Introduction

Since 1916 W. A. Baum Company has manufactured clinical sphygmomanometers and in the process has handled many thousands of pounds of mercury. Our experience in recycling elemental mercury has taught us to "keep it simple". Remember, elemental mercury should not be discarded. It should be recycled, never incinerated.

Keeping It Simple

1. No special equipment is required.
2. Expensive professional cleanup fees are avoided.
3. The recovered mercury can be cleaned, on-site, and returned directly to the instrument.

Reportable Spill Quantity

Section 103 of the Comprehensive Emergency Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA, commonly referred to as the Superfund), indicates that a mercury spill of less than one pound is not a reportable event. "Reportable" in this context, refers to the notification of any outside agency such as a state Environmental Protection Agency, OSHA, or the Hazardous Materials Division of a local Fire Department or Public Health Agency.

The Mercury In Baumanometer® Instruments

Every Baumanometer® Instrument contains approximately one quarter (1/4) pound - approximately 2 teaspoons - of triple-distilled, American Dental Association grade, (99.999% pure), elemental mercury.

Simple Tools Used To Recycle

1. Disposable gloves.
2. Plastic dustpan.
3. Large envelope, reinforced with tape along the bottom edge.
4. Several sheets of paper.
5. Disposable syringe with a blunt-ended, large bore needle.
6. Large plastic box with a snap-on lid.
7. Plastic jar with a screw-on top.
8. Paper, plastic or Styrofoam cups.
9. Disposable paint brush.
10. Sheet of thin cardboard, stiff paper or plastic.

Recycling Procedure

1. Maintain adequate ventilation in the area. To maintain adequate ventilation, do not close doors and windows. To prevent tracking, restrict access through the site until the recycling is complete.
2. Remove all jewelry. Note: Elemental mercury combines with silver, gold and other soft metals in a process called "amalgamation" (a method used by dentists to make silver fillings).
3. Put on disposable gloves.
4. Set a large plastic box in place. This will be used in step number 8.
5. Use a piece of stiff paper, plastic squeegee, or a similar item to push the beads of mercury together until they form larger droplets. Note: Elemental mercury is a non-wetting liquid. That is why it does not "soak into", or wet, other surfaces. Also, since no chemicals are used, it remains pure, elemental mercury (un"amalgamated")
6. Pick up the droplets of mercury by using a stiff sheet of paper to push them into an envelope that has been taped along the bottom edge or draw them up in a small (3cc) disposable syringe with a blunt needle. Deposit them in an unbreakable jar with a threaded cap.
7. With the large plastic storage box (step 4) in position, place the plastic jar inside the box and very slowly pour the recovered mercury into the jar and install cap. Label and store the mercury until needed or clean it and return it to the instrument. Do not discard it. It should be recycled, never incinerated.
8. Remove your gloves and wash your hands.

Additional Suggestions

1. Contact the manufacturer of the instrument. If the instrument is a Baum Co. product; Phone: 631-226-3940 Fax: 631-226-3969
   Email: info@wabaum.com or visit our web site (www.wabaum.com)
2. Recycle. Do not discard or incinerate elemental mercury.
3. Install new Mylar® clad calibrated cartridge tubes on all Baumanometer® instruments.
4. Install lever locks on all Wall Unit 33 instruments.
5. Distribute the mercury cleanup procedure to all appropriate departments.
6. Do not use a vacuum cleaner unless it is a specialized mercury vacuum.
7. Pick up small amounts of mercury (tiny beads) with a disposable (3 cc) syringe.
8. Triple-distilled, American Dental Association grade, (99.999 % pure), elemental mercury at room temperature does not vaporize rapidly.
9. Elemental mercury is an essential component of a Baumanometer® clinical sphygmomanometer. No other substance possesses the unique characteristics needed to produce instruments that are the world standard for accuracy in blood pressure measurement.