TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE (TLV-TWA): 0.025 mg/m³ as mercury (Hg), Skin - Carcinogenicity Designation A4

TLV BASIS - CRITICAL EFFECT(S) : CNS (central nervous system); Kidney; Reproductive.

CARCINOGENICITY DESIGNATION A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen: Inadequate data on which to classify the substance as a human and/or animal carcinogen.

BIOLOGICAL EXPOSURE INDICES (BEIs): The ACGIH has adopted a BEI for this chemical. BEIs provide an indication of worker exposure by measuring the chemical or its breakdown products in the body or by measuring biochemical changes resulting from exposure to the chemical. Consult the BEI documentation for further information.

"SKIN" NOTATION: Contact with skin, eyes, mucous membranes can contribute to the overall exposure and may invalidate the TLV. Consider measures to prevent absorption by these routes.

NOTE: In many jurisdictions, exposure limits are similar to the ACGIH TLVs. Since the manner in which exposure limits are established, interpreted, and implemented can vary, obtain detailed information from the appropriate government agency in each jurisdiction.

Mercury metal will not burn and does not support combustion. Under fire conditions, very toxic mercury vapour and mercuric oxide will be formed.

At ordinary temperatures, mercury is stable. Mercury reacts with hydrogen sulfide in the air to form mercuric sulfide.

Heat, flames, metal surfaces.

No, mercury is odourless.

POOR - mercury is odourless and nonirritating.

This material is a VERY TOXIC (INHALATION/SKIN ABSORPTION HAZARD, SKIN SENSITIZER, REPRODUCTIVE HAZARD) liquid. It is also CORROSIVE to many metals. It also forms amalgams with some metals, like gold jewelry. The following handling recommendations are for the industrial use of mercury. Before handling, it is important that engineering controls are operating and that protective equipment requirements and personal hygiene measures are being followed. People working with this chemical should be properly trained regarding its hazards and its safe use. Maintenance and emergency personnel should be advised of potential hazards.

Unprotected persons should avoid all contact with this chemical including contaminated equipment. Immediately report leaks, spills or ventilation failures.

Avoid generating vapours or mists. Prevent the release of vapours or mists into the air. Use the smallest possible amounts in an area separate from the storage area. When handling large quantities, closed handling systems should be used. Do not heat mercury in other than a closed system.

Do not use with incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents (e.g.chlorine dioxide). Never return contaminated material to its original container.

Use the type of container recommended by the manufacturer. Metals that have good or excellent resistance to corrosion by amalgamation include, iron, steel, stainless steel, nickel and molybdenum. Inspect containers for leaks before handling. Secondary protective containers must be used when this material is being carried. Label containers. Avoid damaging containers. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Assume that empty containers contain residues which are hazardous. Use corrosion-resistant transfer equipment when dispensing. Whenever possible, use self-closing, portable containers for dispensing small amounts of this material. Never transfer liquid by pressurizing original container with air or inert gas. Good housekeeping is very important. Immediate and complete cleanup of spills is necessary. Do not use on porous work surfaces (e.g. wood). Use work surfaces which can be easily decontaminated.

Follow chemical manufacturer/supplier's advice regarding venting of drums. Immediately contact the chemical manufacturer/supplier for handling instructions if drums of this material appear to be swollen.

Follow handling precautions on Material Safety Data Sheet. Have suitable emergency equipment for fires, spills and leaks readily available. Maintain handling equipment. Comply with applicable regulations.

Engineering methods to control hazardous conditions are preferred. Methods include mechanical ventilation (dilution and local exhaust), process or personnel enclosure, control of process conditions, and process modification (e.g. substitution of a less hazardous material). Because of the high potential hazard associated with this substance, stringent control measures such as enclosure (closed handling system) or isolation may be necessary.

Use a corrosion-resistant local exhaust ventilation system separate from other exhaust ventilation systems. Cleaning of contaminated exhaust air before release to the outdoors may be necessary. Supply sufficient replacement air to make up for air removed by exhaust systems.