Introduction

The purpose of Ecolights Northwest's air monitoring program is to assure a safe environment for employees and the surrounding community.

Jerome 431-X Mercury Analyzer

The Jerome 431-X is a portable mercury analyzer capable of testing the ambient mercury levels to as low as 0.003 mg/m3. It is able to capture a reading within 13 seconds, making it useful not only for daily monitoring but also for monitoring after an accidental release of mercury to ensure the safety of the surrounding work environment.

Air testing for mercury is to be performed twice daily during normal production, once before operations begin and once again at the end of the day. OSHA regulations establish a workplace limit of 0.05 mg/m3. If at any time the ambient air readings register an Action Level of 1/2 of the OSHA regulations (0.025 mg/m3) in the production area, all processing of lamps is to cease, all employees are required to wear respirators, and a complete examination of the equipment and surrounding area is to be performed to determine the cause of increased mercury levels in the workplace. Prior to resumption of production, a corrective action work program must be developed to reduce mercury levels to below the Action Level.

In addition to the twice daily tests, twice yearly testing of the tube between the carbon beds and the HEPA filter is completed to evaluate the status of the carbon beds.

Handling and Maintenance of the Jerome 431-X

At the beginning of each day the Jerome Meter is zeroed. The zero in the membrane switch is used to re-establish a baseline between the reference and sensor gold film after a switch regeneration. Once sampling has begun the Meter will automatically zero out after each sample. At the end of the day the Meter is to be regenerated. In addition, the Meter will regenerate one hour after the Sample button is pressed. Re-certification of the mercury analyzer is to be performed annually by the manufacturer.

Record Keeping

Tests are conducted twice daily using the Jerome Meter R431X and recorded in a Mercury Readings Log. In addition, the Log is to contain the results of the twice yearly testing of the mercury levels between the carbon beds and results of an inspection of the HEPA filter. The Log is also to be used to record all readings taken before, during, and after a mercury spill or other possible contamination and clean-up.

Once a Log has been completed it is turned into the office and filed. These files are to be kept on site for a minimum of 5 years.