Mercury Spills

Mercury is a liquid metal and can vaporize at a relatively low temperature.  Mercury vapor is toxic and can easily be inhaled, but does not smell, so you may not realize it is in the air.

As with any hazardous materials operation, do not respond to a spill that is beyond your training level or capabilities, or beyond the capabilities of the equipment that you have.  Call a professional.

1) evacuate the area of the spill.  You will not need extra people tracking the spill into other areas.  If you are in the area, use shoe covers so that you do not track it out.

2) stop the spill from getting worse.  Collect broken glass pieces with mercury still in it and put them in an airtight plastic container.

3) keep the temperature down.  If it is spilled in a warm area, cool the area down.  Turn off heat, and ventilate with cool outside air if possible. Turn off ventilation systems that will spread contamination to other areas.   Since mercury vaporizes easily, reducing the temperature keeps the mercury from vaporizing as quickly.

4) zinc metal dust will form an amalgam with mercury.  Spread it on the spilled mercury, and it will stabilize the spill and reduce vaporization.

5) Do not try to sweep or vacuum up the spill.

6) For more assistance call your BOCES Safety Specialist.