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J <br />Guide for Appliance Recyclers <br />June 2004 <br />Important things to keep in mind when cleaninga mercury spill <br />P g p <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 />W� <br />