If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protection equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.
If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Care, and Use of Respirators", available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:
NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MERCURY COMPOUNDS [except (organo) alkyls] (as Hg) CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:
UP TO 0.5 mg/m3: Chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) to protect against mercury compounds*; or SAR.
UP TO 1.25 mg/m3: SAR operated in a continuous-flow mode; or powered air- purifying respirator with cartridge(s) to protect against mercury compounds (canister)*.
UP TO 2.5 mg/m3: Full-facepiece chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) to protect against mercury compounds*; or gas mask with canister to protect against mercury compounds*; or SAR with a tight-fitting facepiece operated in a continuous-flow mode; or powered air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and cartridge(s) to protect against mercury compounds (canister); or full-facepiece SCBA; or full-facepiece SAR.
UP TO 10 mg/m3: Positive pressure SAR.
EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OR IDLH CONDITIONS:
Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.
ESCAPE: Gas mask with canister to protect against mercury compounds; or escape-type SCBA.
NOTE: These recommendations are based on the NIOSH exposure limit of 0.05 mg/m3 (time-weighted average).
NOTE: The IDLH concentration for mercury is 10 mg/m3.
The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.
*NOTE: End of service life indicator (ESLI) required. The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed.
Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators.
ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = immediately dangerous to life or health.
What eye/face protection is recommended for working with Mercury?
Chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary.
What skin protection measures are recommended when working with Mercury?
Chemical protective gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other chemical protective clothing. A chemical protective full-body encapsulating suit and respiratory protection may be required in some operations.
What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
Guidelines for mercury:
RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Barricade(TM), 4H(TM), Responder(TM).
RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Saranex(TM).
This material is a recognized skin absorption hazard (ACGIH or OSHA). Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm2/min or 1 mg/m2/min and over. Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.
Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?
Remove contaminated clothing immediately and put in a closed container. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling this material. Maintain good housekeeping.
OSH Answers Lists
