Mercury Reduction How to Establish Mercury Pollution Prevention in Your Hospital Gather Data

Identify mercury sources The first task of the implementor is to create a baseline assessment from which progress can be measured. The department contacts should assist in this effort. Use the checklist of possible mercury-containing products and/or the checklist of categories of possible mercury-containing laboratory chemicals as guidelines. The department contacts should perform an audit of all uses and sources of mercury in their own departments.     Evaluate current handling and disposal techniques The program implementor, with the assistance of department contacts, should assess the status of current hospital practices for handling mercury and staff knowledge about mercury sources and spill prevention and management.   If possible, wastewater sample results should be included in the baseline assessment. If the hospital does not currently sample wastewater, work with the hospital's wastewater regulator to learn what data is available or may be collected. Total discharges of mercury in pounds should be calculated. Total discharges are a better indicator of the hospital's impact on the environment than concentration.     Evaluate current policies Department contacts can help to consolidate the hospital's policies that pertain to mercury such as: Handling of mercury-containing products Mercury spill management Recycling or disposal of mercury-containing products Purchase of alternatives to mercury-containing products Policies that address hazardous materials management and laboratory chemical management may be pertinent to mercury, even though mercury may not be mentioned specifically. Hospital policies may be collected by either of the two project leaders.     Evaluate mercury product alternatives Use the information in Chapter 3 to learn more about mercury-free substitutes for the mercury sources noted on your baseline assessment. Hospital suppliers can also assist you in finding mercury-free alternatives.   Questions to ask when comparing a mercury-containing product and a mercury-free substitute include: Is the performance of the substitute as good as the mercury-containing product?   If the performance is not as good, is it adequate for the purpose?   What are the costs for purchase? For calibration (if applicable)? For accessories? For maintenance? For disposal?   Is added cost offset by lower handling, disposal and liability costs?   Does the substitute introduce new problems for maintenance, handling or disposal? Once a decision has been made to introduce a substitute, it can be decided how to implement the substitution. Some hospitals replace mercury-containing products all at once. Some make substitutions gradually, replacing mercury-containing products when they become unusable.

How to establish mercury pollution prevention in your hospital Get Started Gather Data Establish Realistic Goals and Implementation Plans Institute Best Management Practices Measure, Document, and Advertise Success Related Topics: Case Studies Share the experiences of hospitals and clinics that are working to reduce mercury. Why is mercury a problem? The background and health effects of mercury, as well as the benefits of mercury pollution prevention. Best management practices for mercury-containing products in the hospital A description of all the products and locations where mercury is used in your hospital, and what alternatives exist for reducing mercury use. Bibliography Citations for books, articles, and reports that support the information in this section.

How to Establish Mercury Pollution Prevention in Your 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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