CEN/TC 346/WG 9 - Waterlogged wood

This European standard provides guidelines for safeguarding waterlogged wood on terrestrial sites of archaeological or historical significance. It deals with the protection of archaeological and historical waterlogged wood, from the time of exposure during and after excavation, until it reaches the conservation laboratory. The standard cannot be applied to the management of  controlled reburial, in situ preservation, long term post excavation storage or excavations under water. Composite artefacts, and other waterlogged materials are specifically excluded from this standard.

This document provides guidelines for the characterization of waterlogged archaeological wood to support decision-making processes for its preservation.
This document can be applied for the management of wood discovered in waterlogged environments, including terrestrial and aquatic (marine and freshwater) sites, as a basis for designing conservation strategies (e.g. reburial, in situ preservation, post-excavation storage). In the case of composite artefacts made of wood and other materials, this document is applicable only for the wooden components. Methods for conservation, site protection and monitoring for reburial as well as in situ preservation are beyond the scope of this document.