Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. MERCURY THERMOMETER SAFETY GUIDELINES POLICY: To discusses the properties, health and safety hazards of mercury and how to appropriately protect yourself and clients from potential mercury exposures. Also included are emergency procedures for dealing with accidental mercury contact, including first aid treatment information. Elemental mercury (or liquid mercury) is an extremely toxic substance used in amend other in scientific research application and instrumentation(like thermometers). All forms of mercury (inorganic and organic) are toxic. Liquid mercury is 1000X less volatile than water at room temperature but can still generate enough toxic vapors if stirred or placed close to a heat source. Risk on broken thermometers: Skin Exposure Mercury may be absorbed through intact skin in harmful amounts. It may cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material. Mercury causes skin irritation and possible burns. It may cause skin rash (in milder cases), and cold and clammy skin with cyanosis or pale color. Eye exposure Exposure to mercury or mercury compounds can cause discoloration on the front surface of the lens, which does not interfere with vision. It causes eye irritation and possible burns. The contact with mercury or mercury compounds can cause ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea. Inhalation Mercury vapors (i.e., elemental mercury) cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are readily absorbed through inhalation and can also pass through intact skin. After absorption, elemental mercury is carried by the blood to the central nervous system where it is oxidized. The oxidation product produces injury. Persons heavily exposed to elemental mercury will develop worsening tremors of the hands, shyness, insomnia, and emotional instability. Mercury vapors can reach very high levels when the liquid is heated. Inhalation of mercury vapors can cause chemical burns to the respiratory tract and metal fume fever, a condition characterized by flu-like symptoms with metallic taste, fever, chills, cough, weakness, chest pain, muscle pain and increased white blood cell count. Exposure to mercury fumes might also cause central nervous system effects including vertigo, anxiety, depression, muscle incoordination, and emotional instability. Ingestion Mercury ingestion may cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract or even cause perforation of the digestive tract. It may cause effects similar to those for inhalation exposure, including systemic effects. Chronic ingestion may cause accumulation of mercury in body tissues. Safety Precautions for Mercury Thermometer Use Occasionally mercury-containing thermometers are accidentally broken resulting in specific clean- up procedures and loss of research time. Training: Field employees who handle mercury thermometers must have read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and receive training on the hazards of mercury from our educational department. They must know what to do in the event of a spill or an exposure incident. What should you do with a broken thermometer? Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-118