Mercury Spill Clean-up Procedures

Mercury Spill Cleanup
PowerPoint Presentation on Mercury Spill Clean-Up Procedures
Mercury (Hg) is defined as a hazardous material by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Moreover, mercury is a toxic substance that can result in severe health effects. Therefore, all mercury "spills," including droplets of mercury from a broken laboratory thermometer, need to be cleaned up following safe and environmentally sound procedures.

Questions regarding mercury or spill procedures should be directed to your professor, a laboratory supervisor, your own supervisor or the UWM Department of University Safety & Assurances (US&A). Starting in January 2002, departments have to pay for cleanup of mercury in one of three ways:

  • Call US&A for list of outside contractors
  • Pay US&A a flat fee of $50 for cleanup services
  • Have the person who spilled the mercury learn how to use the campus mercury vacuum and have them clean up the spill. The Department of University Safety & Assurances will provide, at no charge, mercury air-monitoring, advice and support.

The following video clip (courtesy of Minuteman International, Inc., Addison, IL) shows how to replace the HEPA filter bag in the mercury vacuum: Mercury Vacuum HEPA Filter Bag Replacement Instructions

For further information on mercury spills on campus, please contact Environmental Affairs at x4999 or x2883.

 Mercuric Chloride
Mercuric Chloride

Information on Household Spill Clean Up:

Updated May 6, 2008 by SAK