ChE Faculty, Staff and Students,

During the recent safety inspections, we observed several labs where mercury thermometers are in use or stored for back-up temperature measurement.  Mercury, when spilled, forms droplets and emits hazardous vapor.  Clean-up of spilled mercury is tricky and expensive and accounts for 75% of REM’s clean-up efforts. 

As part of hazard and pollution prevention, Purdue has a mercury replacement program in place (https://www.purdue.edu/rem/hmm/mercinfo.htm).  REM has identified suitable replacements for mercury thermometers and has personnel who can help you with choosing the best replacement. 

We need to do the right thing and eliminate mercury thermometers in ChE in 2011.  Thank you for your follow-up.

Contact any of the safety committee members if you have questions.

Linda

Linda S. Davis

Industrial Education Director

Chair, ChE Safety Committee (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ChE/AboutUs/Safety.html)

School of Chemical Engineering

Purdue University

480 Stadium Mall Dr.

West Lafayette, IN 47907-2100

Phone: (765)496-1710

lsdavis@purdue.edu