Construction of a standard procedure for the management of mercury residues from thermometers

Abstract

Objective: To describe the process of building a manual for the management of mercury residues from thermometers. Methodology: Bibliographic search in different databases, to identify procedures, instructions or similar of free access, existing in Colombia and other parts of the world. The search was performed with the Google engine, using the keywords: mercury, thermometers, waste and health institutions, during January and February 2012. From the collected documentation, we proceeded to design a standard procedure, based on the PHVA methodology. Results: There is no specific procedure for the collection of waste from the breakdown of thermometers in Colombia. Using references from other countries as a reference, a Standard Operating Procedure was formulated, which in turn has four instructions: Site evaluation and ventilation, mercury spill clean-up case, glass collection and location and collection of mercury drops. Additionally, two registration systems were generated for monthly breakdown control and training attendance. Conclusions: There is no standard procedure for the management of residual mercury from thermometers in Colombia. The standard operating procedure designed here is put to the consideration of the scientific community.