A Guideline for the Safe Use & Handling of Mercury And Mercury Compounds

Developed by the Office of Engineering Safety (EH&S)

The Engineering Program Texas Engineering Experiment Station And The Dwight Look College of Engineering Texas A&M University

A Guideline

for the Safe Use & Handling

of Mercury

and Mercury

Compounds

Contents 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Hazards 2.1 Toxicity and Hazards 2.2 Exposure Limits 3.0 Controls for Handling Mercury and Mercury Compounds 3.1 Project Safety Analysis (PSA) 3.2 Engineered Controls 3.3 Administrative Controls 3.3.1 Hazards Assessment 3.3.2 Training 3.3.3 Work Practices 3.3.4 Medical Surveillance 3.3.5 Label and Storage 3.3.6 Packing and Shipping 3.3.7 Mercury Spill Cleanup 3.3.8 Mercury Waste Collection and Disposal 3.3.9 First Aid 3.3.10 Exposure Monitoring 3.3.10.1 Biological Monitoring 3.3.10.2 Area Monitoring 3.3.10.3 Personal Monitoring 4.0 Responsibilities 4.1 Responsible Individual 4.2 Workers 4.3 Hazards Control 5.0 Appendices 5.1 Appendix A: Basic Terms and Definitions 5.2 Appendix B: Guidelines for Cleaning Up Elemental Mercury Spills 5.3 Appendix C: Biological Monitoring & Medical Surveillance for Mercury 5.4 Table B-1: Protective Equipment to be Used for Mercury Spill Cleanup

Safe Handling

of Mercury

and Mercury

Compounds

1.0 Introduction Mercury is a liquid metal that is environmentally persistent and bioaccumulates in the food chain. Mercury is present in both organic and inorganic forms. The inorganic form can be further divided into elemental mercury and mercuric salts. Organomercury consists of long and short alkyl and aryl compounds. Elemental mercury evaporates at room temperature and reacts with many elements to form salts, amalgams, and organomercury compounds (see Appendix A for basic definitions). Elemental mercury, and some mercury compounds, are listed in state and federal regulations as hazardous wastes. This document contains Precautions and controls for safely handling metallic mercury and its compounds. Specific guidance for avoiding or limiting metallic mercury spills. Guidelines for cleaning up mercury spills. All Engineering personnel and students who work with mercury should comply with the controls specified in Section 3.0 of this document, to prevent adverse health effects resulting from mercury use or spills. 2.0 Hazards 2.1 Toxicity and Hazards All forms of mercury are toxic. Mercury poisoning can result from inhalation, ingestion, and injection or absorption through the skin. Elemental mercury poses a health hazard because it is volatile. Elemental mercury, as a vapor, penetrates the central nervous system (CNS), where it is ionized and trapped, resulting in its extreme toxic effects. Elemental mercury is not well absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract; therefore, when ingested, it is only mildly toxic. Mercury metal and mercury compounds are highly hazardous if inhaled, or if they remain on the skin for more than a short period of time. Dimethyl mercury rapidly penetrates intact skin. Depending on the type of mercury and dose, symptoms may appear relatively quickly (acute disease) or take a number of years to appear (chronic disease). Elemental or airborne mercury that is deposited in water bodies becomes methylmercury, which is much more toxic. Additionally, in the ambient environment mercury readily bioaccumulates up the food chain. Listed below are various forms of mercury and their effects and hazards. Mercury vapor (i.e., elemental mercury) is readily absorbed through inhalation and can also pass through intact skin. After absorption, the blood carries elemental mercury to the central nervous system where it is oxidized. The oxidation product produces injury. Persons heavily exposed to elemental mercury will develop characteristic symptoms, including: worsening tremors of the hands, shyness, insomnia, and emotional instability (e.g., the symptoms of the Mad Hatter Alice in in Wonderlan da caricature of hat makers who originally cured felt in pools of mercury.) Mercury vapors can reach very high levels when the liquid is heated. Such levels will cause adverse effects in humans almost immediately if workplace controls are inadequate. Research apparatus and other laboratory equipment such as thermometers, vacuum pumps, manometers, and sphygmomanometers, may contain mercury. Mercury salts (e.g., mercuric nitrate) are highly toxic and corrosive. They accumulate mostly in the kidney, causing renal damage. Organomercury compounds attack the central nervous system causing tremors, impaired vision and hearing, and paralysis. These compounds may also cause birth defects. The effects from exposure to excessive levels of airborne mercury or skin contact with mercury compounds may not be noticeable for months or years. Mercury fulminate, Hg(ONC)2, is a detonator used in explosives.

