HSE guidelines HMERCURY

April 2017

MERCURY

Work safely or don’t work at all

There are strict procedures when working on installations and systems. After all, there’s a risk for hazardous substances to be released. Therefore read the Permit to Work carefully and check if the described control measures have been taken. Then take the precautionary measures which belong to your job.

Always be alert to prevent hazardous substances from being released. When in doubt: always ask or stop working!

Speaking the same clear language regarding Health, Safety and Environment,and harmonisation of regulations by focusing primarily on agreements between companies and contractors.

That is the goal the member parties of HSElife NL pursue.

As well as the information that has already been harmonised, location and company-specific information also applies. Ask for it!

MERCURY

• occurs in gas-containing formations• as metallic mercury in all production facilities• may also occur in the sludge from, for example, skimmer tanks• is harmful to health and the environment

Maximum caution and care is called for!

MERCURY

MERCURY

WHAT PROPERTIES DOES MERCURY HAVE?

Liquid metalEvaporates easilyToxicHarmful to the environmentOdourless

MERCURY

WHAT PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT?Use the correct personal protection equipment in the prescribed manner (obliged by law) and keep them in good condition. This is how you protect yourself, others and the environment.

Depending on the concentration of mercury vapor measured with a mercury vapour monitor, the following measures per concentration must be taken:

• < 0.02 mg/m³ - use the basic PPE set for working with mercury

• 0.02 – 0.4 mg/m³ - basic PPE set + full-face mask ABEKHgP3

• > 0.4 mg/m³ - basic PPE set + independent respiratory protection + Viton overall (only for classified personnel) Limit value mercury: 0.02 mg/m³Action value mercury: 0.02 mg/m³

MERCURY

In this case the basic PPE set for operations with mercury is:

• standard overall• liquid proof disposable overall (PE) • gloves (viton, nitril or butyl)• safety boots (PU)• safety helmet• safety glasses

Please note: for work involving a specific risk, the supervisor determines the additional protection equipment required. These are specified in the work permit.

MERCURY

PREVENTING POLLUTION

• Use leak trays / decontamination-unit• Deposit (possible) mercury contaminated clothing with the mercury containing waste• This also applies to used (and sealed) filters

N.B. Mercury levels are to be measured beforehand by a certified employee. Afterwards, all items of personal protective equipment used must be tested with a mercury vapour meter. If mercury vapour is detected, the personal protective equipment in question must be cleaned or disposed of as mercury-containing waste.

MERCURY

DURING THE WORK

• Ensure good ventilation• Respect safety zones (red-white warning tape)• Mercury measurements must be repeated during the day• Use the proper PPE on the prescribed manner

MERCURY

SUSPICION OF MERCURY

• Leave the workplace immediately.• Report the suspicion to your site manager/supervisor.

MERCURY

PERSONAL HYGIENE

Always wash your hands with lots of water and soap:• before taking a break• before eating and drinking• before and after going to the toilet• before smoking• before leaving the site

MERCURY

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF LEAKAGES?

Mercury may be released in the event of a leak. Stop all work and report every leak directly to the permit holder / site manager / supervisor.

MERCURY

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH MERCURY?

Acute vomiting, fever with cold chills, metallic taste, muscle aches, tremors, headache, salivation, coughing, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. Followed, a little later, by various paralysis symptoms.

Cronic bronchitis, pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), allergic skin disorders, nephrotic syndrome, impairment of the nervous system

Actions to take Bring the victim into the open for fresh air, rest,by inhalation if necessary carry out mechanical resuscitation (NO MOUTH TO MOUTH RESUSCITATION)

Actions to take Remove contaminated clothing, wash the skin with lots by skin contact of water and soap

MERCURY

Actions to take Flush with lots of water or eye fluid, if applicable,by contact with eyes remove contact lenses

Actions to take If conscious, rinse mouth with water,by ingestion DO NOT induce vomiting

Be responsible: immediately notify the medic, in all cases!

MERCURY

QUESTIONS? MORE INFORMATION?

You can always approach the site manager/supervisor.

MERCURY

Use the leak trays and decontamination unit

Repeat mercury measurements throughout the day

Wash your hands frequently with plenty of soap and water

Dispose of contaminated clothing and filter units with other mercury waste

Use the correct PPE (see folder)

5 TO REMEMBER1

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IMPORTANT! If you suspect mercury contamination or see a mercury leak, report it immediately to the site manager or supervisor and leave the workplace.

MERCURY

QUESTION

1. What are the properties of mercury?

A) It’s a liquid metal, it evaporates easily, it’s toxic, combustible, harmful to the environment and odourless.

