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. 
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         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.
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