 Mercury(II) oxide is an oxidizer. It can cause organic materials to start burning in the same manner as any strong oxidizer. Dimethyl mercury, an extremely toxic material, is a colorless, sweet-smelling liquid. It is a severe fire hazard, with a flash point of 4C. This material rapidly penetrates the skin resulting in severe to fatal exposure from very minor quantities. Extreme caution is required when working with this material and when selecting personal protective equipment (PPE). Contact the vendor, supplier and/or manufacturer for a current material safety data sheet (MSDS). 2.2 Exposure Limits A worker's exposure to mercury should be less than the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), the exposure limits established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH.) Following are the maximum exposures permitted for an 8-hour, time-weighted average (TWA) concentration:

Substance Mercury metal vapor Mercury salts Aromatic organic compounds Alkyl compounds

Threshold

Limit Value (TLV)

0.025 mg/m 3 0.025 mg/m 3 0.1 mg/m 3 0.01 mg/m 3 ( Ceiling limit is 0.03 mg/m 3 )

3.0 Controls for Handling Mercury and Mercury Compounds Planning and documentation are required for all Engineering operations, research and teaching, which involve the use of mercury. This section contains controls for preventing unnecessary exposure and minimizing the likelihood and extent of mercury spills. Guidelines for cleaning up a mercury spill can be found in Appendix B. 3.1 Project Safety Analysis Project Safety Analysis (PSA) is a procedure to increase the knowledge of hazards in a project or operation, by identifying the potential for loss and risk early in the project planning process. The Engineering Safety Policy (established February 1996) requires Project Safety Analysis for all new projects, and for on going projects where potentially harmful or dangerous conditions present an unacceptable risk. The PSA defines the proposed project; the facilities, apparatus, equipment and chemicals to be used; the hazards and risks of each stage of the project; the necessary controls for preventing potential harmful exposures and/or releases; standardized safe work practices and procedures; the ultimate disposition of apparatus, equipment, materials and chemicals; and clean up and decontamination of facilities. The faculty/PI responsible for the individual project or operation is required to initiate a PSA to the Office of Engineering Safety for evaluation. 3.2 Engineered Controls The following controls should be available for activities involving the use of mercury: Adequate ventilation or vapor-containment systems. Mercury Spill-Control Kits. These should be in all work areas where >1.0 ml of mercury is used (except for small sealed items, such as thermometers and sphygmomanometers). Spill control kits should be replaced or restocked following each use. Employees shall contain and control spills, and summon the TAMU Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team for clean up and disposal (From a TAMU telephone, dial 9-9-1-1, for emergency response assistance). Catch basins and pans made of smooth impervious material (e.g., plastic or smooth-finish paint) and with edge lips. Note: Steep edge lips are more effective than gentle rises in trapping spilled mercury. Catch basins should be large enough to contain the greatest amount of mercury that could spill, and be positioned to catch mercury droplets escaping from any plausible direction. (It may be useful to place absorptive mats on seamless plastic sheets in or under catch pans to capture mercury leaks from the equipment. Droplets of mercury can then be collected by simply wrapping up the plastic with the mat still inside and disposing of it as mercury waste.) Section 3.2.8 contains more information on the disposition of hazardous materials.

