Department of University Safety &

Assurances Mercury Spill CleanupMercury Spill Cleanup

ProceduresProcedures

US&A (v. 12/13)

Mercury is a Hazardous Material

• Mercury (Hg) is a hazardous material as defined by:• U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

• U.S. Dept. of Transportation

US&A (v. 12/13)

• Mercury poisoning can result in severe health problems affecting the nervous system and other organs.• Tremors• Changes in vision or hearing• Insomnia• Weakness• Difficulty with memory• Headaches• Irritability• Shyness and nervousness• Acrodynia (painful extremities), a

condition caused by chronic exposure to mercury

Mercury is a Toxic Substance

US&A (v. 12/13)

Mercury Exposure & Prevention

• Routes of exposure• Inhalation

• Main hazard• Evaporates releasing

hazardous vapors

• Skin absorption

• Personal Protective Equipment Required• Nitrile gloves• Safety glasses• Closed-toed shoes• Lab coat

US&A (v. 12/13)

• Questions regarding mercury or spill procedures should be directed to:• Professor• Laboratory supervisor• Own supervisor• UWM Department of Safety &

Assurances at x6339

• Note: Any release greater than one pound (two tablespoons) to the environment is a Reportable Quantity.

Who do you Contact?

US&A (v. 12/13)

Spills

• Prevention is the best way to handle mercury spills.

• All mercury "spills," including droplets of mercury from a broken lab thermometer, must be cleaned up following safe and environmentally sound procedures.

US&A (v. 12/13)

• Prevent the spread of mercury.• Trays should be used under

equipment wherever a mercury spill is possible.

• Mercury beads can splash and roll around.

• Prevent mercury from entering cracks, crevices, and drains.

• Do not walk in area of spill.• Evacuate room via route

away from spill.

Contain Spill

US&A (v. 12/13)

• Cease activities. • Secure the area around the spill,

so the mercury does not get "tracked" or "kicked" around.

• Keep the area restricted until the entire spill is cleaned up.

• Lower room temperature to reduce evaporation.

Restricted Area

US&A (v. 12/13)

• Spill powder may be used as a temporary control measure.• Commercial spill kits. • Mix 85 grams of finely

powdered Sodium Thiosulfate with 15 grams of finely powdered EDTA.

Temporary Control

US&A (v. 12/13)

Temporary Control

• Cover from the perimeter of the spill toward the center.

• Do not walk through the spill or spill powder.

• Pick-up glass and other large debris, then clean up mercury.• All debris must be disposed of as hazardous

waste.

US&A (v. 12/13)

• A special vacuum cleaner, which is designed to pick up mercury droplets safely, is available for cleanup.

• NEVER use a regular vacuum.

Mercury Vacuum

US&A (v. 12/13)

• Chemistry Department:• Second floor stockroom. • Contact the stockroom

personnel when needed.

• Other departments:• Contact University Safety

& Assurances (x6339) for assistance with spill clean-up.

Location of Mercury Vacuum

US&A (v. 12/13)

• The stockroom personnel will clean up the spill. • You may be trained in

the proper use of the mercury vacuum.

• UWM Department of Safety & Assurances staff may also be called for assistance.

Use of Mercury Vacuum

US&A (v. 12/13)

Other Cleanup Tools

• A side-arm flask connected to a vacuum pump or sink aspirator can be used to vacuum up small beads.

US&A (v. 2/07)

Other Cleanup Tools

• Wet toweling to consolidate small beads into larger pieces for vacuuming

• Commercial spill kits• Disposable

eyedropper• Adhesive tape• Cardboard

US&A (v. 12/13)

• Special attention must be given to cleaning cracks and crevices where the mercury beads may have easily settled.

Special Care

US&A (v. 12/13)

• Includes the mercury and all waste materials contaminated with mercury.• Gloves and other

contaminated debris.

• Must be placed in a labeled leak-proof, polyethylene container.

Mercury Waste

US&A (v. 12/13)

• No mercury, including broken thermometers, may be disposed of in the normal trash or into the sewer system.

• University Safety and Assurances will properly dispose of all waste.

Disposal

US&A (v. 12/13)

After Hours:After Hours:

• If no help is available, contact the University Police.• 9-911 in an emergency

(229-9911 by cell phone)• x4627 if non-emergency.• Explain that you have a

mercury spill.

• Indicate whether the spill is small, a broken thermometer, or large, more than 1 or 2 ml (1/4 teaspoon).

Assistance After Hours

US&A (v. 12/13)

Assistance After Hours

• The police will contact a University Safety & Assurances 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.• Wait until response personnel

arrive (usually 30 to 60 minutes).

• The area will be secured/off-limits until the next working day.

US&A (v. 12/13)

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.

US&A (v. 12/13)

• 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.

Summary