Sources of elemental mercury:
(1) mercury thermometers
(2) blood pressure cuffs (sphyngommanometers)
(3) reagent
(4) laboratory instruments
(5) Miller-Abbot or Cantor tubes for surgery
The primary hazard is inhalation of vaporized mercury. Ingestion, conjunctival or cutaneous absorption can also occur.
Problems in cleanup:
(1) presence of carpeting
(2) cracks in the floor or spill surface
(3) warm environment with poor air circulation
Equipment required:
(1) personal protective equipment, including respirator, goggles, gloves, shoe covers and gown
(2) mercury vacuum device
(3) mercury absorbent sponges
(4) mercury absorbent powder
(5) hazardous waste containers
Cleanup protocol:
(1) The area of the spill should be evacuated.
(2) Cleanup should be conducted by someone trained in chemical hazards who is wearing proper personal protective equipment.
(3) For large amounts of mercury use a hand-pumped mercury vacuum or specialized vacuum cleaner. Do not use a regular vacuum cleaner or broom.
(4) Use a mercury absorbent sponge moistened with water to wipe the area contaminated by the mercury.
(5) For cracks or crevices pour mercury absorbent powder over the mercury and then moisten with water. This forms an amalgam which can be vacuumed up.
(6) Contaminated carpeting or porous material may need to be completely removed and disposed of as hazardous waste.
(7) All collected and contaminated materials should be placed in a hazardous waste container which is labeled with the contents.
For a large spill it may be necessary to make sure that the area is well ventilated and to monitor mercury levels.