 Removable plastic shields, mercury traps, and blowout valves. Concrete floors should be sealed with epoxy. Impervious working surfaces with few crevices are preferred for work involving mercury. Carpeted and tiled areas shall not be used. 3.3 Administrative Controls The administrative controls listed in this section should be implemented when mercury and its compounds are involved in operations. 3.3.1 Hazards Assessment Before beginning any Engineering project or operation involving the use of metallic mercury, mercury compounds, mercury apparatus or equipment containing mercury, the Responsible Faculty/PI should: Prepare an Integration Work Sheet (IWS) for the operation. Become familiar with the hazards associated with the materials for the particular operation and implement all necessary controls. The current MSDS must be obtained for each hazardous material, including mercury and mercury compounds, describing its hazards and controls. Determine if the worker's current training is adequate for the activity. All affected personnel shall complete training in Laboratory Safety, Hazard Communication, operation of specific apparatus and equipment, and safe work practices and procedures. All training shall be documented and records maintained as specified in the TAMU Hazard Communication Program, the TAMU Safety Manual, and the Engineering Safety Policy. Notify the Office of Engineering Safety and the TAMU Environmental Health & Safety Department (EHSD) of each new use of mercury, except for sealed items such as thermometers. A Project Safety Analysis (PSA) is required for all new projects and for on-going projects when significant changes occur or when hazardous conditions warrant. The Office of Engineering Safety Office should: Provide guidance on the selection of controls and job-specific training. Determine the required workplace monitoring for mercury, as needed. Determine if a written safety plan is necessary for operations that involve heating or using large quantities of mercury or its compounds. The Safety Office may waive the requirement for a written safety plan, if the quantity is small (so that one/half of the vapor limits in Section 2.2 are not exceeded) or for totally enclosed systems using quantities >1.0 ml. NOTE: Operational An Safety Plan (OSP) is ALWAYS required when using dimethyl mercury. TAMU-EHSD should: Evaluate the operation(s) to determine if air permits are required and/or the appropriate TNRCC and/or EPA documentation has been prepared and approved. 3.3.2 Training Employees and students who potentially may be exposed to mercury should be trained in the hazards and controls before initial assignment, as described in the TAMU Hazard Communication Program. The required training should include at least the following areas: Safe use of mercury. Mercury hazards. Cleanup of small spills. (Appendix B discusses mercury cleanup guidelines.) Proper use of mercury vacuum cleaners. Workers who use breakable or open equipment containing >1.0 ml of metallic mercury shall receive training in the proper use of mercury vacuum cleaners and other spill cleanup procedures. Use of PPE, including respirator training. Procedures for summoning emergency response services, and for incident notification/reporting. Hazard Communication, Laboratory Safety, Prudent Laboratory Practice, PPE Site, project and/or laboratory specific safe work practices and procedures

Training in basic laboratory safety and chemical hazard communication is provided without charge by TAMU. Registration information is available at: Laboratory Safety Training http://ehsd-online.tamu.edu/training/lab.htm Hazard Communication Training http://ehsd-online.tamu.edu/training/hazcom.htm

3.3.3 Work Practices Mercury users should be aware of and follow work practices listed below: Dimethyl mercury. This chemical is so toxic that its use always requires OSP. an Additionally, inner (silver shield, 4H, or other brand laminate-style gloves) and outer gloves (heavy-duty nitrile or neoprene, with long cuffs) are required as a minimum when handling, using, or working with dimethyl mercury. 3.3.3.1 For all forms of mercury, the following work practices apply:

Avoid using mercury whenever possible. Use alternative equipment and/or instruments that have no mercury to measure temperature or pressure. Where alternative materials or methods are available, prudent laboratory practice requires choosing the less hazardous alternative. Depending on the type and concentration of mercury involved and the work to be done, additional PPE may be required, above the minimum. Contact the Office of Engineering Safety or the TAMUEHSD industrial hygienist for assistance. Do not eat, drink, or smoke; or store food, drinks, smoking materials, or cosmetics in any area where mercury is in use. Avoid skin and eye contact. Use appropriate protective gloves when handling metallic mercury. DO NOT use lightweight disposable gloves for heavier jobs, as these can tear easily and allow mercury to lodge under the fingernails or contact other parts of the skin. When the operation may result in exposure to the face, wear splash-proof goggles AND a face shield, unless full-face respiratory protection is being used.Note: Quantitative permeation or penetration information is scarce on the type of gloves or protective clothing that offer protection from exposure to mercury compounds. Wash hands and face after handling mercury, before lunch or breaks, and at the end of each work period. Do not work with mercury on surfaces with cracks (e.g., tile seams, spaces between wood boards, baseboards, wall coving, gaps between table legs and floors), crevices, and hard-to-reach spaces; porous surfaces (e.g., carpets, wood, and crinkle-texture paint), and false floors. Do not store or handle mercury near sinks or drains. Spilled mercury could run into the sink, lodge in the trap, ruin the pipe by amalgamating with and weakening the metal, and then be released into the environment or a retention tank system designed only for dilute solutions in rinse water. Mercury in the plumbing and drains may result in unnecessary and potentially adverse exposure to maintenance workers and others. Avoid using mercury or mercury compounds in operations that could generate mercury waste streams contaminated with radionuclides, as it is expensive and often impossible to dispose of this type of mixed waste stream. Where the project necessitates the generation of a mercury waste stream with radionuclides, the responsible Faculty/PI is required to document appropriate arrangements for proper waste disposal or long-term storage of the waste, as a component of the PSA. Transfer of liquid mercury between containers should be carried out in a fume hood over a tray or pan to confine any spills.

