Sunil Chithiri, M.S, CHMM Environmental Health, Safety, & Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

 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

 Very Very Low – Less than OSHA PEL  OSHA PEL – 0.1 mg/m 3 – Ceiling Limit – but OSHA uses it as TWA for 8hrs/day.  ACGIH TLV – mg/m 3 – 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

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

 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

 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

 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

 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

 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

 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