BROKEN FLUORESCENT TUBE CLEANUP PROCEDURE

Fluorescent tubes contain mercury which is toxic to human health and the environment if not properly managed. Mercury is the only heavy metal that is liquid at room temperature. It is more harmful to inhale the vapor from a bead of mercury than to ingest the same bead. At room temperature mercury vaporizes readily into an invisible, odorless, and tasteless poison.

Fluorescent tubes are handled and stored in a manner that prevents breakage, however if it occurs, it should be cleaned up and contained properly to reduce exposure and contamination.

Cleanup Procedure

1. Employees wear the following safety equipment:

1. Gloves made of leather, or equivalent.

2. Dust Mask

3. Safety glasses with side shields or full-face shields.

4. Safety toed shoes or boots.

2. Use a broom and dustpan to sweep the broken glass and materials. Deposit into a sealable 5-gallon bucket or drum. (Never place broken tubes in the garbage.)

3. The container is labeled “Universal Waste - Broken Fluorescent Tubes for Recycling”

4. The container is shipped to the approved vendor.