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College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Spill Clean-up / Mercury Spills

Spill Clean-up

If you are unsure what to do contact CFAES Safety & Compliance at 614-292-2121 immediately.  Use the Chemical Spill Cleanup Guidelines for more specific information on chemical spills and when to cleanup or call for help.

Use the appropriate supplies to clean up any spills that occur.  Use the Chemical Spill Kit Table for help to find what supplies to use for specific chemicals.  For oil use a kitty-litter type substance for absorption.

Chemical Spill Kit Table

Infectious Waste Spill Containment and Clean-up Procedure

 

Mercury Spills:

Mercury is the only metal that is a liquid at room temperature. It is commonly found in thermometers, barometers, manometers and sphygmomanometers. Mercury can also be present in small amounts in thermostats, batteries, paint and switches.

The release of mercury from an apparatus can result in mercury vapor contamination in the workplace. If not properly cleaned up, mercury vapor can cause adverse health effects over time. If a mercury release has occurred in the workplace, complete the following steps. 1) Isolate the area of the spill and do not allow foot traffic through the area; 2) Contact CFAES Safety & Compliance, 614-292-2121 immediately and do not attempt to clean up the spill individually. WCPS has the capability to conduct mercury vapor monitoring, clean up released elemental mercury and decontaminate affected areas using equipment specifically designed for mercury releases.

*The University offers a Mercury Thermometer Exchange Program, fill out this form to exchange the mercury thermometer for a non-mercury thermometer at not cost to you.