American Diagnostic Corporation (ADC) ADC Proper Maintenance - Manual (Page 4)

IF A MERCURY SPILL OCCURS . . .
FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
Why use mercury?
Mercury (Hg) is a liquid metal with very stable performance characteristics. As such,
mercurial blood pressure devices remain the internationally recognized standard for
accuracy. Because there are no moving parts, springs, needles, casings, or other compo-
nents that may become defective or wear with age, mercury instruments are inherently
the most reliable and accurate. With minimal care and maintenance, these instruments
should last a lifetime.
What is so special about DIAGNOSTIX™ mercury instruments?
Our exclusive Safety First ™ system incorporates a number of distinctive safety features
that provide you with a level of protection no other mercurial instrument can match.
Unbreakable graduated plastic cartridge tube. Designed from space age polymers, the
tube exhibits remarkable performance stability. It will not crack, craze, or shatter. Yel-
lowing, a problem that plagued first generation plastic tubes, is all but gone. Toler-
ances to .1mm assure measurement repeatability.
Reservoir Locking Switch secures the mercury safely in the reservoir during routine
maintenance, cleaning, or transport.
EZ Tube
™ System simplifies the safe removal of the cartridge tube or top cap filters
for cleaning or maintenance without risking a spill.
Is Elemental Mercury dangerous?
Yes, it can be. Once vaporized, the lungs readily absorb elemental mercury from
inhaled air. High level acute doses and lower level chronic doses are both causes for
concern.
If accidentally ingested, very small amounts of elemental mercury will not be
absorbed by the digestive system and will be excreted.
Some forms of mercury COMPOUNDS (not the type used in blood pressure instru-
ments) are highly toxic and particularly dangerous. These should NOT be confused
with elemental mercury.
Because there is so little actual mercury in a mercurial blood pressure instrument,
the exposure to a spill or leakage, if properly and promptly contained, will generally
pose little if any health risk.
DIAGNOSTIX ™ Blood Pressure instruments use less than 2 ounces of 99.9999% pure
elemental mercury.
What should I do in the event of a spill?
First, isolate the area to prevent further contamination or spread of the spilled liquid.
Spilled mercury should be picked up at once since the mercury will vaporize rapidly
and may contaminate the surrounding air.
Larger spills involving the entire contents of the mercury instrument (about 2 oz.) may
be cleaned up with a commercially made mercury suction pump. Do not dry sweep or
use ordinary vacuum cleaners on floors exposed to mercury spills since this may pro-
duce additional hazardous vapors.
In the unlikely event of a spill, it will most likely involve very small amounts of just
a few drops of spilled mercury. These smaller amounts may be picked up with mercury
absorbent sponges or gently swept into a collection container using a soft bristled
DISPOSABLE brush. (Remember to dispose of the brush after use).
Carpet, crevices, and other difficult to clean areas may be cleaned using a mercury
absorbent powder that reacts with mercury to form a harmless amalgam.
The suction pump, sponges, and powder are available through laboratory and safety
supply companies.
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As a convenience to our customers, a mercury spill kit may be obtained
directly from ADC by calling our customer service department toll-free at
1-800-ADC-2670 (p/n 980SK).
Waste mercury should be placed in a tightly covered container and disposed of in
accordance with state and local environmental regulations.
As a convenience to our customers, we can help arrange returns to a waste recla-
mation facility. Contact our customer service department toll-free at 1-800-ADC-2670
for the necessary packaging supplies and return authorization.
Do not incinerate mercury or mercury compounds or dispose of down the drain.
Please note: Liquid mercury combines with many soft metals. Jewelry should be
removed prior to cleaning of instruments, or mercury spills. We also recommend the
wearing of latex gloves and protective eyewear when cleaning mercury spills.
What if a mercury spill should occur and I don’t have a spill kit?
Chances are that a spill kit is on the premises. Contact your building’s maintenance
department. However if you do not have one, they can be ordered from most laborato-
ry safety supply houses. As a convenience to our customers, a basic spill kit can be
purchased directly from ADC. Call our customer service department toll-free at 1-800-
ADC-2670 and ask for ADC part number 980SK. We will be glad to rush one out to
you immediately.
Please note: As a precaution, we strongly recommend that you keep a mercury spill
kit on hand.
Doesn’t mercury spill all over the place?
A mercury spill can be cleaned up fairly easily. It rolls into one large bead. It can be
cleaned up with any commercially available mercury spill kit specifically designed for
this job. When spilled on a hard surface a simple soft bristled brush or a 3cc syringe
may even be used to collect very small amounts of mercury quickly and safely. Ele-
mental mercury is a non-wetting liquid. It does not absorb into rugs or fabrics. It can
be removed quickly and completely from carpeted surfaces using a mercury
absorbent powder that reacts with mercury to form a harmless amalgam which can
then be easily contained.
Don’t I have to report mercury spills and put special hazardous markings on
the collection container?
No. Mercurial spills of less than one (1) pound are exempt from any Federal, State, or
local agency reporting requirements. According to DOT (Department of Transportation)
CR49. 173.164 no special markings of any kind are required when dealing with quantities
of LESS than 1 pound. ADC DIAGNOSTIX
™ instruments contain about 2 ounces of
99.9999% pure elemental mercury.
What should I do in the event of accidental eye contact with mercury?
Symptoms of eye exposure can include redness, pain, and watery eyes. If mercury conta-
minates the eyes, open the contaminated individual’s eyes while under gently running
water, using sufficient force to open eyelids. Have the contaminated individual “roll” their
eyes. Flush the contaminated individual’s eyes with running water for a minimum of 15
minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
What do I do with the collected mercury and broken instrument?
You have two options. You can dispose of the collected mercury and damaged
instrument in accordance with your state and local environmental regulations. Your
facility may already have established procedures for the disposal of mercury products.
Or, as a convenience to our customers, you can return the waste