B) It’s a liquid metal, it evaporates easily, it’s toxic, oxygen displacing, harmful to the environment and odourless.

C) It’s a liquid metal, it evaporates easily, it’s toxic, harmful to the environment and odourless.

MERCURY

ANSWER

1. What are the properties of mercury?

A) It’s a liquid metal, it evaporates easily, it’s toxic, combustible, harmful to the environment and odourless.

B) It’s a liquid metal, it evaporates easily, it’s toxic, oxygen displacing, harmful to the environment and odourless.

C) It’s a liquid metal, it evaporates easily, it’s toxic, harmful to the environment and odourless.

MERCURY

QUESTION

2. Mercury is produced to a greater or lesser degree during the production of natural gas. In which production facilities may mercury occur?

A) In pipes, filters, tanks and glycol units.

B) In pipes, filters, tanks, glycol units and pressure pumps.

C) In pipes, filters, tanks, glycol units, pressure pumps and skimmer tanks.

MERCURY

ANSWER

2. Mercury is produced to a greater or lesser degree during the production of natural gas. In which production facilities may mercury occur?

A) In pipes, filters, tanks and glycol units.

B) In pipes, filters, tanks, glycol units and pressure pumps.

C) In pipes, filters, tanks, glycol units, pressure pumps and skimmer tanks.

MERCURY

QUESTION

3. Which basic personal protection equipment should you use for operations with mercury?

A) A standard overall, liquid proof disposable overall (PE), full-face respirator with ABEKHgP3 filter unit, gloves (viton), safety boots (PU), safety helmet, safety glasses.

B) A standard overall, liquid proof disposable overall (PE), gloves (viton), safety boots (PU), safety helmet, safety glasses.

C) A disposable overall, liquid proof disposable overall (PE), gloves (viton), safety boots (PU), safety helmet, safety glasses, disposable overshoes.

MERCURY

ANSWER

3. Which basic personal protection equipment should you use for operations with mercury?

A) A standard overall, liquid proof disposable overall (PE), full-face respirator with ABEKHgP3 filter unit, gloves (viton), safety boots (PU), safety helmet, safety glasses.

B) A standard overall, liquid proof disposable overall (PE), gloves (viton), safety boots (PU), safety helmet, safety glasses.

C) A disposable overall, liquid proof disposable overall (PE), gloves (viton), safety boots (PU), safety helmet, safety glasses, disposable overshoes.

MERCURY

QUESTION

4. What do you do when someone has ingested mercury?

A) You immediately notify the medic and you bring the victim into the open for fresh air. If necessary you carry out mouth to mouth resuscitation.

B) You immediately notify the medic. If the victim is conscious, rinse his mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting.

C) You raise the alarm and report the incident immediately to the site manager or supervisor. Then you immediately notify the medic.

MERCURY

ANSWER

4. What do you do when someone has ingested mercury?

A) You immediately notify the medic and you bring the victim into the open for fresh air. If necessary you carry out mouth to mouth resuscitation.

B) You immediately notify the medic. If the victim is conscious, rinse his mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting.

C) You raise the alarm and report the incident immediately to the site manager or supervisor. Then you immediately notify the medic.

MERCURY

QUESTION

5. How do you prevent pollution by mercury?

A) Use leak trays / decontamination-unit. Deposit (possible) mercury contaminated clothing and used (and sealed) filters with the mercury containing waste. Clean boots according to the procedures.

B) Use leak trays / decontamination-unit. Deposit (possible) mercury contaminated clothing and used (and sealed) filters with the mercury containing waste. Clean boots according to the procedures. Have mercury measurements carried out after work by a certified employee.

C) Use leak trays / decontamination-unit. Deposit (possible) mercury contaminated clothing and used (and sealed) filters with the mercury containing waste. Clean boots according to the procedures. You must ensure that there is no ventilation in order to prevent mercury vapors from ending up in the environment.

MERCURY

ANSWER

5. How do you prevent pollution by mercury?

A) Use leak trays / decontamination-unit. Deposit (possible) mercury contaminated clothing and used (and sealed) filters with the mercury containing waste. Clean boots according to the procedures.

B) Use leak trays / decontamination-unit. Deposit (possible) mercury contaminated clothing and used (and sealed) filters with the mercury containing waste. Clean boots according to the procedures. Have mercury measurements carried out after work by a certified employee.

C) Use leak trays / decontamination-unit. Deposit (possible) mercury contaminated clothing and used (and sealed) filters with the mercury containing waste. Clean boots according to the procedures. You must ensure that there is no ventilation in order to prevent mercury vapors from ending up in the environment.