Bulb Eater: Demo and Handling

1. Bulb Eater: Demo and Handling Sunil Chithiri, M.S, CHMM Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

2. Why Use Bulb Eater? • Love to break stuff – ‘it blowed up real good’ • Perceived simplicity and cost savings compared to handling intact tubes • Volume reduction and Easy Handling • Mercury Control????? Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

3. Mercury Exposure • Very Very Low – Less than OSHA PEL • OSHA PEL – 0.1 mg/m3 – Ceiling Limit – but OSHA uses it as TWA for 8hrs/day. • ACGIH TLV – 0.025 mg/m3 – TWA (8hrs/day) • EPA Study – This equipment has consistently showed exposures less than OSHA PEL • Some exposures were reported near and above the ACGIH TLV during drum change - Protection Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

4. Filter Replacements • 1st Stage Filter – Twice per drum – every 500 bulbs • 2nd Stage HEPA Filter – Replace one every 10 drums • Place the filters in the same drum during replacement • 3rd Stage Carbon Filter – For lifetime • Maintain a log book for filter change Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

5. Machine Performance • EPA Study says that it deteriorates over time. • Similar to all other mechanical equipment – not intended for lifetime use. • Safety will review the performance every year and make recommendations. • Present recommendation – Not more than 5 years Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

6. Safety Precautions • Operate only in fully ventilated areas that have sufficient exhaust ventilation. • Never operate in closed or confined spaces • Do not operate during high temperature days • Make sure the operation area has ambient temperature (60°F- 70°F) – will lower any leaking mercury vapor Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

7. Safety Precautions • Minimize the time gap during drum replacements. • Do not crush more than 500 bulbs or half drum in a single eight hour shift. • Familiarize with the operator instructions and troubleshooting from the manual – Drum Full Indicator, Emergency Stop Switch, Shutdown Procedures, Spent Pollution Control Media etc. Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

8. Safety Precautions • Always wear gloves – Nitrile Preferred. • Wearing a full sleeve shirt is recommended but not necessary. • Use nasal protection – Typical N95, P95 or R95 Respirators will do. Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

9. Safety Precautions • Use Eye Protection – Compulsory. • Use Ear Protection if necessary – Ear Plugs. • Continuously check for any leaks or malfunctions – If present stop using immediately and notify Safety department. • Do not crush Compact Fluorescents (CFL’s) or any other glass material except the listed types of bulbs – Straight, U-Bend & Circular. Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

10. Pick Ups • Notify Safety Department in advance. • Account Number – Always notify in advance and pre authorize for the specified amount – Applies to all kinds of waste disposal. Questions? Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University