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Mercury is a Hazardous Material

WD Confidential. Moreover, mercury is a toxic substance that can result in severe health effects. Therefore, all mercury "spills," including droplets of mercury from a broken laboratory thermometer, need to be cleaned up following safe and environmentally sound procedures.. Mercury is a Toxic Substa

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Mercury is a Hazardous Material

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    2. WD Confidential Mercury (Hg) is defined as a hazardous material by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Mercury is a Hazardous Material

    3. WD Confidential Moreover, mercury is a toxic substance that can result in severe health effects. Therefore, all mercury "spills," including droplets of mercury from a broken laboratory thermometer, need to be cleaned up following safe and environmentally sound procedures. Mercury is a Toxic Substance

    4. WD Confidential Anyone who has questions regarding mercury or spill procedures should contact their laboratory supervisor, their own supervisor, or the WDC Department of Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management. Who do you Contact?

    5. WD Confidential Prevent the spread of mercury when cleaning up a mercury spill. Mercury beads can splash and roll around. Secure the area around the spill, so the mercury does not get "tracked" or "kicked" around. Contain Spill

    6. WD Confidential Cease activities and keep the area restricted until the entire spill is cleaned up. Restrict Area

    7. WD Confidential A special vacuum cleaner is available which is designed to pick up mercury droplets safely. Mercury Vacuum

    8. WD Confidential There is no vacuum available for use . Do not try to use a shop vac or other devise. Other departments should contact EHS for assistance with spill clean-up Location of Mercury Vacuum

    9. WD Confidential If a mercury vacuum is not readily available, cover the spill with sulfur or zinc powder as a temporary control measure. Cover from the perimeter of the spill toward the center. Do not walk through the spill or the sulfur or zinc powder. Temporary Control

    10. WD Confidential A mercury vapor analyzer is used to determine the extent of the contamination Mercury Vapor Analyzer

    11. WD Confidential The detector registers the level of mercury vapor in the air Mercury Vapor Analyzer

    12. WD Confidential Air monitoring should be used in conjunction with the mercury vacuum to ensure the complete removal of mercury. Air Monitoring

    13. WD Confidential Special attention must be taken in cleaning cracks and crevices where the mercury may have settled Special Care

    14. WD Confidential All visible mercury beads are collected using the mercury vacuum followed by specialty wipes. Specialty Wipes

    15. WD Confidential Mercury beads easily enter cracks and crevices. Mercury Beads

    16. WD Confidential Sulfur impregnated cloths may be used for a final wipe down of the area being cleaned Sulfur Impregnated Cloths

    17. WD Confidential The mercury vapor analyzer may also be used to determine if contamination has spread to spill-response personnel. Spill Response Personnel

    18. WD Confidential This procedure is repeated after the gloves have been removed. Spill Response Personnel

    19. WD Confidential Mercury waste and all waste materials contaminated with mercury must be labeled and turned over to the UWM Chemical Safety and Hazardous Waste Management Program Mercury Waste

    20. WD Confidential No mercury, including broken thermometers, may be disposed of in the normal trash or into the sewer system. Disposal

    21. WD Confidential After Hours: If no help is available, contact the Security (9-911 in an emergency or x27726 if non-emergency) and explain that you have a mercury spill. Try to indicate whether the spill is small, a broken thermometer, or large, more than 1 or 2 ml (1/4 teaspoon). Assistance After Hours

    22. WD Confidential The police will contact an EHS staff member for assistance. If the spill is large or if it must be cleaned up right away you will be directed to secure the area and wait until response personnel arrive (usually 30 to 60 minutes). Otherwise the area will be secured until the next working day. After Hours

    23. WD Confidential Special Consideration Large spills, spills in confined areas with poor ventilation, or spills in areas heated above room temperature must be addressed by trained personnel with protective equipment. A risk of high exposure to mercury vapors can occur in these situations.

    24. WD Confidential Mercury spills are very disruptive. Lab personnel are encouraged to use extreme caution when using mercury or mercury containing apparatus. Thorough decontamination is essential to ensure both personal safety and protection of the environment. Mercury Spill Clean-Up

    25. WD Confidential Any Questions?

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