18-20 degrees C would be ideal but this is impossible as temperatures can stay for days at about 28 degrees Centigrade. If possible cooling systems should be installed but to date the sheer cost has prevented this. Lights must not be left on if the collection is not being used. Fluorescent lights are high energy lights and can be very damaging to material. Some light strips have been removed to reduce the light levels and those remaining have been covered with a UV protector sleeve.
Shelves are to be kept clean and free of dust.
When sending loans, ensure that the vial or jar is full of alcohol with cottonwool in the mouth. This reduces the air bubble agitation in the container thereby reducing the risk of damage. Some specimens are labelled with metal labels. These are a huge hazard when sent on loan and can result in a specimen literally being chopped up. These metal labels should be removed from the specimen and left behind in the vial.