Hello all,
I have been asked to construct a departmental protocol on the
preparation of animal carcasses for archaeozoology - with particular
regard to health and safety issues and disposal practices. Since this
is an issue of wider relevance to the archaeozoological community I
thought I would raise it online.
Methods which we have used in this department include 1) burial of
animal corpses, followed by washing in water (with degreasing if
required), or 2) decomposition using nutrase or biotex. As most will
appreciate, the latter, while rapid, leaves an extremely unpleasant
residue with health and safety issues for its disposal. In the past we
have incinerated animal residues, but here (at least) the procedure has
now been changed to autoclaving the sludge followed by disposal down a
sluice into the drainage system. Prior to autoclaving the sludge should
be neutralised, to prevent further bacterial growth (although I have
yet to ascertain a suitable neutraliser!).
I would be grateful to find out what happens in other departments, and
to find out references to health and safety guidelines which deal with
animal preparation and storage of bones. I believe there is a document
which was mentioned at the palaeopathology meeting at London Zoo, but I
have no other details.
With thanks
Becky Nicholson
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Rebecca Anne Nicholson
@bradford.ac.uk
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