TK-044 (E/G) Template Title: Sampling Risk to Relic Object — Conservator Advice & Non-Invasive-First Policy
THE HSWAGATA BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC PRESERVATION PRIVATE MUSEUM
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
Template No.: TK-044 (E/G)
Template Title: Sampling Risk to Relic Object — Conservator Advice & Non-Invasive-First Policy
Related Research Case IDs / Cluster: Cluster E (Science/Testing/Misinformation) + Cluster G (Neglect & Relic Loss Prevention)
Linked Templates / Policies:
TK-046 Scientific Testing Request & Ethics Checklist
TK-049 DNA / Carbon-14 Unsuitability Explanation Sheet
TK-051 Relic Testing MoU & Data Governance Sheet
TK-058 National / Institutional Testing Policy Alignment Sheet
TK-060 Relic Image Editing & Visual Integrity Review
Institutional Policies for Relic Stewardship (HSWAGATA)
From Casebook to Compass (Testing + governance templates)
Date of form: ____ / ____ / ______
Prepared by / Role: _______________________
Office / Unit: ____________________________
Country / Location: _______________________
Confidentiality Level:
Internal only [ ] Restricted [ ] Sacred-Restricted / Sensitive [ ]
Use of this form (tick):
New case / action [ ] Follow-up [ ] Annual review [ ] Archive only [ ]
TK-044 — Non-Invasive-First Policy (Core Policy)
Policy rule: HSWAGATA uses a Non-Invasive-First approach.
This means we choose methods that do not touch, remove, scrape, drill, or take any sample from a relic, unless:
A conservator writes a clear risk note, and
The Board approves, and
Consent is complete, and
No safer option can answer the question.
If the question can be answered with photos, records, or non-contact scans, then sampling is not allowed.
A. Case Information
Case title (short): ______________________________________________
Relic/object ID code: ___________________________________________
Location of relic now: __________________________________________
Proposed test/request: __________________________________________
Who requested it (person/institution): ____________________________
Date received: ____ / ____ / ______
Assigned officer: ____________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______
Status: ☐ Open ☐ Paused ☐ Approved ☐ Rejected ☐ Closed
B. Object Risk Profile (Quick Check)
Tick all that apply:
B1. Physical sensitivity
☐ Very small / fragile
☐ Cracked / chipped / powdery
☐ Surface flaking
☐ Unknown material condition
☐ Previously repaired or glued
☐ Exposed to humidity / heat risk
Notes: ___________________________________________________________
B2. Handling and movement risk
☐ Must not be moved
☐ Container is sealed or sacred-sealed
☐ Handling allowed only by authorised custodian
☐ Past incident of damage / near-loss
Notes: ___________________________________________________________
B3. Risk level (initial)
☐ Low (stable object, strong container, minimal handling)
☐ Medium (some fragility, controlled handling possible)
☐ High (fragile, cracked, high chance of loss or damage)
C. Non-Invasive Options Checklist (Must be reviewed first)
Tick each option that could answer the question without sampling.
C1. Documentation-based
☐ Review custody chain / records
☐ Compare with internal reference photos
☐ Examine historical container labels, seals, notes
☐ Interview custodians / donors for provenance clarification
C2. Visual methods (no contact)
☐ High-resolution photography (controlled lighting)
☐ Macro photography (no touch)
☐ Colour/texture observation under safe light
☐ Side-by-side comparison images (with scale in frame)
C3. Non-invasive scientific tools (no material removal)
☐ External scanning/inspection (non-contact)
☐ Non-contact spectroscopy/analysis (if available and safe)
☐ Environmental monitoring (humidity, temperature logs)
☐ Imaging of container (not opening, if opening is risky)
Result of non-invasive review:
☐ Non-invasive methods are enough → Sampling not allowed
☐ Non-invasive methods are not enough → go to Section D
D. Sampling Proposal (Only if truly necessary)
D1. Why sampling is requested
Write the exact question and why it matters:
D2. Sampling type
☐ Swab touch (surface)
☐ Micro-scrape (removal)
☐ Chip / drill (removal)
☐ Chemical contact
☐ Other: _______________________
HSWAGATA warning: Any removal is high-risk and normally rejected.
D3. Minimal harm plan
Proposed smallest sample size: ______________________________
Sampling point (where on object): ___________________________
Who will perform it (name/role): _____________________________
Two-person rule confirmed: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Chain-of-custody plan ready: ☐ Yes ☐ No
E. Conservator Advice (Required)
E1. Conservator name / organisation: ____________________________
E2. Date of assessment: ____ / ____ / ______
E3. Conservator method: ☐ Visual only ☐ Instrument check ☐ Full condition report
E4. Conservator statement (tick one)
☐ Do not sample (risk too high)
☐ Sample only if strict limits are followed
☐ Sampling acceptable (rare)
E5. Key risks noted (short)
Risk to object integrity: _______________________________________
Risk of cracking/fragment loss: _________________________________
Risk from movement/transport: __________________________________
Risk from contamination: _______________________________________
E6. Conservator required safeguards
Tick what the conservator requires:
☐ No removal of material (contact-only)
☐ Gloves + sterile tools
☐ Clean surface protocol
☐ Humidity control during handling
☐ Micro-support cradle / padded tray
☐ No transport off-site
☐ Immediate post-check + safe return to container
Other: ___________________________________________________________
Conservator signature / stamp (if available): _______________________
F. Decision: Non-Invasive-First Outcome
F1. Decision options
☐ Rejected (sampling not allowed)
☐ Paused (need more non-invasive work)
☐ Approved with strict limits (rare)
☐ Escalated to Board (high risk or sensitive case)
F2. Board / delegated approval
Required if sampling is considered:
Approved by: __________________________ Role: __________________
Date: ____ / ____ / ______
Conditions attached (write short):
G. Post-Action Record (If any handling occurred)
Tick when complete:
☐ Pre-condition photos taken
☐ Handling done under two-person rule
☐ No damage observed
☐ Post-condition photos taken
☐ Returned to container and secured
☐ Incident report filed if any issue occurred
Notes:
H. Sign-off & Archive
Prepared by: __________________________ Signature: ________________
Reviewed by (Conservation/Compliance): ______________ Signature: ____
Date: ____ / ____ / ______
Archive code / file location: ______________________________________