mercury abatement

[mattttt25]

does anyone have experience or knowledge on mercury abatement procedures for contaminated buildings? i have a new project kicking off soon, and we'll run across this issue. looking for some in-depth knowledge/guidance if anyone happens to have it.

 

[Bob in Calif.]

Re: mercury abatement

Matttt........<br /><br />What kind of material is contaminated with the mercury and how extensive is it?<br /><br /> ...Bob in Calif...

 

[mattttt25]

Re: mercury abatement

it's an old building that held chemistry offices, classrooms, and labs. the lab deck was destroyed by isabel, and we spent about a month stabilizing the conditions so we would not lose the entire facility. we have now awarded for the full renovation of the building (previously planned), and want to get the contractor into the lab deck early to complete abatement. all chems where removed during the hurricane recovery, so all we have left is lots of built-in casework and fume hoods. relatively simple procedures for removing the casework and fume hoods, and abating the acm's. but we have loose mercury in various locations. we've had several meetings where various techniques and procedures were discussed, but i have just not dealt with mercury abatement before. wondering if anyone had.

 

[Bob in Calif.]

Re: mercury abatement

Matttttt.....<br /><br />The eaisest remedy to recover the loose mercury would be to convert the mercury to a solid state, then use a vaccum system for removal.<br /><br />You can use Co2 fire extinguishers to solidify the mercury and remove it with a vaccum system, such as a shopvac. I would make sure the the interior of the vaccum canister is clean and a new filter is in place. This will make for an eaiser method of disposal, when the mercury returns to it's liquid state.<br /><br />Make sure you wear a good respirator or mask when doing your removal procedures, because if was a chemical lab, you really don't know what latent chemicals might be in your working environment.<br />I would consider your working environment as a haz-mat situation, so you should use all the precaution you need.<br />I would also wear some good neoprene gloves, just in case. <br />Just remember, Mercury is a poisionus, heavy metal, so treat it as such. Good Luck<br /><br /> ...Bob in Calif...

 

[mattttt25]

Re: mercury abatement

bob- thanks. that's the approach we're taking. visible mercury will be vacuumed and disposed of under a semi-controlled environment. the lab casework and fumehoods will be tested, and based on results, may be disposed as haz waste. standard acm abatement will follow, eliminating some pipe insulation and the 9x9s. we'll then be left with slab and cmu block walls, prior to demo.<br /><br />the only issue we're wrestling with is if we need to use some sort of chemical to "knock down" any residual mercury vapors and clean the bare slab and walls, prior to allowing the demo guys in.<br /><br />i've learned there are very few federal regs concerning mercury abatement and acceptable levels. it's been a learning opportunity. i'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[Bob in Calif.]

Re: mercury abatement

The mercury vapor shouldn't be a problem, as I don't see you doing anything to cause it vaporize. Mercury will vaporize when it is heated to it's boiling point, such as when you "distill" it. <br /><br />As far as the pipe insulation goes, if the building is fairly old, say built in the 1950's, the insulation probably contain asbestos. <br /><br />Although not all asbestos is carcinogenic, I wouldn't remove it, with out the proper safeguards. If it does contain asbestos, I would check and see what OSHA suggests for clothing and face mask minimums.<br /><br /> ...Bob in Calif...

 

[mattttt25]

Re: mercury abatement

bob- yes, we have that all covered. thanks again.