1. Department of University Safety & Assurances Mercury Spill Cleanup Procedures

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. 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. 2/07)

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. 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)

9. 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)

10. Cover from the perimeter of the spill toward the center.
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)

11. 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)

12. 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)

13. 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)

14. 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)

15. 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)

16. 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)

17. 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)

18. 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)

19. Assistance After Hours
If no help is available, contact the University Police.
9-911 in an emergency ( 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)

20. 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)

21. 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)

22. Mercury spills are very disruptive.
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)