Mercury Handling and Spill Procedure
Mercury
Mercury is an odorless, heavy (Sp. Gr. 13.6), silver white liquid metal at room temperature. It is
naturally occurring and exists in several forms. Mercury is sometimes found in thermometers,
manometers, barometers, gauges, valves, switches, batteries, and high-intensity discharge (HID)
lamps. It is also used in amalgams for dentistry, preservatives, heat transfer technology,
pigments, catalysts, and in lubricating oils. In astronomy, mercury is used to float large loads
(such as complete telescopes) as well as support radial loads in individual optics where the
mercury is contained in a sealed rubber tube. The Dunn Solar Telescope is an example of where
the telescope’s entire optical and mechanical systems (longer than a football field and weighing
over 250 tons) are suspended from the top of the telescope tower by a float bearing containing
~10 tons of mercury while the Blanco f/8 secondary mirror (52-inches diameter and 810 lbs.)
incorporates a mercury band radial support with ~10 lbs. of mercury sealed in a rubber tube.
Hazards of Mercury
Mercury can be readily absorbed into the body by contact with skin, inhaled, or ingested. The
OSHA permissible exposure limit for mercury vapor is 0.1 mg/m³ (expressed as a time-weighted
average concentration for an 8-hour period). Mercury vapor pressure is 0.0012 mmHg.
See this website for a visualization of the dangers of mercury vapors that can result from small
spills: http://www.mercury-instrumentsusa.com/Mercury_Vapor_Video.htm
Exposure to mercury can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, can cause coughing, chest pain,
difficulty breathing, bronchitis, pneumonitis, tremors, insomnia, irritability, indecision, and
others. Elevated mercury exposure results in permanent damage to the nervous system,
respiratory system, and kidneys.
For further information about mercury and its compounds reference a Material Safety Data Sheet
and this website: http://www.epa.gov/mercury/effects.htm#elem
Handling Mercury
When handling mercury and mercury containing devices, it is imperative that there is a plan to
prevent mercury from an uncontrolled spill and to minimize the exposure to personnel. It is also
recommended that a handling procedure is developed before the work begins. At a minimum, a
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) shall be completed. The procedure or JHA shall discuss containing a
possible spill locally to prevent unnecessary contamination of the surrounding work area and
exposure to personnel.
Mercury should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers
protected from exposure to weather and physical damage.
Mercury is incompatible with acetylenes, ammonia, ethylene oxide, chlorine dioxide, azides,
metal oxides, methyl silane, lithium, rubidium, oxygen, strong oxidants, and metal carbonyls.
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Contact with these substances may produce hazardous vapors or form solid products that are
sensitive to shock, which can initiate fires of combustible materials. Mercury may also attack
copper and copper alloy materials.
People working with mercury should be trained in its proper handling and storage and know how
to use proper personal protective equipment. Nitrile gloves, respirators with mercury cartridges,
and eye protection (face shield or chemical goggles) are required when working with mercury
that is exposed to the atmosphere. If mercury is spilled on fabric it is considered contaminated,
cannot be made safe, and must be disposed of properly. No food or drink should be consumed
while working with mercury.
Planning Items (to be considered Before working with mercury):
 The work procedure and/or Job Hazard Analysis shall be written before work begins.
 Obtain an “Uncontrolled” spill kit before work begins.
 Work should be done in a room that has a solid floor with no carpet or cracks.
 Floor drains should be blocked.
 The work shall have secondary spill containment such as plastic pan (kid’s pool) and plastic
sheeting.
 The area shall have a means of ventilation directly to the atmosphere.
 Respirator protection may be needed depending on the expected exposure.
 Persons wearing respirators must be respirator fit tested. (Long lead item)
 Nitrile gloves shall be worn.
 Face and/or eye protection shall be worn.
 Devices that contain mercury shall be inspected for integrity over the secondary containment.
 Air monitoring shall be conducted if mercury is exposed to the atmosphere.
 Reduce the temperature of the room to reduce the vaporization rate.
First Aid Management
Prompt action is essential if there is a mercury exposure to people. If someone is exposed to
mercury by one of the following routes take the following actions:
 Breathing If mercury is inhaled, move the person to fresh air at once. If breathing stops,
perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and resting. Seek medical
attention immediately.
 Eye Exposure Wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes,
lifting the upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Contact lenses should
not be worn when working with mercury.
 Skin Exposure Skin contaminated with mercury should be flushed with soap and water for
at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists after washing, seek medical attention.
 Swallowing If a person has swallowed mercury, do not induce vomiting. Rinse out the mouth
with water and seek medical attention by contacting a physician or calling the poison control
center (1-800-222-1222).
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Uncontrolled Mercury Spills
An uncontrolled mercury spill could be harmful to people, require extra expense, and change the
company’s RCRA hazardous waste generator classification. Unwanted mercury is regulated as a
hazardous waste. Unwanted mercury and materials contaminated with mercury must be disposed
of in accordance with state environmental regulations. See this website for more information:
http://www.epa.gov/mercury/
Persons not wearing respiratory protective equipment should be excluded from areas where spills
or leaks of mercury or inorganic mercury compounds have occurred until cleanup has been
completed. All hand contact points (such as tools, door knobs, table tops, etc.) should be
maintained free of mercury contamination. If this is impossible, gloves should be provided.
