A is a site-specific procedure detailing the steps to be followed if a previously unknown heritage resource is discovered. Normally the should be developed as part of the ; however, sites not requiring a will develop a stand-alone .
Most chance finds will occur during the Construction or Operations phase of an asset, and will likely be discovered by contractors, sub-contractors or other technical staff. Awareness of the amongst all teams is essential and should be incorporated into staff and contractor inductions.
The should include:
- Record-keeping and expert verification procedures
- Criteria for temporary work stoppages that may be required to allow for rapid disposition of issues related to the finds
- Chain-of-custody instructions for movable finds
- When finds are moved, who handles them, who catalogues them, and where their final resting place should be
- Roles, responsibilities and response times of project staff and the competent authority in dealing with the find; and
- Agreed consultation procedures in the event of a chance find.
An example is included in Tools (see 4H.4 Tools). Figure 4H.2 provides a summary of the main steps:
FIGURE 4H.2 Chance Find Procedure