IMA MERCURY PHASE OUT POLICY
In accordance with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, all IMA members are requested to phase out Mercury containing BP Instruments and Thermometer by 27th December 2016.
Mercury is one of the most toxic natural elements. It is a global contaminant and Neurotoxic and has an adverse effect on the human nervous system and other body parts. Mercury is significantly associated with the Health Care Industry and it is used in Thermometers, Blood Pressure measuring instruments (sphygmomanometers), esophageal dilators and dental amalgams.
In this background, it is decided to phase out the mercury containing equipments i.e. B.P. apparatus and thermometers in all the Health Care Institutes and Clinics. It is further decided to purchase only the Mercury free digital thermometer and Aneroid B.P. apparatus. This has been adopted in our Procurement Policy as well.
All IMA Hospitals and health centers are advised to phase out mercury containing equipments (thermometer, BP instruments etc.) and replace them with good quality non mercury equipments, in order to prevent the toxic effects of mercury on patients and health care workers.
Until the mercury based equipments are fully phased out, following guidelines will be used for management of Mercury waste.
a) As mercury waste is a hazardous waste, the storage, handling, treatment and disposal practices should be in line with the requirements of Government of India’s Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Trans-boundary Movement) Rules 2008, which may be seen at website www.cpcb.nic.in
b) Mercury-contaminated waste should not be mixed with other biomedical waste or with general waste. It should not be swept down the drain and wherever possible, it should be disposed off at a hazardous waste facility or be given to a mercury based equipment manufacturer.
c) Precaution should be taken not to handle mercury with bare hands and as far as possible; jewellery should be removed at the time of handling mercury. After handling mercury, hands must be carefully washed before eating or drinking. Appropriate personal protective equipment (rubber gloves, goggles / free shields and clothing) should be used while handling mercury.
d) Mercury-containing thermometers should be kept in a container that does not have a hard bottom. Prefer a plastic container to a glass container, as the possibility of breakage will be less.
e) In case of breakage, cardboard sheets should be used to push the spilled beads of mercury together. A syringe should be used to suck the beads of mercury. Mercury should be placed carefully in a container with some water. Any remaining beads of mercury will be picked up with a sticky tape and placed in a plastic bag, properly labeled.
Reporting formats must be used to report and register any mercury spills / leakages.
Health Care Establishments in Delhi may contact the following two agencies for the disposal of the Mercury Waste (generated from broken / discarded Mercury based Thermometers / B.P. Apparatus etc.) stored in the Hospitals / health Care Establishment:
1) Shri Rohit Talwar
M/s Supreme Surgico, 262 / 425, Lane No.8
Friends colony Industrial Area,
Shadara, Delhi (Mobile No: 9958527527)
2) Shri Sandeep Kalra,
M/s Anita Industries, 29, Bhagat Singh Market
New Delhi (Mobile No: 9810240250)
All State Branches are required to designate similar agencies in the respective States in consultation with the local authorities.
Dr S S Agarwal
National President
Indian Medical Association Honorary Secretary General
This is posted here to reach out to more IMA members ,and shared from communication received from IMA head quarter.
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