EFHSS Questions and Answers - Question Q00433

What is the procedure for the removal of mercury from the work place?

Hello Deborah,

The European Council directive 93/42/EEC does prohibit the use of mercury in clinical thermometers and sphygmomanometers.
However if a mercury spillage occurs it should be treated seriously. One of the recommended actions when dealing with mercury spillage is:
Wearing protective gloves and mask. Collect all the small droplets of split mercury into one globule with a wooden spatula or equivalent before aspirating into a syringe. All the mercury is then transferred in a specially designed container, or if that is unavailable, in a jar of water prior to sealing it. After removing of as much of the mercury as practicable, treat the contaminated surface with a wash composed of equal parts of calcium hydroxide and powdered sulfur mixed with water to form a thin paste. Spread the paste to all contaminated surfaces and allow drying for a minimum of 2 to 3 min, and then disposed of via the spatula into an appropriate waste container. The area is wiped of with a damp cloth, which is then place in a sealed polythene bag for appropriate disposal.
The jar or container containing the mercury requires to be disposed of appropriately as toxic waste.

I hope this is of some help.
Josy Holdener