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Mercury Containing Devices

Definition

Elemental mercury (also known as metallic mercury) refers to the pure form of the chemical element mercury (Hg). It is a silvery, liquid metal that is highly toxic and readily vaporizes at room temperature. Elemental mercury was commonly used in teaching and research laboratories prior to the development of precision electronics to measure things like pressure, temperature, flow, and porosity. Mercury relays and switches in equipment were also common prior to the use of solid-state electronics as control devices.

Because of advances in technology and mercury-free alternatives, elemental mercury devices no longer have a place in modern research.

Mercury cannot be disposed of down the drain or in the general refuse trash. All mercury equipment, devices, ampules, etc., MUST be disposed of through the EHS Hazardous Waste Program. Refer to MSU’s Drain Disposal policy.

Devices that may contain elemental mercury:

  • Barometers
  • Coulter counters
  • Flame sensors
  • Flow meters
  • Hydrometers
  • Manometers
  • Porosimiters
  • Pressure gauges
  • Psychometers
  • Pyrometers
  • Relays
  • Sling Psychrometers
  • Sphygmomanometers
  • Thermometers
  • Thermostats
  • Tilt switches
  • Vibration control pads/stands

Storage

If a mercury containing device is identified in your location, do not move or dismantle the device. The contents may be under pressure, be extremely fragile, or have large reservoirs of mercury. If mercury containing equipment must be removed, materials must either be placed in a container that can be sealed shut, or be double bagged, sealed, and placed in a secondary container until EHS can pick up the material.

The EHS Hazardous Waste Program administers a mercury thermometer exchange. If your location has mercury thermometers, please reach out to EHS to obtain a free solvent thermometer replacement in exchange for the mercury one.

Mercury Spills

If you find a broken mercury device or see loose mercury beads, STOP immediately. Then contact the EHS Hazardous Waste Staff to assist and make sure to talk to an actual person.

  • Do not leave a voicemail message regarding a mercury spill.
  • Do not try and move the devices, pick up the beads, or clean up the spill.
  • Do not use sulfur or other outdated methods to clean up the spill.

EHS Hazardous Waste Staff has specialized mercury vacuums and other equipment to effectively clean up the spill.

MSU Waste Tag Required

No – A MSU Waste Tag is not needed when submitting intact mercury containing equipment.

Yes - A MSU Waste Tag is required for all damaged and leaking mercury containing equipment as it is managed as hazardous waste.

MSU Waste Tags must be directly affixed to the waste container either with string, a twist tie, chain and clipboard, rubber band, or tape. MSU Waste Tags are provided by EHS and can be requested through an EHS Hazardous Waste Request.

Labeling

Intact

For intact mercury containing equipment, the container must be labeled “Universal Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment” with an accumulation start date. The accumulation start date is the first day that you begin filling the container with mercury devices. Alternatively, the EHS Hazardous Waste Program provides the following label for Universal Waste, which can be requested through the EHS Safety Portal:

Purple and white Universal Waste label with check boxes for each type of Universal Waste. Accumulation Start Date is highlighted in red

Broken

A MSU Waste Tag should be filled out and completed when the mercury containing equipment is found to be damaged. The contact information at the top of the MSU Waste Tag must be filled out to identify where the hazardous waste was generated, the container size and type, and who to contact with questions regarding the waste container.

The Contents should be “Broken Mercury Containing Equipment” with the weight of the material listed in the Volume column. Check the poison/toxic/heavy metal hazards at the bottom of the MSU Waste Tag.

Guidance on how to accurately fill out the MSU Waste Tag can be found in the Waste Section of the EHS website.

Submit Hazardous Waste Request

When mercury containing equipment is identified, you should immediately submit a Hazardous Waste Request via the EHS Safety Portal as follows:

  • EHS Website: ehs.msu.edu
  • Log in to the Safety Portal through a preferred web browser using your MSU Net ID and EBS Password
  • Select Hazardous Waste Request
  • Mercury Containing Equipment is found under the Common Process category