 Conduct weekly self-inspections of all PPE, controls, equipment, and apparatus. Inspection findings and corrective action(s) should be documented. 3.3.4 Medical Surveillance An occupational medicine physician should determine the need for biological monitoring or medical surveillance examinations of workers with potential mercury exposure. The requisite biological monitoring or medical surveillance examinations should be determined based on an evaluation of the operation, workplace controls, and relevant human factors as well as input received from the Faculty/PI, affected workers, and safety officers. At a minimum, all affected persons should be monitored for mercury in blood and urine BEFORE working with mercury to establish a baseline for evaluation, and at least every three months for project duration. (Refer to Appendix C for additional information on biological monitoring and medical surveillance). 3.3.5 Labeling and Storage The following controls apply to the labeling and storage of mercury and its compounds: Label all containers of metallic mercury and its compounds. Label all mercury containers and storage as follows:

WARNING: CONTAINS MERCURY VAPOR HARMFUL AT ROOM TEMPERTURE MAY BE FATAL IF HEATED IN THE OPEN DO NOT BREATHE VAPOR USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION AVOID SKIN CONTACT

Do not store mercury near chemicals that can create explosive mixtures with mercury (e.g., acetylene, ammonia, boron phosphodiiodide, chlorine dioxide, methyl azide, ground sodium carbide, and others) or with radioactive materials. Keep mercury compounds that are oxidizers separate from organic materials and other combustibles. Additionally, all chemical storage is required to be segregated by Hazard Class. Minimize the amount of mercury in use or in storage. Mercury storage should have inherent spill containment/control. Store mercury in a cool, separate and secure location. Use containers made of impact-resistant material, or place them in sturdy secondary containers. Keep all mercury containers tightly closed when not in use. Avoid cutting cartons that contain plastic bottles filled with mercury. A plastic bottle could be cut or torn open and result in a mercury spill. 3.3.6 Packing and Shipping TM, or bubble pack, for all mercury Use appropriate packing materials for mercury containers, such as Kimpak containers and objects/devices containing mercury. 3.3.7 Mercury Spill Cleanup Elemental mercury is typically easy to work with under normal conditions (e.g., in a fume hood). However, spills involving elemental mercury that are ignored or improperly addressed can cause serious problems because: Mercury is dense (specific gravity ~13.5). Large drops shatter into numerous small droplets that can move at great speed across long distances.

 Droplets and vapors tend to congregate in crevices. Porous materials can become contaminated and may have to be disposed of as mercury waste (see Section 3.2.8) because they are too difficult to decontaminate. Mercury amalgamates with other metals. Metal objects are weaker after contamination with mercury, and may be unsuitable for further use. Items soiled by spilled mercury often cannot be decontaminated and, therefore, should be disposed of as mercury contaminated hazardous waste (see Section 3.2.8). Microorganisms convert metallic mercury to organomercury compounds, which are more hazardous in some species than the metallic form. This may result in significant environmental problems, particularly when mercury enters into the aquatic food chain. Mercury will bioaccumulate in the environment and, thus, be passed up the food chain. If a mercury spill occurs, immediately: 1. Block off any area where droplets of spilled mercury are visible using tape or rope, and post signs (such as example below) made of any available material.

MERCURY SPILL

Keep Out!

