: Mercury control in Health Care Establishments :

Due to breakage of thermometers, pressure and other measuring equipments in health care facilities, there is possibility of mercury spillage. This type of mercury spillage needs to be given proper attention not only in respect of the collection of the spoiled mercury, its storage and sending of the same back to the manufacturers, but also taking all measures to ensure that the spilt mercury does not become part of the bio- medical or other solid wastes generated from the health care facilities.

Schedule-2 of the Hazardous Waste (M & H) Rules, 2003 indicates that any waste containing equal or more than 50 ppm of mercury is a hazardous waste and hence, the concerned generators of the wastes, including Health Care Facilities, are required to dispose such mercury bearing waste as per Hazardous Waste (M&H) Rules.