The following are some prudent practices when using mercury:

• Always read the MSDS for mercury before using it.
• Ensure lab has the appropriate spill clean-up materials.
• Find an alternative to using mercury. (Ex. Use alcohol thermometers instead of mercury ones.)
  • Contact REHS to switch out mercury thermometers with alcohol thermometers.
• Always minimize your use of mercury and mercury compounds whenever possible.
• Avoid using mercury thermometers in a laboratory oven.
• Do not keep excess mercury around if you do not need it.
• Clean up spills promptly.
• When handling mercury use a glass, plastic or steel tray to contain any spills that might occur.
• Always store mercury in unbreakable containers.
• Use appropriate PPE when working with mercury.
• NEVER dispose of it down the sink!
• Only use mercury in an operating fume hood
• Always wash your hands after handling mercury to prevent skin absorption or irritation.

How to handle a Small Mercury Spill:

• Warn other laboratory personnel.
• Put on appropriate protective clothing.
• Mark off spill area.
• Pools and droplets of metallic mercury can be pushed together and collected with an index card or stiff paper.
• After the gross contamination has been removed, sprinkle the entire area with mercury absorbent powder or amalgam provided in a mercury spill kit.
• Dampen amalgam with tap water.
• Using a sponge or index card, work the wetted amalgam into a paste consistency while scrubbing the contaminated surfaces, cracks and crevices to pick up as much mercury as possible.
• Collect amalgam, with a sponge or index card, with a light sweeping or scooping motion.
• Wipe down surfaces with a wet sponge or towel.
• Everything used in the cleanup (gloves, index cards, etc.) must be double bagged labeled as Mercury Spill Cleanup Materials using a Rutgers Hazardous Waste label.
• Click here for Online Request for Hazardous Waste Disposal form .

Large Mercury Spills

Large mercury spills will require REHS. Contact us at (732) 445-2550 (Campus Police after hours).

Evacuate room or area and await REHS.