2. Avoid walking on or touching any surface contaminated with mercury. 3. Promptly notify the TAMU Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team at 845-2132, or dial 99-1-1 to summon TAMU emergency services. The HazMat Team will survey the affected area to determine the airborne concentration of mercury, adjust the boundaries of the blocked-off area as needed, conduct cleanup and disposal of spilled mercury, and provide technical support. Costs of emergency response, cleanup and waste disposal may be billed to the responsible Faculty/PI, laboratory, department or TEES research center. 4. Notify the Office of Engineering Safety. 5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing specifically designed for use with mercury must be readily available for unusual situations and for spill cleanup. If a mercury spill is too large to clean up safely or workers are injured or contaminated, dial 9-9-1-1, to summon TAMU emergency response and medical services. 6. Small spills of metallic mercury may be cleaned up safely by the personnel involved if they have had the proper training and equipment. 7. Mercury Spill Kits must be available in each work area where mercury is present. Use of vacuum cleaners/shop vacuums for mercury spills is prohibited. Use only specially designed and dedicated mercury vacuum cleaners. Guidance for cleaning up mercury spills is in Appendix B. 3.3.8 Mercury Waste Collection and Disposal Generators of mercury-contaminated wastes should evaluate the waste to determine if any applicable hazardous-waste criteria have been exceeded. All generators must be in compliance with TAMU rules and other applicable regulations. Equipment or objects containing mercury, but no longer needed by a program, should be evaluated in accordance with the TAMU Hazardous Waste Management Program. Equipment or objects characterized as hazardous waste should be tagged and prepared for transport and disposal through the TAMU-EHSD Hazardous Waste Management Program.

The responsible Faculty/PI should document a plan for the ultimate disposition of hazardous materials & hazardous waste, and the clean up & decontamination of apparatus, equipment and facilities. The disposition plan should be finalized before purchasing materials or initiating project activity. 3.3.9 First Aid Personnel contaminated with dimethyl mercury should immediately: 1. 2. Wash the affected area using either an eyewash station or safety shower, as appropriate. Report to TAMU Emergency Medical Services (dial 9-9-1-1). Be sure to inform the medical responders or physicians of the quantity of mercury involved.

Personnel contaminated with mercury metal or other mercury compounds should exercise the following precautions: 1. 2. Immediately wash the affected area using either an eyewash station or safety shower, as appropriate. Report to TAMU Emergency Medical Services (dial 9-9-1-1). Be sure to inform the medical responders or physicians of the type, quantity, and physical state of mercury involved. Use a mercury vapor monitor to make sure there is no mercury on the skin or in the space under the fingernails. If necessary, clean the area with soap, water, and a scrub brush; then, recheck with the instrument to ensure that all of the mercury is removed . Do not use the solutions that come with mercury cleanup sponges or powders for PERSONAL decontamination some are corrosive! Remove and place all contaminated clothing in a plastic bag. Personnel who are not contaminated should handle spill cleanup only if they are trained and equipped. Immediately notify TAMU-EHSD if any cleaning water is discharged into a sink, drain, retention tank, or sanitary sewer system.

3.

4.

4.0 Responsibilities General responsibilities for all faculty, staff and students, are described in the Engineering Safety Policy. 4.1 Responsible Individual The responsible faculty/PI, department head, or designee, should ensure that all persons who might handle mercury are trained in accordance with the provisions of this document and the TAMU Hazard Communication Program (HazCom), prudent laboratory practice, and established project-specific procedures. 4.2 Personnel All faculty/PI, staff, students and other affected persons should: Follow the precautions for mercury specified in this document, in the Engineering Safety Policy, and in procedures cited or included as part of the TAMU Safety Manual and the TAMU Hazard Communication Program. Additional guidance on the safe handling and disposition of mercury is available from the Office of Engineering Safety and from TAMU-EHSD. 4.3 Hazards Control The responsible faculty/PI, department head, or designee should: Provide support and training to anyone who handles mercury or cleans up mercury spills. Provide appropriate controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) and protective clothing. Provide mercury spill kits and other equipment as necessary to safely contain and collect spilled mercury. Ensure that mercury vacuum cleaners are maintained in good working condition. Provide the appropriate respiratory protection and training to all affected persons. Ensure that all mercury is properly stored and secured.

 Ensure that all apparatus, equipment and facilities are cleaned and decontaminated at project closure. Ensure that all small, sealed mercury-containing items (such as thermometers) are securely stored. Non-mercury alternatives are recommended as prudent practice, to reduce risk of spill and exposure.

