3. 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. 2/07)
4. Mercury is a Toxic Substance
• 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
US&A (v. 2/07)
6. Who do you Contact?
• Questions regarding mercury or
spill procedures should 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.
US&A (v. 2/07)
7. 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. 2/07)
8. Contain Spill
• 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.
US&A (v. 2/07)
9. Restricted Area
• 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.
US&A (v. 2/07)
10. Temporary Control
• 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.
US&A (v. 2/07)
11. 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. 2/07)
12. Mercury Vacuum
• A special vacuum
cleaner, which is
designed to pick up
mercury droplets
safely, is available for
cleanup.
• NEVER use a regular
vacuum.
US&A (v. 2/07)
13. Location of Mercury Vacuum
• Chemistry Department:
• Second floor stockroom.
• Contact the stockroom
personnel when needed.
• Other departments:
• Contact University Safety
& Assurances (x6339) for
assistance with spill clean-
up.
US&A (v. 2/07)
14. Use of Mercury Vacuum
• 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.
US&A (v. 2/07)
15. 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)
16. 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. 2/07)
17. Special Care
• Special attention
must be given to
cleaning cracks
and crevices
where the
mercury beads
may have easily
settled.
US&A (v. 2/07)
18. Mercury Waste
• 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.
US&A (v. 2/07)
19. Disposal
• No mercury,
including broken
thermometers, may
be disposed of in the
normal trash or into
the sewer system.
• UWM Hazardous
Waste Manager
(x4999) will properly
dispose of all waste.
US&A (v. 2/07)
20. Assistance 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).
US&A (v. 2/07)
21. 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. 2/07)
22. 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. 2/07)
23. Summary
• 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.
US&A (v. 2/07)
