Bowling Green State University conducted a demonstration some years ago on how mercury vapors disperse. The report is a video on the web that is fairly easy to find. It may be useful a part of a class room introduction on vapor phase release training. IMHO it graphically demonstrates that just because an SDS says vapors are heavier than air, they don't necessarily stay on the floor. It also demonstrates that some fairly expensive and sophisticated equipment (such as a mercury vacuum cleaner) doesn't control vapors from the spill. It also demonstrates good use of PPE when dealing with vapors, and by implication shows that full face air purifying respirators may not provide sufficient protection to responders. If this is old news, sorry to waste your time.
George C. Walton, CHMM
Reactives Management Corporation
1025 Executive Blvd., Suite 101
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 436-1033
-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**med.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Frankie Wood-Black
Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2015 8:22 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Gas Leak Training Input
A couple of other thoughts -
Depending upon what the goals of the training are - you might want to consider - leak recognition. Having done lots of leak detection and repair training, it always amazed me that individuals did not recognize that an ice ball around a valve in 100 degree F temps meant escaping gas. And I have also used essential oils (like peppermint) to get someone to recognize a leak and how vapor travels (and it doesn't take much.)
----- Original Message ----- I would suggest contacting a local compressed gas supplier - preferably one of the big ones like Airgas or Praxair. Airgas does this sort if training routinely, and even has some good videos to show. We also have emergency response teams all over the country who may be able to assist. Lastly Airgas has a fantastic website for training responders about compressed gas emergencies: Todd Perkins Sent from my iPhone > On Dec 18, 2015, at 10:37 AM, Samantha D --
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From: "Todd Perkins"
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 11:34:09 AM
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Gas Leak Training Input
Regional Safety Director
Airgas USA, LLC
>
> Hi all,
>
> I'm trying to put together a gas leak training for our ERT members and I can't quite decide how to set it up. If the gas was visible, that would be nice but I can't think of a good candidate. Have any of you done anything like this? If so, any ideas or input into how to get this training onto it's feet would be much appreciated.
>
> I already have liquid spill training planned out.
>
> Thank you!
>
> Samantha Lushtak
> Atmel Corporation
> Environmental, Health, and Safety Engineer
Frankie Wood-Black, Ph.D., REM, MBA
Principal - Sophic Pursuits
6855 Lake Road
Ponca City, OK 74604
fwblack**At_Symbol_Here**cableone.net
580-761-3703