5.0 Appendices 5.1 Appendix A: Basic Terms and Definitions

Absorption Amalgam

- method whereby a substance can pass through intact, unbroken skin. - mixture or alloy of mercury with other metals. - a secondary container used to collect minor spills. System (CNS) - Parts of the nervous system, including the brain

Catch pan/basin Central Nervous and spinal cord.

Manometer - An instrument used to measure gas and vapor pressure. Mercury salts - Inorganic mercury compounds. Mercury vacuum - specially designed type of vacuum cleaner used to safely collect spilled mercury. Metallic mercury - Mercury in its elemental state. Organomercury mercury atom. compounds - Mercury compounds that include carbon atoms, bonding directly to the

Sphygmomanometer

- An instrument used for monitoring blood pressure.

5.2 Appendix

B: Guidelines

for Cleaning

Up Elemental

Mercury

Spills

Respond promptly to all spills and accidents involving any hazardous chemical. Contact the TAMU Hazardous Materials Emergency Response (dial 9-9-1-1 or 845-2132) for assistance in cleaning up a chemical spill. A small spill is a release that meets ALL of the following criteria: Nature and potential hazard of material is known. The incident results in no injury to people or damage to facilities. Release presents no actual or potential threat to human health, the environment, or property. Any spill that exceeds any of the above criteria is considered a large spill. For large spills, immediately call 9-9-1-1 to summon emergency response services. The following guidelines apply when cleaning up mercury spills: Use sufficient PPE and protective clothing (see Table B-1) to keep mercury droplets off personal clothing and skin. This includes plastic or rubber gloves, disposable foot covers (whenever mercury is on the floor), and additional protective clothing when in doubt of the proper clothing to use. All protective equipment and clothing shall be rated for use with mercury. Never use thin disposable gloves, as these can tear and allow mercury to lodge under the fingernails. Use the buddy system when respirators are required. Watch the color of the end-of-service indicators on the faces of the other people's cartridges, and have them replaced when the indicators change color. Use only respirator cartridges rated for mercury use. Be careful not to drag airline respirator hoses through mercury. Check the hoses and equipment with a mercury vapor monitor for contamination before storing. Spread plastic sheets over surfaces onto which mercury could drop or run during spill cleanup. Tape the sides of the sheets to the floor. NOTE: such plastic sheets, and other clean up items, must be disposed of as mercury contaminated hazardous waste. Remove any dust or oil which may have become contaminated with mercury during spill and cleanup. Use detergent or a solvent to remove oil or grime, or use a vacuum, to remove dust. Be certain to adhere to all appropriate controls during spill cleanup. Dip rags in cleaning solutions once. Never dip a dirty rag in a clean solution, as this will contaminate the solution and the container. Minimize the amount of mercury-contaminated material generated during cleanup, as it is expensive to dispose of mercury contaminated liquid wastes. Clean up materials must be contained and disposed of as hazardous waste. Use mercury kits with hand-powered miniature vacuums or sponges to clean up spills whenever practical. Replace mercury kit items after use. To avoid the spread of contamination, never sweep mercury contaminated material or blow it off of surfaces with compressed-air nozzles. Instead, vacuum or seal it off in place. Trapped mercury inside equipment, instruments and building components can be a health hazard to those who work on affected surfaces in the future. A sign indicating that trapped or sealed mercury is present may be needed. Avoid trapping or sealing any mercury in place. Clean and decontaminate all apparatus, equipment and facilities following use, or dispose of as hazardous waste. Notify TAMUEHSD of any suspected trapped mercury. Use a specially designed and dedicated vacuum for cleaning up large mercury spills. Check the vacuum's exhaust with a mercury vapor monitor before using it and remove as much mercury as possible from inside the vacuum after using ittoo much residual mercury can ruin the mercury absorber. Do not use a regular or HEPA vacuum cleaner to clean up mercury spills because mercury

