191x Filetype PPTX File size 0.12 MB Source: eta-safety.lbl.gov
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 2 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 NOT store near acetylene, ammonia, boron, methyl azide, and ground sodium carbide, as these create explosive mixtures with mercury. 3 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. 4 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. 5
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