Hazards around Mercury exposure are real
– Special to FL1 by Kyle Black
Our team recognizes and trains for a variety of potential exposure hazards, and one potential hazard we can all work together toward eliminating is exposure to mercury. One common item is fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs should always be properly recycled, and most local hardware and home improvement stores accept them for recycling.
Should a fluorescent bulb accidentally break, OSHA recommends the following to avoid mercury exposure:
- Notify anyone present and ask them to stay away from the area.
- Open any windows and doors to air out the room.
- Do not use a broom or vacuum cleaner.
- Wear appropriate disposable chemical-resistant gloves.
- Use a commercial mercury spill kit if available, or scoop up pieces of glass and powder with stiff paper or cardboard to avoid contact with the broken glass.
- Use sticky tape to pick up any remaining pieces of glass.
- Wipe down hard floors with a damp paper towel.
- Place all pieces of glass and cleanup materials in a sealable plastic bag or a glass jar with a lid.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after cleanup.
Our site now offers a mercury thermostat recycling drop off service for all Seneca County residents. Please visit senecameadows.com for additional details.
To have the latest delivered to your smartphone or tablet – download the FingerLakes1.com App for Android and iOS. Follow the links below to download the app now! – Android (All Android Devices) – iOS (iPhone, iPad).
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.