HomeMy WebLinkAbout202.008d - Mercury Spill Guidelines
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
202.008d MERCURY SPILL GUIDELINES
EFFECTIVE: NOVEMBER 2010
Current Revision Date: 6/16/21 Next Revision Date: 6/16/23
Author’s Name/Rank: Joshua Sellers, Engineer Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Evelyn Yin-Zepeda,
Management Analyst II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish a guideline to assist Fresno Fire Department
(FFD or Department) members with the proper mitigation procedure and disposal of
liquid mercury.
APPLICATION
All Department personnel responding to incidents involving Mercury are to apply these
guidelines to safely and effectively mitigate the incident.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
The Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT) should be dispatched to incidents
involving mercury. First-in companies should remain at the scene until the HMRT
arrives. Once the HMRT arrives, a transfer of command may be instituted to allow the
first-in company to return to service, unless needed for assistance. Fresno County
Environmental Health should be requested for guidance on cleanup and disposal
options. Department members should not pick up or otherwise disturb the mercury
spill.
PROCESS
Upon the discovery of a mercury spill, company officers should use the following
actions to limit contamination:
Section 202.008d
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1. Isolate and deny entry.
a. Evaluate the location of the spill, and the extent of contamination.
b. Secure the scene using barrier tape and restrict access.
c. If the spill occurred inside a structure such as a school or office
suite:
i. Close the facility until the extent of the spill has been
determined.
ii. Turn off building air ventilating systems, to avoid
circulating the air from the spill room to other parts of
the building.
iii. Close / seal interior windows and doors which lead to
other areas of the building. Seal the open space below
the doors with a rolled-up towel or blanket.
iv. Open exterior windows and doors which lead to outside
air. Place fans in windows, forcing the indoor air
outside.
v. Use proper Personal Protective Equipment. Wear a
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and Level B
protection if working in the spill area. Do not wear
turnouts.
2. Evacuate the spill area.
a. Before people leave the area where mercury was spilled, direct
them to remove any contaminated shoes and / or other clothing.
Secure discarded clothing in a plastic trash bag. Victim’s skin or
clothing, which is contaminated with liquid mercury, even trace
amounts, can cause secondary contamination.
NOTE: Victims exposed to mercury vapor do not pose secondary
contamination risks. Rescuers may treat ill patients without
concern about acute secondary contamination to themselves or
their equipment.
Section 202.008d
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3. Provide EMS care as needed.
a. Symptoms of acute exposure to mercury vapor inhalation may
include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, renal dysfunction, visual
disturbances, and CNS damage.
4. Clean up and Disposal.
a. Under no circumstances should mercury be transported by FFD
members.
b. All mercury disposals should be under the guidance of Fresno
County Environmental Health.
INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
Standard Operating Procedures
Section 202.008, Hazardous Materials Response Plan
Section 204.003, Dispatching Hazardous Materials
Section 202.008d
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