Health

Basic HSE information about Mercury and set of tools to be used at work.

Mercury

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IMPORTANT INFO

PERSONAL HYGIENE

Always wash your hands with lots of water and soap before:

  • taking a break
  • eating and drinking
  • going to the toilet (and after)
  • smoking
  • leaving your workplace

  1. Use leak trays or decontamination unit (if present).
  2. Repeat Mercury measurements throughout the day.
  3. Wash your hands frequently with plenty of soap and water.
  4. Dispose of contaminated clothing as your company has prescribed.
  5. Use the correct PPE as your company has prescribed.

WHAT IS IT?

Mercury is a liquid metal that evaporates easily and is toxic, odorless and harmful to your health and the environment. Maximum caution and care is required!

It can occur in production facilities or in products you work with. Ask your company for further clarification.

HAZARDS

ACUTE

  • vomiting
  • fever with cold chills
  • metallic taste
  • muscle aches
  • tremors
  • headache
  • salivation
  • coughing
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain
  • various paralysis symptoms


CHRONIC

  • bronchitis
  • pneumonitis
  • acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • allergic skin disorders
  • nephrotic syndrome
  • impairment of the nervous system


Please note: the symptoms mentioned are general and may vary from one person or working condition to another. When in doubt, always consult a Health and Safety expert or an occupational physician.

PREVENTION

PREVENTING POLLUTION

  • use leak trays/decontamination-unit if present
  • deposit (possible) Mercury contaminated clothing in accordance with your company’s procedure


DURING THE WORK

  • ensure good ventilation
  • respect safety zones (red-white warning tape)
  • ensure that mercury measurements are repeated throughout the work day
  • correctly use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) prescribed by your company

  • If you suspect Mercury contamination or see a Mercury leak, immediately leave the workplace and report it to your HSE Manager.

    PROTECTION

    Mercury vapors can only be detected with a Mercury Vapor Meter. The necessary Personal Protection Equipment depends on the result of the measurement. Ask your company for further clarification and their specific procedures.

    IN CASE OF...

    SUSPECTED PRESENCE OF MERCURY

    • leave the workplace immediately and report suspicion to your HSE Manager


    INHALATION OF MERCURY VAPORS

    • bring the affected person into the open for fresh air – if necessary carry out mechanical resuscitation (NO MOUTH TO MOUTH RESUSCITATION)


    SKIN CONTACT

    • remove contaminated clothing, wash the skin with lots of water and soap


    EYE CONTACT

    • flush with lots of water or eye fluid, remove contact lenses (if applicable)


    INGESTION

    • if conscious, rinse mouth with water, DO NOT induce vomiting


    In all cases: immediately notify the person responsible for first aid in your company!

    Start your daily work with safety!

    Onscreen presentation is very useful to use during work preparation or toolbox meetings. It provides short and concrete information. Five questions and answers at the end of presentation can be used to make the meeting more interactive and to give conversation a boost.

    Be always prepared for the work!

    It is of utmost importance to be well prepared before you start the work.
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