Mercury Uncontrolled Spill Kit (make available before work begins)
 rubber squeegee – to move droplets
 nitrile gloves – to protect from exposure
 plastic dust pan – to gather large droplets
 plastic trash bags (2 to 6 mils) – to contain contaminated materials
 zipper-shut plastic bags – to contain small contaminated material
 wide-mouth plastic container with tight lid – to put the mercury in
 large plastic tray or box – use when pouring or transferring mercury
 facial tissues, toilet paper, or paper towels – to contain the spill
 eye dropper - to suck up mercury droplets
 index cards, playing cards, or other disposable heavy paper - to move droplets
 Tape - for picking up very small particles and for sealing of vents
 Plastic sheeting - for sealing off vents
 Flash light - to see small droplets
 Tyvex suit – for crawling on the floor and to protect clothing from contamination
 sulfur powder (optional) – to bind mercury
In Case of an Uncontrolled Mercury Spill - NEVER:
 NEVER use an ordinary vacuum or shop vacuum to clean up mercury. The vacuum will
cause the liquid mercury to become mercury vapor and release it to the work area. The
vacuum cleaner is then contaminated and it will have to be properly disposed of along with
other items contaminated with mercury. However, there are vacuums especially made for
cleaning up mercury. These vacuums safely pick up mercury and safely store it for recycling
without contaminating the vacuum or spreading the mercury vapor in the room that the spill
was in.
 NEVER use household cleaning products to clean the spill, particularly products that contain
ammonia or chlorine. These chemicals will react violently with mercury, releasing toxic
gases.
 NEVER use a broom or a paint brush to clean up mercury. It will break the mercury into
smaller beads and spread them around.
 NEVER pour or allow mercury to go down a drain.
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NEVER wash clothing or other items that have come in direct contact with mercury in a
washing machine, because mercury may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage.
Clothing that has come into direct contact with mercury should be properly disposed of.
"Direct contact," means that mercury was (or has been) spilled directly on the clothing.
NEVER allow people whose shoes or clothing may be contaminated with mercury to walk
around or to leave the spill area until mercury-contaminated items have been removed.
Uncontrolled Spill Precautions and Procedure
Spills are considered small if there are less than 10 grams of mercury present (a pool about the
size of a quarter). Thermometers, thermostats and light bulbs all contain less than 10 grams of
mercury. The following procedures shall be followed:
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Dam the mercury (using paper towels) to prevent spreading. Mercury can be cleaned up
easily from the following surfaces: wood, linoleum, tile and any similarly smooth surfaces.
Obtain the mercury spill kit.
Wear nitrile gloves, tyvex suit, safety goggles, and respirator with mercury cartridges.
Divert the mercury from drains, cracks, and crevices.
Keep persons who are not involved in the cleanup away from spill area to limit exposures
and to prevent the spread of contamination.
Close doors to other indoor areas. Immediately ventilate spill area - open doors and windows
and use fans that exhaust to outdoors. Keep air flowing through the room with the mercury
spill - make sure it is ventilating outside.
Turn off heating, ventilating, or air conditioning systems that circulate air from the spill area
to other parts of the building.
Push small mercury beads together with a card, stiff paper, or squeegee to form larger
droplets and then push them into a plastic dust pan or use an eye dropper to pick up the balls
of mercury. Collect all mercury and ALL mercury-contaminated items into a leak-tight
plastic bag or wide-mouthed sealable plastic container. Work from the outside of the spill
area toward the center. Work over a tray or box that is lined or covered with plastic wrap
when pouring mercury. Mercury's high density and smoothness cause it to roll fast.
Use a flashlight to look all around in the areas of the spill. The light will reflect off the shiny
mercury beads and make it easier to see them.
If persons have come into contact with the mercury, avoid spreading the contamination to
other areas. Put contaminated clothing/shoes into a trash bag and wipe off any visible
mercury beads into the bag.
Use sulfur to coat the mercury or form an amalgam with the mercury, this will keep the
mercury from vaporizing and being released into the air. A color change from yellow to
brown indicates that mercury is still present and more cleanup is needed.
If a spill occurs on carpet, curtains, upholstery or other absorbent surfaces, these
contaminated items shall be disposed of properly. Only cut and remove the affected portion
of the contaminated carpet for disposal.
Wash hands and shower or bathe if other body parts may have contacted mercury.
Continue to air out the room with outside air for two days if weather permits.
Consult a doctor or the local health department regarding mercury testing if there was a
potential for extended mercury exposure to people.
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Properly dispose of all elemental mercury, mercury devices and mercury-contaminated items
per RCRA - EPA standards.
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Spills of One Pound or More
Any time one pound or more of mercury is released to the environment, it is mandatory to call
the National Response Center (NRC). The NRC hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call (800) 424-8802. Note that because mercury is heavy, only two tablespoons of mercury
weigh about one pound.
If the spill is larger than the size of a quarter, the spill should be contained, then leave the area.
Immediately call the local health department and a contractor who specializes in cleanup of toxic
spills. If a spill occurs outside of regular business hours, call the local fire department.
Resources and Information
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA provides specific information about proper handling, storage, and safety and health
management of mercury. Publications can be obtained by written request or through the OSHA
web page.
OSHA Publications Office,
200 Constitution Avenue NW
Room N3101
Washington, DC 20210
(202) 219-8151
www.osha.gov
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/mercury/index.html
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH Publications
4676 Columbia Parkway, Mail Stop C-13
Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998
1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
202-260-2090
www.epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/hg/spills/
Mercury Handling and Spill Procedure.doc
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