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Mercury Safety

Environmental Energy Technologies Division On the Job Training June 5, 2013. Mercury Safety. Mercury Hazards. All forms of mercury are toxic. Mercury is volatile and can be inhaled as a vapor. Mercury is also absorbed through the skin.

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Mercury Safety

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  1. Environmental Energy Technologies Division On the Job Training June 5, 2013 Mercury Safety

  2. Mercury Hazards • All forms of mercury are toxic. • Mercury is volatile and can be inhaled as a vapor. • Mercury is also absorbed through the skin. • Health effects include nervous system impairment and kidney damage. • Liquid mercury breaks up into small droplets that can scatter. • See the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for further health hazard information. • Dartmouth mercury poisoning incident: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Wetterhahn

  3. Engineering Controls • Always use mercury in a fume hood with adequate ventilation or with a vapor containment system. • Use catch basins and pans made of smooth impervious material with steep edge lips to capture any droplets. • Work on impervious surfaces with no cracks or crevices. • Do not store or use mercury near sinks, drains, or hard to reach places. • Do notstore near acetylene, ammonia, boron, methyl azide, and ground sodium carbide, as these create explosive mixtures with mercury.

  4. Work Practices • Avoid using mercury whenever possible. Use alternative equipment or materials when possible. • Do not eat, drink, smoke or store food in any area where mercury is used or stored. • Always wear proper personal protection when handling mercury. Avoid contact with skin. • Wear thick nitrile gloves • Wear face shield if splashing is possible • Transfer of liquid mercury between containers should be performed inside a fume hood over a tray or pan. • Always wash hands thoroughly after working with mercury or other chemicals.

  5. Mercury Spills • In case of a spill: • Stop and think. Stop working. Stop the spill. • Warn others • Isolate the area • Monitor yourself carefully and completely • Stay in or near the area until help arrives • DO NOT attempt to clean up mercury spills. Special equipment is required. Call X6999 for assistance. • Periodically check for mercury contamination. Reduce general lighting and use a flashlight to visually spot mercury beads.

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