amalgamates with copper in the motor, and the vacuum will exhaust high concentrations of mercury vapor into the air. The vacuum then becomes dangerous to use or decontaminate and ultimately must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Use Resisorb to eliminate mercury vapors near surfaces, particularly after removing liquid mercury from those surfaces. Contact TAMU-EHSD for assistance in cleanup operations and/or to determine the appropriate packaging requirements for bulky items that may be contaminated with mercury. Place used rags, cleaning materials, protective gear, and mercury-contaminated gear into plastic bags. Cut up mops and other large tools before placing them into the bags. Gently squeeze excess air from the bags, then place the sealed bags into drums and affix a completely filled out TAMU Hazardous Waste Tag to the drum. Contact TAMU-EHSD or the Office of Engineering Safety for training and/or assistance in completing the Waste Tag form. TAMU-EHSD will transfer the drum to the designated Waste Accumulation Area. Have the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team conduct a clearance survey before removing any access barriers. The spill area shall not be returned to normal use until this survey is completed. Notify TAMU-EHSD if mercury-contaminated water enters into a drain, retention tank or sanitary sewer, so that appropriate action can be initiated.

5.3 Appendix

C: Biological

Monitoring

& Medical

Surveillance

for Mercury

5.3.1. All affected personnel, faculty/PI and students, should be tested by approved biological monitoring procedures prior to starting work on any project using significant amounts of mercury, to establish a baseline for future comparison. All personnel should be tested periodically over the course of the project, and results compared to the established baseline to determine if potentially harmful exposure has occurred. An occupational medicine physician should determine frequency of the periodic tests. 5.3.2. BIOLOGICAL MONITORING FOR MERCURY

Total Inorganic Mercury in Urine Monitor pre-shift BIE = 35 micrograms per gram creatinine Total Inorganic Mercury in Blood BIE =15 micrograms per gram NOTE: Mercury may be present in biological specimens collected from subjects who have not been occupationally exposed, at a concentration that could affect interpretation of the result. Such background concentrations are incorporated into the BEI value. Biological monitoring provides one means to assess exposure had health risk to workers. It entails measurement of the concentration of a chemical determinant in the blood, fluids and tissues of those with potential exposure; it is an indicator of the uptake of a substance. Biological monitoring indirectly reflects the dose to a worker from exposure to the substance of interest. In most cases, the specimen used for biological monitoring is urine, blood, or exhaled air. Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) are values for assessing biological monitoring results. BEI's represent the levels of determinants which are most likely to be observed in specimens collected from healthy workers who have been exposed to potentially harmful substances to the same extent as workers with inhalation exposure at the Threshold Limit Value (TLV). The BEI indicates a concentration below which nearly all workers should not experience adverse health effects. The BEI determinant can be the chemical itself, one or more metabolites, or a characteristic, biochemical change induced by the chemical. BEI's are not intended for use as a measure of adverse effects or for diagnosis of occupational illness. Biological monitoring provides assistance to the occupational health professional and/or physician to: 1. detect and determine absorption via the skin or gastrointestinal system, or via inhalation 2. assess body burden 3. determine PAST exposure(s) 4. detect occupational and/or non-occupational exposures among workers 5. test the efficiency of engineering controls and PPE 6. monitor work practices BEIs are intended as guidelines to be used in the evaluation of potential health hazards. BEIs apply to 8-hour exposures, 5 days per week. Although modified work schedules are sometimes used in various occupations, the ACGIH BEI committee does not recommend that any adjustment or correction factor be applied to the BEI', i.e., the BEI' should be used as listed, regardless of the work schedule. The Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for inorganic mercury is 0.025 mg/g of air. The primary route of exposure is cutaneous; either by contact with vapors or, more likely, by direct contact with the skin. 5.3.3. SOURCE OF BIOLOGICAL MONITORING CRITERIA

The detailed scientific criteria and justification for each BEI can be found in Documentation the of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices , published annually by the American Association of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

Appendix 5.4. Table B-1: Protective

Equipment

to be Used for Mercury

Spill Cleanup

Item Impervious gloves Shoe covers, disposable Booties, heavy soled Apron, laboratory Apron, laboratory Disposable coveralls without hood Disposable coveralls with hood Respirator, cartridge a Respirator, airline a, b NOTES:
a- Use of this respirator shall be approved in advance by an industrial hygienist. Respirators shall be issued only to persons who are trained in its use, medically qualified, and who have no facial hair that will interfere the respirator's effectiveness. b- Airline hoses and equipment shall be monitored for mercury contamination before they are returned to the approved storage location.

Description Left and right Sizes: medium Standard Standard heavy-duty light-duty (Sizes: small, (Sizes: small, hand; and large

medium, and large) medium, and large)