Direct physical forces include physical damage induced by shock, vibration, abrasion, and gravity. It can be caused earthquakes (widespread catastrophic damage), accidents (catastrophic damage but limited scope), or via cumulative damage (usage or handling). Solutions include building away from areas of high seismic activity, , ensuring adequate space and access for collection storage, and constructing protections from direct object handling and impact during transport etc.

Thieves and vandals may intentionally remove or inflict damage to an asset, which may include destruction, loss, misplacement, or disfiguration. Strategies against theft and vandalism include implementing good security protocols, early detection via security staff, routine collections inspection, as well as staff training for appropriate response to intruders.

Fire can destroy, scorch, or deposit smoke on all types of artefacts, especially those containing organic materials. It can be a catastrophic agent of deterioration, causing physical and chemical damage (as well as concurrent damage associated with water via sprinklers etc.). Solutions include clever external landscaping (fire-resistant species), inflammable building materials/roof/interior walls, water sprinklers, automatic fire-resistant folding walls, and staff training with local first responders.

Water damage can be caused by natural occurrences, technological hazards / mechanical failures (HVAC, broken water pipes etc.), as well as from accidents/neglect. Water can cause different but significant types of damage to many collection materials, including A/V media, organic materials, books and paper objects, metal objects, paintings, photographic materials, wooden objects, and textiles. Solutions include avoiding floor plans below ground level, building drains etc.

Pests (insects, vermin, as well as mould and microbes) can cause damage to many collection materials, including consuming, perforating, cutting, grazing, and more. Avoid creating pest habitats and make sure to stay on top of pest control, including sealing areas and containing food and garbage zones.

Pollutants include airborne pollutants, contact pollutants, and intrinsic pollutants. Airborne pollutants include external industrial and vehicle emissions or atmospheric pollutants, and can cause acidification of papers, corrode metals, or discolour objects. Contact pollutants include acidic paper or cardboard, adhesive tape, or fingerprints, and intrinsic pollutants include things such as cellulose acetate film or iron-gall ink in paper. Avoid locations with high pollution or high local emissions and try to have an airtight building with separate ventilation for different areas.

Radiation or light can cause significant long-term damage to objects that is cumulative and irreversible! Visible light can cause colours to fade, whereas UV light causes yellowing, chalking, weakening or disintegration of materials. IR (infrared radiation) can cause shrinking, cracking, and acceleration of chemical reactions. Solutions include restricting total light exposure and blocking outside light, keeping objects away from windows and direct sunlight, using UV-protective conservation grade glass cases etc.

Incorrect temperature or relative humidity can cause significant damage to collections. Temperatures that are too high, too low, or that fluctuate too much are not ideal, and can cause chemical degradation, embrittlement, or fracture/de-lamination respectively. Incorrect relative humidity (too high, too low, fluctuations), can cause warping/buckling/corrosion/mould growth, shrinkage/warping/buckling/embrittlement, and cracking, respectively. Monitor your temperature and relative humidity levels, avoiding solar exposure, and keep objects in well-insulated areas with consistent and reliable HVAC systems. Make sure temperature or relative humidity doesn’t fluctuate!

Dissociation is the result or the natural tendency for ordered systems to fall apart over time. Objects can be misplaced, incorrectly labeled, areas can be dirty, and human errors can be abundant! Generally, it is good to keep things clearly labelled, clean, and always be careful and conscious of where and how objects are being held and kept!