Question

What are the precautions that one must follow while handling a mercury thermoter?

Answer 1

While handling mercury thermometer, one should take some precautions, which are as follows:

1) Thermometer should be washed with an antiseptic solution before and after use.
2) Before use keep the level of mercury below ${35}^{o}C$.
3) Reading of thermometer should be along the line of the level of the mercury.
4) While reading thermometer, do not hold it by the bulb.
5) All forms of mercury are toxic, so handle it with care, since it can break easily.
6) If thermometer breaks, clean up the spill immediately.
7) One can get infection of mercury poisoning by inhalation, ingestion, and injection or absorption through the skin. Thus, mercury liquid should not be touched with your hand, use gloves for cleaning.