Aurora Public Schools
Standard Operating Procedures
for Hazardous Materials Management
Mercury Lamp Disposal Program
Removal by a Contractor
Summary
This work practice covers the procedure for removing mercury-containing lamps (fluorescent and
specialty lamps) by a General Contractor and/or Subcontractor.
Examples
The following are examples of work that can be performed using this procedure. If job
conditions vary from the examples stop work and notify the Environmental Compliance Branch.
1. Removal of spent or faulty mercury-containing lamps, (fluorescent, high pressure sodium,
mercury vapor, metal halide, and high intensity discharge).
2. Removal of mercury-containing lamps during renovations, upgrades and replacement
programs.
Related Work Practices for Environmental Compliance Personnel
1. Transportation of Mercury-Containing Lamps
2. Storage and Disposal of Mercury-Containing Lamps
Worker Recommendation
One worker is required for this procedure.
Note
Fluorescent and specialty lamps contain mercury. Approximately 100 lamps contain 4 grams of
mercury. One gram of mercury can contaminate a 20-acre lake so severely the fish are inedible.
As a result of possible mercury contamination in landfills, the Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment (CDPHE) have regulated spent mercury lamps as a hazardous waste.
All General Contractors and/or Subcontractors performing work for the District at sites owned or
occupied by Aurora Public Schools shall comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
and CDPHE regulations when removing and disposing of mercury containing lighting lamps.
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Aurora Public Schools
Standard Operating Procedures
for Hazardous Materials Management
Mercury Lamp Disposal Program
Removal by a Contractor
Work Practice
1.
Contractors are responsible for the collection and storage of mercury lamps removed during
renovations, upgrade and replacement programs. The lamps must be stored in the boiler room,
mechanical room, custodial room, or an area, which limits access by the students.
2.
Mercury lamps, which will not be reinstalled, must be placed into an appropriate lamp
container for proper disposal.
3.
Examples of lighting lamps used throughout the District which contain mercury include the
following list:
1.
Fluorescent Lamps - 2', 3', 4', 6', 8', and U-tubes.
2.
High Pressure Sodium Lamps
3.
Mercury Vapor Lamps
4.
Metal Halide Lamp
5.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps
3.
Incandescent lamps do not contain mercury. The contractors and/or subcontractors shall
properly dispose of non-mercury lighting lamps as general waste as per contract documents.
4.
TRY NOT TO BREAK LAMPS DURING REMOVAL.
5.
Remove mercury lamp and place into cardboard shipping box, which contained the new lamps.
If the original cardboard boxes are not in good condition, capable of transporting the lamps or
are not the correct size, call the Environmental Compliance Secretary at 367-3000 x28682 for
additional cardboard lamp boxes to be delivered.
6.
All lamps must be segregated by size and type. Any type or size of mercury lamp (sodium, high
intensity discharge, mercury vapor, and metal halide) that is removed must be placed into the
appropriate cardboard lamp box. When cardboard boxes are full, they must be properly
secured with tape, to ensure lamps will not slide out during transport.
7.
Note: Lamp boxes that are not properly segregated and/or sealed will not be picked up. The
Contractor will make appropriate corrections prior to rescheduling a pick up.
8.
The District is responsible for pick up and disposal of the mercury lamps. Contact the
Environmental Compliance Branch at 367-3000, ext 28682, or 28685 for additional cardboard
boxes, to schedule pick up of the full cardboard boxes, or at the completion of the project.
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