What do people do to stay safe using mercury?

Answer 1

The use of Mercury in industrial or laboratory locations is governed by comprehensive workplace health and safety rules.

Basically these include the use of protective clothing (gloves and eye shields, the provision of proper ventilation (fume hoods) and the proper attention to disposal of wastes containing mercury and the easy availability of proper spill and cleanup procedures and equipment.

There are usually requirements for monitoring of the workplace indoor air quality and evacuation alarms.

Answer 2

Mercury is a highly toxic substance that requires careful handling to ensure that you aren't poisoned:

• You should wear goggles when doing any Chemistry, but here you are dealing with something poisonous, so it is particularly important.
• Wear gloves to protect your skin from contact with the Mercury
• Use your common sense (don't drink it!)
• A fume hood/cupboard isn't necessary, but may still be a good idea if you have one.

In short, just practice general chemical safety, and you'll be fine.

Answer 3

By wearing eye protection and by wearing gloves