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Guide for Appliance Recyclers June 2004 <br /> Important things to keep in mind when cleaning a mercury spill <br /> (The following information is not a complete description of the procedures for <br /> responding to a mercury spill.) <br /> 1. Never use a broom to sweep up mercury. Sweeping creates even <br /> smaller beads of mercury,which will be more difficult to collect. <br /> 2. Never use a vacuum to clean up a mercury spill. Mercury readily <br /> becomes a vapor, and a vacuum will disperse mercury into the air where <br /> it can be inhaled. <br /> 3. Never wash contaminated clothing in a washing machine. Place <br /> contaminated clothing in double garbage bags, tying the bags <br /> individually. Dispose the bags using a permitted hazardous waste <br /> handler. <br /> First Aid Measures <br /> If a mercury spill occurs that exposes anyone to mercury, follow these procedures. <br /> 1. Skin contact—Wash the area with soap and water. Remove any clothing that <br /> has come into contact with the mercury, and seal it inside a plastic bag. Seek <br /> medical attention immediately. Properly dispose the sealed bag of contaminated <br /> mercury clothing using a hazardous waste handler at the first opportunity. <br /> • 2. Eye contact—Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes then seek <br /> medical attention immediately. <br /> 3. Inhalation—Move the person to an area where he or she can get fresh air. Seek <br /> medical attention immediately. <br /> 4. Ingestion—Seek medical attention immediately. <br /> Contact your local poison control center or health care provider for more information. <br /> • <br /> 28 <br />