Safety Data Sheet

Medium Pressure Mercury Arc Discharge Lamps

Before unpacking the lamp, it is essential that the following information be observed in the interest of Health and Safety.

Substances observed within the lamp are not defects but become gaseous during operation generating the appropriate light output.

1. HANDLING

1.1 After initial inspection of goods ensure that the lamp is re-sealed in its original packing if not being immediately installed.

1.2 Before installation ensure that all power to the machine is isolated and remains so until installation is complete 1.3 Ensure that the lamp being replaced is fully cooled before handling.

1.4 Check lamp-holder and electrical connections are in good order. (Bad connections may affect lamp performance).

1.5 Avoid handling lamps with bare hands; always wear clean cotton gloves or hold with a suitable clean cloth. Should lamp surface become contaminated, carefully clean with alcohol using a lint-free cloth.

1.6 Avoid putting excessive force on the lamp during installation.

2. OPERATING HAZARDS

2.1 During normal operation the lamp produces ultra violet radiation. Exposure of the eyes or skin to direct or reflected light may result in serious burns. If affected by exposure seek medical attention.

2.2 Ozone producing lamps should only be operated in systems incorporating suitable extraction to atmosphere. Once extracted, ozone will quickly decompose. Ozone has a distinctive smell that is noticeable at concentrations of 0.01-0.02ppm. Excessive exposure can cause headaches and nausea.

2.3 If a lamp breaks during normal operation, do not attempt to access lamp housing until fully cool. Ensure machine is isolated. Carefully remove all fragments of broken quartz and treat this as hazardous waste, (see section 3). Traces of mercury should be cleaned away in accordance with the attached substance data sheet.

3. DISPOSAL

3.1 Never intentionally break used lamps.

3.2 All lamps, whether broken or intact, should be treated as "Hazardous Waste" and must be disposed of through a licensed waste disposal agency.

3.3 Alternatively, arrangement may be made to return spent lamps to "Amba Lamps Ltd" for the appropriate disposal.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to be taken in handling and storage

1. A high standard of cleanliness should be observed
2. Workrooms should be designed so as to avoid ledges, shelves, etc. Where mercury droplets may collect in cracks and crevices.
3. Benches, walls and floors should be smooth and impervious. Wooden floors are not satisfactory and linoliey or similar materials are not recommended as floor coverings.
4. Benches at which liquid mercury is handled should be inclined at about 10¼ away from the operator and should be fitted with a trough containing water at the rear and a ledge at the front and sides to minimise spillage of mercury on to the floor.
5. Any spillage should be cleared up immediately. If vacuum equipment is used it should be exhausted to outside atmosphere.
6. Containers of mercury should be kept on trays with a smooth impervious surface, which will catch and retain any spillage.
7. Storage of mercury should be in airtight or water-sealed vessels
8. Good general ventilation should be provided, but the local exhaust ventilation may be necessary if personal exposures approach the limiting exposure standard; for those short duration jobs where there may be the possibility of significant exposure to mercury via inhalation but a permanent LEV system cannot be justified, eg, maintenance work, employees should wear a suitable respirator such as the 3M.9908.

THIS INFORMATION IS GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH BEING BASED ON CURRENT DATA AVAILABLE TO HERAEUS AMBA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD AT THE TIME OF PREPARATION. HOWEVER, NO REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, OR GUARENTEE IS MADE AS TO ITS ACCURACY, RELIABILITY OR COMPLETENESS, AND HERAEUS AMBA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY INCURRED USING THIS INFORMATION.

MATERIALS SAFETY DATA SHEET

Supplier:

GE Lighting Ltd
Lincoln Road
Enfield
Middlesex
EN1 1SB

• Chemical name Mercury (Metallic) UN No 2809
• Trade Name & Synonyms Quiksilver, Hydrargyrum
• CAS Number 7439-97-6 Formula Hg

PHYSICAL DATA

• Appearance and Odour Odourless silver coloured heavy liquid, on- combustible
• Boiling Point 357¼C
• Specific gravity (H2O=1) 13.5
• Vapour Pressure (mm Hg) 0.001mm at 20¼C, 0.28mm at 100¼C
• Solubility in Water Insoluble

HAZARDOUS INGREDIANTS

• Material Mercury
• Percent by Weight 100
• Occupational Exposure Limit 0.05mg/m3 (8 hour TWA)

HEALTH HAZARD DATA

• Routes of Exposure
• Inhalation of vapour, absorption through unbroken skin and by ingestion.

Effects of Over-exposure

The first indication of over-exposure will be an elevated concentration of mercury in the urine; if exposure is reduced then the urine concentration will return to normal. If over-exposure continues, early symptoms may include nausea, frequent headaches and tiredness. Continued over-exposure may cause muscular tremor, insomnia, and swollen gums, loosening of teeth and possible kidney damage.

Emergency and First Aid Procedures

Acute mercurial poisoning is very rare in industry. If a substantial quantity is ingested seek medical attention.

Chronic mercurial poisoning is the variety usually encountered in industry; there is limited scope for the first aid treatment and the emphasis must be on the prevention.

Routine personal air monitoring is recommended to ensure compliance with exposure standards: biological monitoring may also be required.

Carcinogenic Assessment

There is no known evidence of any cariogenic effect.

FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

• Flash point Non- combustible
• Test Method Used N/A
• Flammable Limits N/A
• Extinguishing Media In the event of a fire wear self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid inhalation of vapour.

REACTIVITY DATA

• Stability Stable
• Conditions to avoid N/A
• Incompatibility (materials to avoid)
• Prolonged contact with ammonia may result in formation of explosive solid.
• React violently with bromine or chlorine dioxide
• Easily form amalgams with most metal except iron and can therefore cause severe corrosion problems.
• Hazardous Polymerisation will not occur

SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURE

Steps to be taken in case material is released or spilled

Because of the high toxicity of mercury vapour it is important to clean up any spilled mercury as thoroughly as possible. Spillage should first be cleaned up by mechanical means eg. Vacuum probe and trap. The affected areas should then be treated with a wash composed of equal parts of slaked lime and flowers of sulphur mixed with sufficient water to form a thin paste. This wash should be liberally applied and any other contaminated surfaces. Twenty- four hours later the wash should be removed with clean water; it can be washed into the drainage system.

SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

1. Protective clothing including gloves, overalls, etc. Should be provided to prevent skin contact and special arrangements should be made for regular laundering.
2. Washing facilities of a high standard and easily accessible should be provided. Hands should be washed thoroughly after handling mercury- contaminated materials even though gloves were worn.
3. Eating, drinking or smoking should be prohibited in areas where mercury or mercury-contaminated materials are handled.