BS EN 17652:2022 Cultural Heritage. Assessment and Monitoring of Archaeological Deposits for Preservation in Situ

Standard Number: BS EN 17652:2022

Pages: 38

Released: 2022-09-12

ISBN: 978 0 539 13904 4

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN 17652:2022 standard is an essential document for professionals involved in the preservation of cultural heritage, specifically focusing on the assessment and monitoring of archaeological deposits for in situ preservation. Released on September 12, 2022, this comprehensive 38-page standard provides detailed guidelines and methodologies to ensure the long-term protection and conservation of archaeological sites.

Why This Standard is Important

Archaeological deposits are invaluable resources that offer a window into our past. Preserving these deposits in situ (in their original place) is crucial for maintaining their integrity and context. The BS EN 17652:2022 standard provides a structured approach to assess and monitor these deposits, ensuring that they remain undisturbed and protected for future generations.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Guidelines: The standard offers a thorough set of guidelines for the assessment and monitoring of archaeological deposits, covering various environmental and human factors that could impact their preservation.
• Best Practices: It includes best practices for in situ preservation, helping professionals implement effective conservation strategies.
• Risk Assessment: Detailed methodologies for risk assessment are provided, enabling the identification and mitigation of potential threats to archaeological deposits.
• Monitoring Techniques: The standard outlines various monitoring techniques to track the condition of archaeological deposits over time, ensuring timely interventions when necessary.
• Case Studies: Real-world case studies are included to illustrate the application of the guidelines and methodologies in different contexts.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is designed for a wide range of professionals involved in cultural heritage preservation, including:

• Archaeologists
• Conservationists
• Heritage Managers
• Environmental Scientists
• Policy Makers

Benefits of Using BS EN 17652:2022

Implementing the guidelines and methodologies outlined in the BS EN 17652:2022 standard offers numerous benefits, such as:

• Enhanced Preservation: By following the standard, professionals can significantly enhance the preservation of archaeological deposits, ensuring their longevity and integrity.
• Informed Decision-Making: The standard provides a solid foundation for making informed decisions regarding the conservation and management of archaeological sites.
• Consistency: It promotes consistency in the assessment and monitoring processes, facilitating better communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Compliance: Adhering to the standard ensures compliance with national and international regulations and guidelines for cultural heritage preservation.

Structure of the Standard

The BS EN 17652:2022 standard is structured to provide a logical and easy-to-follow framework for the assessment and monitoring of archaeological deposits. It includes the following sections:

• Introduction: An overview of the importance of in situ preservation and the objectives of the standard.
• Scope: Defines the scope of the standard and the types of archaeological deposits it covers.
• Definitions: Key terms and definitions used throughout the standard.
• Assessment Guidelines: Detailed guidelines for assessing the condition and significance of archaeological deposits.
• Monitoring Guidelines: Methodologies and techniques for monitoring the condition of archaeological deposits over time.
• Risk Management: Strategies for identifying and mitigating risks to archaeological deposits.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples illustrating the application of the standard.
• References: A list of references and further reading materials.

Conclusion

The BS EN 17652:2022 standard is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the preservation of cultural heritage. Its comprehensive guidelines and methodologies provide a robust framework for the assessment and monitoring of archaeological deposits, ensuring their protection and conservation for future generations. By implementing this standard, professionals can enhance the preservation of our shared cultural heritage, making informed decisions and promoting consistency in conservation practices.

BS EN 17652:2022

This standard BS EN 17652:2022 Cultural heritage. Assessment and monitoring of archaeological deposits for preservation in situ is classified in these ICS categories:

• 97.195 Items of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritage

This document describes assessments recommended for in situ preservation and monitoring of archaeological sites. It sets out the main parameters used to assess the state of preservation of archaeological materials and evaluate the environmental conditions of archaeological deposits and provides a framework for monitoring sites. A decision-making framework is included to help readers make appropriate knowledge-based choices. The procedures described are appropriate for terrestrial, wetland or underwater archaeological sites. They will not necessarily be relevant to all archaeological sites, and the level of assessment required and the resources needed are expected to be balanced with and proportionate to the significance and complexity of the site and the scale of any proposed changes. The informative annexes relate primarily to terrestrial sites; for detailed technical guidance on investigating and monitoring underwater sites, see sasmap.eu. NOTE Underwater sites include all underwater sites and those in the intertidal zone.