 CAUTION |
Risk of chemical exposure. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when replacing bulbs. A broken bulb may result in exposure to phosphor powder dust and to elemental mercury vapor. The phosphor contains thallium, which can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. |
| CAUTION |
Risk of electric shock. Do not replace the bulbs while the UVCA 3000 is connected to a power source. |
The work area must be cleaned immediately if a fluorescent bulb is broken. For additional information, see EPA: Cleaning Up a Broken CFL.
After Breakage
- Instruct all personnel to leave the area.
- Open exterior doors and windows to ventilate the room.
- Leave the room for 15 minutes.
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Before re-entering the room to begin cleaning, you must wear PPE: disposable gloves, a dust mask, and safety glasses.
Cleanup
Important: Do not clean up broken glass with a vacuum or a broom.
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Clean up broken glass using pieces of stiff paper or cardboard, such as an index card. Do not use a broom or a vacuum.
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Start on the outer edge of the area to be cleaned and work your way across systematically. This will prevent you from collecting broken glass and phosphor powder on your shoes.
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Use wide strips of tape (packing tape or duct tape) to pick up the remaining small pieces of glass and phosphor powder.
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Wipe the entire area clean with damp paper towels.
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Wipe your shoes with a damp paper towel. Pay close attention to the bottom of your shoes.
Post-Cleanup
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Promptly place all debris and cleaning materials, including gloves and dust mask, into a disposable bag. Seal the bag.
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Place the disposable bag into a hazardous waste container.
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If your clothes were contaminated during the initial breakage or the cleaning process, dispose of your clothing as hazardous waste. Do not leave the facility with contaminated clothing.
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Disposed of all collected materials in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
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Wash all exposed skin thoroughly.