Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. Deposit the mercury into a plastic jar or double-bagged ziplock baggie. (Avoid using glass because it can easily break.) If necessary, suction off the droplets using an eyedropper or syringe. Adhesive tape strips may also be used to clean up any tiny remaining mercury droplets. Place the plastic container inside a plastic bag to provide additional safety. Tighten the lid securely so that liquid and vapors will be contained. Check Carefully for Missed Mercury A very bright flashlight may be used to better illuminate mercury beads in the spill area. If additional assurance is desired, sprinkling powdered sulfur (available from garden supply stores) over the spill area may also help identify missed mercury as the powder will turn brown on contact with mercury. Collect the powder as was done with mercury beads. The sulfur will bind with the mercury, reducing the amount of vapor. (Do not apply sulfur to carpet or soft items.) Special precautions should be taken if mercury was spilled in a high-traffic home area or a confined area where children or infants play. Young children playing on the floor are particularly at risk of mercury's effects on the central nervous system. Continue Ventilation Ventilate as much as possible to completely air out the room or spill zone with outside air. Set Aside Everything You Think Might Be Contaminated with Mercury Package materials securely and label as "Mercury-Contaminated." Clothing or personal belongings that may be contaminated can be tested following the guidance under Large Spills to see if they can be safely returned for use. Consider alternatives to mercury thermometers: (recommended by our Agency) Several types of non-mercury thermometers are available commercially. These include: Digital electronic thermometers, Glass alcohol thermometers, Glass gallium-indium-tin (galinstan) thermometers. What can you do? Consider ways in which you can replace the mercury-containing thermometers in your daily patient care duties with one or more of the alternatives. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-120