Industry Relations & Standards
Document No.:
Revision No.:
Issue Date:
DQ4-144-067
E
09-08-2006
Subject: Warning – Metal Halide Display/Optic Lamps [HMI, HMD, HMP, HSD, HSR, HTI, HCD]
Please verify that you have the latest revision prior to use. Do not use if outdated.
H/Warnings/OSRAM/MHID.doc
Printed on: 9/29/2006 9:21:00 AM
Page 5 of 6
LAMP TRANSPORTATION:
1. All Display/Optic metal halide lamps should be transported ONLY in their original packaging.
2. Transportation in non-original packaging can damage the lamp and void warranty.
3. U.S. Federal regulations require mercury-containing lamps to be shipped ONLY in DOT-
compliant packaging. Original OSRAM packaging is DOT-compliant.
MERCURY FILL OF DISPLAY/OPTIC METAL HALIDE LAMPS:
•
Mercury is referred to by its chemical symbol, Hg, which is derived from the Greek and Latin
“hydrargyrum,” a silvery shiny liquid metal at room temperature. In humid air it is covered
with a gray oxide skin. Of all metals it has the highest vapor pressure which increases
exponentially with rising temperatures. For this reason, mercury is volatile at room
temperature. The colorless and odorless vapors produced are poisonous and heavier than air.
•
The inhalation (respiration) of mercury or mercury compounds as vapor or dust will lead to the
damage of lungs, kidneys, and the nervous system. Apart from inhalation, mercury can be
transmitted through the skin (penetration) or through the gastro-intestinal tract (ingestion),
which is also harmful.
•
The ACGIH TLVs are merely guidelines to assist in the control of health hazards. The
ACGIH states that the TLVs refer to airborne concentrations of substances and represent
conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed day
after day without adverse health effects. Therefore, the TLV for mercury should never be
exceeded.
•
Analytical detection of mercury vapor is possible by means of gas/vapor detector tubes (rough
measurement) or air-monitors that absorb mercury vapor.
