Mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to society.
Mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to society. Dealing with mercury spills can be more hazardous than you think, which is why it’s so important to outfit your workers with the personal protective equipment that they need. Here is a look at how mercury spills are dealt with.
Handling and Transporting It
The Department of Transportation has its own regulations about to transport spilled mercury once it has been successfully contained. All of the packaging and handling guidelines put in place are meant to prevent a secondary spill once the original spill is clean. All containers must be approved by both the UN and the DOT. UN containers are engineered to resist impact damage, They also have extra secure lids to avoids leaks and seepages. When attempting to clean up mercury, along with other types of universal or hazardous waste, make sure all of the containers meet the standards set forth by both the UN and the DOT.
Avoid These Mistakes
There are several different mistakes that easy to make. They must be avoided at all costs. Vacuum cleaners and brooms will not work. These methods will only serve to spread the mercury, dispersing it instead of containing it. Pouring mercury down a drain is also inadvisable. Doing this can damage the plumbing. The mercury can also spread to the septic tank, and eventually the sewage treatment plant. If your workers are wearing the proper gear and are exposed to mercury, have them head to decontamination stations as soon as possible so they can get clean before putting on fresh gear.
Broken Lamps
Broken lamps can happen almost anywhere, and although they only contain a small amount of mercury, even a small amount is still dangerous. Fluorescent lamps and high-intensity discharge lamps are even more dangerous when they are broken because of the mercury contained within them. Compact lamps only have a tiny portion of the mercury that is inside a thermometer, and it still presents a risk that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible.
Mercury Response
AEG Environmental is one of the most experienced mercury response teams in the region. We offer full mercury response, decontamination, and disposal. We also offer mercury screening if your not sure if you need a response orif you are concerned about historical mercury spills. We have responded to homes, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, industrial facilities, energy plants, colleges, and even vehicles! We will handle all phases of the spill and return your site to you clean and safe. If you have mercury questions please contact us anytime. We have worked with the EPA, State of Maryland, District of Columbia, Washington Gas, London County, Carroll County, York County, USPS, USAF and many more.
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No matter what kind of environmental issue you may have, AEG Environmental can help. We handle every situation with care, dedication, and a commitment to exemplary customer service. When you have an emergency, you can rely on us! Need training? We can handle that too! We train in a wide variety of environmental management areas so that your company can remain compliant with EPA, DOT, and OSHA. Make sure to check out our blog for the latest and greatest in the waste management world! You should also follow us on social media for updates.
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