PROPERTY
20.77
New 12-07
Surplus Stores
335-4630
MERCURY-CONTAINING DEVICES
The department may offer equipment items for surplus which contain unbroken mercury-containing devices which are integral to the function of the equipment. However, the department must identify these devices on an Item Evaluation form for each item.
To obtain copies of the evaluation form, complete and/or print the PDF master on 20.77.4.
Surplus Stores must notify prospective buyers of any nonleaking mercury devices within items prior to sale.
Examples
The list below provides examples of mercury-containing devices and is not exhaustive.
Barometers
Commercial/industrial cooling equipment
Flame sensors
Float switches
Flow meters
FreezersGas-fired devices with pilot lights and flame sensors (gas ranges and ovens)
Gas flow regulatorsCommercial/industrial heating equipment
Lamps, including the following types:
Fluorescent high intensity discharge
High pressure sodium
Mercury arc
Metal halide
Neon
UV disinfectantManometers
Pyrometers
Septic tanks
Sphygmomanonometers
Sump pumps
SwitchesThermostats
ThermometersContact Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) for additional information on identifying mercury containing devices; telephone 335-3041.
Thermometers
NOTE: Prior to surplusing, the department is responsible for managing intact mercury thermometers that are not integral to the function of the equipment or any broken thermometer as chemical waste. Follow the guidelines of the University's Hazardous Waste Management Program.
To view the guidelines, see SPPM S70.40, S70.41, and S70.42, and the online Chemical Collection Request form at:
The departments may sell a thermometer that is an integral component of an item and is intact. However, the department must identify the thermometer on an Item Evaluation form.
MERCURY SPILLS
See SPPM S70.45 for more information.
Pullman Campus/Whitman County
If mercury is spilled at any WSU Pullman or Whitman County location after normal work hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) or in a public area at any time, evacuate personnel from the area and telephone 911. A public area is an area such as a hallway, lobby, or sidewalk.
NOTE: If mercury is spilled in a nonpublic area at WSU Pullman or Whitman County during normal working hours, do not call 911. Contact EH&S; telephone 335-3041. A nonpublic area is a room to which access can be controlled by some means, i.e., a door.
EH&S must clean any spilled mercury and release the area for reoccupancy.
Non-Whitman County Location
If mercury is spilled at a non-Whitman County location, evacuate personnel from the area. If the spill occurs during normal work hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.), contact the Statewide EH&S Manager; telephone 509-663-8181, ext. 230, or EH&S in Pullman: telephone 509-335-3041. If the spill occurs after normal work hours, contact the Whitman County Emergency Dispatcher; telephone 509-332-2521.
EH&S trained and/or approved personnel must cleanup the spill. Contact EH&S to release of the area for reoccupancy; telephone 335-3041.