Mercury - Accidental Release Measures

Spill Response Notice:

Only persons properly qualified to respond to an emergency involving hazardous substances may respond to a spill according to federal regulations (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(a)(v)) and per your company's emergency response plan and guidelines/procedures. See Section 13, Special Instructions for disposal assistance. Outside of the US, only persons properly qualified according to state or local regulations should respond to a spill involving chemicals. Containment Technique: Releases of this material may contaminate the environment. Absorb spilled liquid with nonreactive sorbent material. Stop spilled material from being released to the environment. Dike the spill to contain material for later disposal.

Clean-up Technique:

Mercury and its compounds are extremely toxic! Be extremely careful not to contact the spill or breathe any vapors. If permitted by regulation, Absorb spilled liquid with non-reactive sorbent material. Dispose of all mercury contaminated material at a government approved hazardous waste facility. Otherwise, Dispose of material in government approved hazardous waste facility. Decontaminate area with commercially available mercury absorbing compounds.

Evacuation Procedure:

Evacuate general area (50 foot radius or as directed by your facility's emergency response plan) when: any quantity is spilled. Deny access to unnecessary and unprotected personnel. Remain up-wind from spilled material. If conditions warrant, increase the size of the evacuation.

DOT Emergency Response Guide Number: 137

Hazardous Waste Disposal Companies:

The companies listed below indicate that they are approved for disposal of hazardous waste containing mercury. This list is not all inclusive, and is not to be considered an endorsement by Beckman Coulter Inc.