Mercury Reduction Best Management Practices for Mercury-containing Products in the Hospital Gastrointestinal Tubes

Recycling/disposal of mercury-containing gastrointestinal tubes Gastrointestinal tubes typically have expiration dates, after which their use must be discontinued. Make sure the hospital has a protocol for the handling and recycling or disposal of mercury-containing tubes that is consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state and local regulations, and other pertinent standards. Contact your hazardous waste management coordinator for details about packaging, labeling and transporting that are specific to your facility. A suggested protocol might include the following instructions:   Place the tube(s) in a clear plastic bag and seal the bag. Do not use red bags or biohazard bags.   Mark the bag: "CONTAINS MERCURY."   Place the bag in a plastic basin to contain any spills during transport of the tubes to the designated hazardous waste collection point.

Best Management Practices Fever Thermometers Sphygmomanometers Gastrointestinal Tubes Dental Amalgam and Mercury Laboratory Chemicals Pharmaceutical Products Cleaners and Degreasers Batteries Lamps Electrical Equipment Thermostat Probes in Gas Appliances Industrial Thermometers Pressure Gauges Plumbing Spills Storage Areas Hospital Employee Health and Safety Related Topics: Case Studies Why is mercury a problem? How to establish mercury pollution prevention in your hospital. Bibliography

Best Management Practices for Mercury-containing Products in the Hospital   Mercury Reduction   R E G I S T E R     G L O S S A R Y     F E E D B A C K     S I T E  M A P     H O M E

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