Mercury

Due to its hazardous nature, as well as the difficulty and time involved in cleanup, every effort should be made to prevent spills of metallic mercury. Globules can get into cracks and crevices, under table legs, and into and under equipment. When a spill does occur, the following procedures should be used during cleanup, based on the size of the spill.

Large Spills

Mercury spills with a volume greater than that found in a standard thermometer are considered large. If a large spill occurs, personnel should leave the area and contact EH&S at (515) 294-5359 to arrange for spill cleanup.

Note: Departments will be charged for spill cleanups performed by EH&S.

Small Spills

Mercury spills having volumes equal to or less than that contained in a standard thermometer are considered small.

EH&S discourages the use of mercury sponges and sulfur or zinc powders to clean up spills. Amalgamated mercury cannot be recycled and disposal is expensive. To eliminate potential contact with skin or clothing, appropriate protective equipment, such as that listed below, should be worn when working with mercury spills.

The following equipment should be assembled prior to cleanup initiation. (Central Stores numbers have been provided for some items.)

  • Nitrile gloves
  • Booties (#4692.0104)
  • Coveralls - optional (#4602.0317)
  • Polyethylene bottle
  • Vacuum device (see examples provided below)
  • Flashlight
  • Plastic waste bag and permanent ink marker

Procedures

  • Personnel in the immediate area must be notified that a mercury spill has occurred.
  • Chalk, tape or other means should be used to mark the spill boundary.
  • If the spill occurred on the floor, the extent of the spill should be determined and the area isolated to avoid foot traffic in the contaminated area.
  • A standard vacuum cleaner should never be used to pick up mercury.
  • Pools and globules of mercury should be pushed together and collected by suction using a small glass pipette attached to an aspirator bulb, or a vacuum device made from a filtering flask, rubber stopper and several pieces of glass tubing.
  • Metallic mercury should be collected and placed in a sealed polyethylene bottle or vial.
  • Broken glass or any other contaminated materials must be collected in a plastic disposal bag.
  • After an initial cleaning, and with the room lights off, the spill area should be checked using a flashlight near floor level. This will help reveal any remaining mercury.
  • Cleanup articles, such as shoe covers, gloves or suits, should be sealed in a plastic bag and marked "Metal Mercury Hazardous Waste."
  • Hands, arms and face must be thoroughly washed after completing cleanup activities.
  • To arrange removal of waste mercury and mercury-contaminated articles, complete a Waste Removal Request.
  • Orange waste description tags must also be completed and attached to waste containers.