PPE should be worn for broken lightbulbs, expert says

Categories: General Health and Safety |


PPE should be worn for broken lightbulbs, expert says Following on from the news that energy saving lightbulbs may be hazardous, an environmental protection agency has suggested that personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used in order to clean up the mess if one is broken.

Businesses who use the bulbs may be interested to hear of advice from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, reported on by the Idaho Press-Tribune, which suggests the safest way of dealing with any mercury bulb leaks.

"Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as rubber gloves, safety glasses, old clothing or coveralls and a dust mask (if you have one) to keep bulb dust and glass from being inhaled," the body said.

Kai Elgethun, from Idaho Health and Welfare, did say, however, that the amount of mercury content in lights is so small that it probably will not pose any danger if it gets out.

According to Environment Agency spokesman Adrian Westwood, who was speaking to inthenews.co.uk, a thermometer has 750 times more mercury content that one of the bulbs.ADNFCR-1200-ID-18423112-ADNFCR

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