paragraph of section 2.2.2. it mentions that formaldehyde is currently undergoing assessment by the Rapporteur Member State (Germany). In January 2011 the IAS, the Anatomical Society (AS) and the British Association of Clinical Anatomy (BACA) submitted a joint paper to this review.

In conclusion whilst I do not think that the Guidance document affects those who carry out long-term preservation I think that we should

a) bring it to the attention of the AS and BACA

b) contact the European Commission to clarify the position

c) be prepared to prepare either a joint response (preferred) or our own because there is little time before the latest date for comments

I hope this helps the discussion

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: import of fresh frozen material #1175

Thanks Brian and Joy,

Whilst I’m waiting to hear from Joy’s people I will email Lorraine at Newcastle to see if she has any more background.

Many thanks,

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: import of fresh frozen material #1172

Hi Joy,

In the past we have used Science Care but I have always preferred to do it via the sponsoring company. We will not be able to do that this time. If you have any other companies you can recommend please let me know.

Many thanks,

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: import of fresh frozen material #1170

Hi Brian,

Thanks very much for your response. We have a bit of time so I can wait for you to contact them.

Best wishes,

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: Type of Computers used. #1141

Hi,

I work in the NHS so our equipment may not yet be 20th century. My office computer is a Dell Optiplex 760. It is a few years old but still works well. What lets us down is the infrastructure e.g. until recently we had IE 6 and I had to persuade IT to put Firefox on my local computer. I prefer Firefox anyway!

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: St Andrews Meeting #1096

Hi all,

I agree that the St. Andrews meeting was brilliant. I am sure that UCL will think of something. I am easy as to whether it should be one or one and a half days but I agree about the cost especially accommodation. Does anyone fancy a discussion and/or talks on potting (technical) or its future in teaching?

Best wishes,

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: Wetting/ Potting solution #1094

For spraying/wetting I use:

glycerin 1 litre

alcohol (IMS) 2 litre

phenol 500 ml

water 6.5 litre

thymol a few crystals

For potting I use:

glycerin 300 ml

sodium acetate trihydrate 100 g

formalin 5 ml

tap water make up to 1 litre

If the reaction is more acid than pH 8.0, a few drops of N/1 sodium hydroxide should be added.

I have found over many years that these solutions work very well.

Best wishes,

Dave Adams.

[DaveA]

in reply to: Cleaning Old Bone Displays – Advice Please #1066

Hi Catherine,

The traditional way of cleaning bones would be first to gently wash the bones in a mild detergent. If there are crevices you could use an old toothbrush with very soft hairs or a camel hair paintbrush. If you want to return the bones to a pristine white condition soak them in 5-10% hydrogen peroxide to which has been added a few drops of 0.880 ammonia. This last stage should be carried out in a fume cupboard. Old bones are very fragile so great care should be taken at all stages.

Best wishes,

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: Skeleton production #1051

I have emailed a paper to Kimberley I wrote some time ago but sent it before I realised that she doesn’t need the maceration – so just ignore that! If I find anything else I will forward it on.

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: Anatomy Act 1832 #1030

Hi Gary,

I have a copy of the 1832/71 Anatomy Act. If you email me with your address I can send it on to you.

Best wishes,

Dave Adams.

[DaveA]

in reply to: Euro regs on formalin levels #1019

Joyce,

In answer to your question please find the answer we have received from HSE.

“Formaldehyde was originally due to be included in the 3rd Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Value (IOELV) Directive (2009/161/EC), it was withdrawn at the last minute and although it currently does not appear on the preliminary lists of substances for consideration for the proposed 4th IOELV Directive, this may (or may not) change.

Until an IOELV for formaldehyde is formally adopted in the EU through an IOELV Directive and then implemented in Member States, the current 8-hour TWA WEL of 2ppm and STEL 2ppm, are likely to remain in place in the UK. Following adoption, Member States normally have one year in which to implement the IOELVs for the substances listed in the respective IOELV Directives.

Hence, even if formaldehyde was included into the 4th IOELV Directive, it has been estimated that the 4th IOELV Directive may not come into force for approximately 2 years, perhaps longer, after which Member States will normally have another year to implement the IOELVs.”

Dave

[DaveA]

in reply to: Museum pots #970

Thanks for your help Terry. I’m not sure that Saudi Arabia would be a good place to go at the moment. I think the main problem is that 15 years ago we didn’t have the HTA and associated paperwork let alone consent issues etc.

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: Museum pots #967

I don’t know but I can find out. Speed of transfer is of the essence. We already hold in the IAS collection some material not of human origin.

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: Museum pots #964

Hi Chris,

I don’t know. Does anyone know if there are any legal restrictions to sending museum specimens overseas?

Dave.

[DaveA]

in reply to: Museum pots #962

We only have medical students on an ad hoc basis so we use our museum specimens for other groups such as Specialist Registrars, student nurses, radiographers etc. We fully integrate the specimens (pots, bones etc.) into the teaching along with talks and the cadavers so that they are relevant. We feel that it is important to have the specimens (especially the museum pots) in good condition. It also helps to have the background on the donor (anonymised) or, if there is no provenance, a generic background. We are old fashioned and believe that learning is assisted if there is a wide variety of teaching aids.

Dave.

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