subject: Mercury Spill Kits - Cleanup And Control Of Dangerous Liquids [print this page] Mercury is an extremely dangerous naturally occurring element and the vapours, when inhaled, can affect many different organs in the body before it is eventually excreted. Control and absorption of a mercury spill can prove difficult as it is volatile at room temperature. Vapours are colourless and odourless which allows it to scatter freely. Only trained employees should respond to mercury spills because of the dangers it poses. Mercury spill kits are available on the market to enable you to clean up any dangerous spills quickly and safely in your facility.
Mercury Kits explained
Mercury kits provide everything needed to absorb multiple spills and dispose of mercury safely. Adsorbent alloy wool is included which removes mercury from flat surfaces, as well as irregular surfaces like carpets and other fabrics. Proper guidance is provided with instructions based upon widely accepted COSHH and British Dental Association methodologies, as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clean up tools to make sure mercury spills are dealt with as safely as possible.
When mercury has been collected it should be put in a sealed container to prevent any emissions and mercury spill kits provide this with leak and shatter proof waste containers for safe and effective disposal. The containers that these types of kits are usually found in are typically red in colour to make them easier to see and to distinguish them from the other types of kit that you may have in your facility. They are light-weight and have carry handles to makes transportation easier and response time quicker.
Helpful Tips for Mercury Spill Responders:
Although a mercury kit provides guidance and everything needed to control and absorb mercury spills the helpful hints below will also help you make sure you tackle them in the most effective and safe way possible.
Mercury monitors are available to determine mercury levels in the air, and should be used before, during and after clean up.
Scoop as much of the mercury together as possible and pick it up with a syringe, pump tube or scoop which is usually provided in a mercury kit. Put this into a closed container to help eliminate further emissions.
Use sponges or commercially available powders to pick up any leftover mercury and help suppress vapours.
If you have a mercury vacuum, use this to sweep the entire area - using your monitor to help determine if any mercury is "hiding" in corners or crevices.
Never use a regular vacuum to clean up mercury, as this will cause the vapours to be released more rapidly.
Test for emissions after the cleanup to ensure that all of the mercury has been removed.
Put all wastes in containers with sealable lids and label for proper handling, recycling or disposal.
