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

Refilling mercury-containing sphygmomanometers In order to ensure optimal performance, manufacturers of sphygmomanometers recommend that the mercury be removed and filtered at regular intervals. Once a year is a typical interval, but the mercury should also be removed and filtered any time there is a question about the performance of a sphygmomanometer. If a broken device is to be repaired, it too must have the mercury removed and filtered.   If it is not yet feasible for your hospital to replace all of its mercury sphygmomanometers, make sure there is a protocol for their handling and refilling that is consistent with manufacturer's instructions and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. The protocol might include the following instructions:   Place the sphygmomanometer to be refilled in a clear plastic bag and seal the bag. Do not use a red bag or biohazard bag.   Mark the bag: "CONTAINS MERCURY."   Place the bag in a plastic basin to contain spills while transporting to the area where the sphygmomanometer is to be refilled.   Wear appropriate protective clothing and work within a hood to provide ventilation.   Handle over a tray to contain any spills. Never handle mercury over a sink or floor drain.   Carry the sphygmomanometer back to the patient room as described in steps 1-3 after refilling.     Recycling/disposal of mercury-containing sphygmomanometers Develop a protocol for the preparation of mercury sphygmomanometers for recycling or disposal 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 sphygmomanometer in a clear plastic bag and seal the bag. Do not use a red bag or biohazard bag.   Mark the bag: "CONTAINS MERCURY."   Place the bag in a plastic basin to contain any spills during transport 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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