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must be worn and a respiratory protection program must be developed by the employer, as outlined in Cal/OSHA regulations (GISO 5144). The only respirators approved for protection against mercury vapor are supplied -air devices, in which compressed breathing -quality air is delivered to a facepiece or hood. An industrial hygienist or other knowledgeable person should be consulted to ensure that the equipment is appropriate and is used cor- reedy. If skin or eye contact with liquid mercury is possible, other protective equipment such as gloves or faceshields should be worn. Protective clothing should be made of a material resistant to mercury, such as rubber. Gloves should be replaced frequently (especially after finishing with a mercury handling procedure), because residues on your gloves can contaminate the work area. Gold jewel- ry should not be worn when working with mercury, be- cause the vapors may discolor the metal. Dispoah Mercury can often be recycled. Mercury waste must be disposed of as hazardous Waite according to state and local regulations- Mercury must not be poured down the sink. (See "Resources" for disposal information). Substitution: The most effective way to reduce hazard- ous chemical exposures is to use a safer chemical, if one is available. The health and safety hazards of the sub- stitute must also be carefully considered, to ensure that it is actually safer. However, for most uses of mercury there arc few effective substitutes • California workers, employers, and health care professionals who have questions about the health effects of workplace chemicals can contact HESIS at 4151540-3014. you may call collectfrom within Califor- nia. • Employees who need information or assistance con- eeming workplace health and safety regulations, or who want to file a complaint, can contact the nearest office of Cal/OSHA: Bakersfield San Bernardino Chico San Diego Concord San Francisco Covina San Jose Downey San Mateo Eureka Santa Ana/Anaheim Fresno Santa Fe Springs Long Beach Santa Rosa Los Angeles Stockton Modesto Ukiah Oakland Van Nuys Redding Ventura Sacramento Vernon/Commerce Salinas For the address and telephone number of the CalloSHA office nearest you, look in the government section near the front of the telephone book, under •California, Department of Industrial Relations, Division of occupational Safety and health." • other resourwfor employees may include your super- visor, your union, your company health and safety of - cer, your doctor, or your company doctor. • Employers who want free, non-enforremcnt assistance to evaluate and improve workplace health and safety can contact the nearest office of the CallOSIL4 Consul- tation Service: • Downey 213861-9993' Fresno 209/454-1295 Sacramento 916/920-6131 San Diego 6191279-3771 San Francisco 415/557-1715 • For questions about disposal of haZ31rd0us wastes, contact the nearest regional office of the California T=c Substances Control Disuion (T'SCD): 4 Sacramento 9161739-3145 Berkeley 415/540-2D43 Los Angeles 213/620-2380 Long Beach 2131590-5950 • In a medical emer9cncy, call 9-1-1, or contact the nearest poison Control Center. See "Crisis Hotlines" listed near the front of yaw local phone book • HBSIS produces fact sheets, booklets, medical treat- ment guidelines, and technical documerus on work- place orkplace chmueals- AM publications are fxe. Some are available in Spanish or other language. To request pub&xions or a list and or+der'forM, cafl 4151540 -313th or write: HESIS, 2151 Berkeley Way, Room 544, Berkeley CA 947704- L'