1、SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirelyvoluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefro
2、m, is the sole responsibility of the user.”SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS DOCUMENT: (724) 772-8512 FAX: (724) 776-0243TO PLACE A DOCUMENT
3、 ORDER; (724) 776-4970 FAX: (724) 776-0790SAE WEB ADDRESS http:/www.sae.orgCopyright 1998 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.SURFACEVEHICLE400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001STANDARDSubmitted for recognition as an American National StandardJ2456I
4、SSUEDMAY1998Issued 1998-05Mercury Switch Removal Process1. ScopeMercury capsules have been used in the automotive industry in various switching applications. Thebasic design and performance characteristics of mercury switches (or capsules) make these componentsparticularly suited to underhood light
5、and trunk light applications. The processes described in this SAEStandard deal with the location, removal, storage, and recycling of mercury switches and capsules associatedwith these underhood and trunk light applications.1.1 PurposeMercury containing components should be removed from scrapped vehi
6、cles prior to crushing orshredding in order to recover the mercury and eliminate potential mercury release to the environment.Mercury containing components removed during repair or service must also be properly handled andultimately recycled as well. Of the 10 million vehicles scrapped and recycled
7、each year; approximately onethird may contain mercury switches. Each of these underhood light or trunk light applications typically contain0.8 to 1.0g of mercury in a sealed capsule. 1.2 CautionMercury is a naturally occurring metal found in many different forms. It readily evaporates into theair, t
8、hrough a process called volatilization at normal temperatures and pressures, and may be eventuallydeposited back into soil and water through precipitation. Mercury is capable of bioaccumulating; which meansit eventually may concentrate in the food chain where it can become toxic to plants, animals,
9、and humans(Reference 2.1.2). It is therefore important that when following this document, one should always err to thesafe side. When in doubt, assume the underhood light or trunk light contains a mercury capsule. If an attemptto reduce the size of the assembly is made for storage then do so only wi
10、th common hand tools and avoid theuse of power tools if possible.2. References2.1 Applicable PublicationsThe following publications form a part of this specification to the extent specifiedherein.2.1.1 USDOT PUBLICATIONSU. S. Government, DOD SSP, Subscription Service Division, Building 4D, 700Robbin
11、s Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094Hazardous Materials Transport Regulations (Title 49, CFR, Parts 260-268)2.1.2 OTHER PUBLICATIONThe Micromedex Times SystemToxicology, Occupational Medicine, and Environmental Series Plus, 1987-1998, Micromedex, Inc.SAE J2456 Issued MAY1998-2-2.2 Related Publicati
12、onsThe following publications are provided for information purposes only and are not arequired part of this document.Mark Rust, Mike Rafferty, and John Ikeda, “Automobile Shredder Residue Report” (1995), MinnesotaPollution Control AgencyMinnesota Pollution Control Agency, “Mercury Switch Recycling -
13、 A Fact Sheet for Motor Vehicle SalvageFacilities” (1995)Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, “Motor Vehicle Salvage Facilities - A Report on the MPCAsEvaluation, Assessment, and Outreach Effort” (1995)Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, “Motor Vehicle Salvage Facility Environmental Compliance Manual
14、”(1994)3. How Mercury Switches WorkMercury switches are practical for applications such as underhood light andtrunk light switches. The basic function of these devices is to light the underhood or trunk area when the lid isopened. In order to minimize power consumption and maximize customer convenie
15、nce, the lights should beautomatically off when the lid is closed and automatically on when the lid is open.Mercury switches contain two contact points within a capsule. When the capsule is held in a certain range ofangles, the mercury completes the circuit by submerging these contact points in a co
16、ntinuous pool of mercury.Since mercury is a metal it conducts electricity, thus completing the electrical circuit and allowing the electricityto travel to and illuminate the bulb. When the capsule is in the “off” position (hood or trunk closed), the mercurydoes not touch both contact points at the s
17、ame time. This condition does not close the circuit so no electricityflows to the bulb and the bulb is off. The mercury capsule can be tailored to operate over specific tilts inelevation, thus it is highly adaptable to the various angles of hood and trunk lid designs on many differentvehicles.4. Loc
18、ation/IdentificationThe mercury switches of concern are in convenience lighting fixtures usually locatedon the inner panel of a vehicle trunk and/or hood lid. The capsules themselves may be in the base of this smalllighting fixture or along the wiring harness leading to the fixture at a point where
19、the harness flexes. SeeFigure 1.5. Removal/Disassembly5.1 Vehicle RemovalLocate the small mercury lighting fixture or switch and cut the one or two wire harnessleading into the device. Remove any fasteners required to separate the component from the vehicle. Removeany lenses or bulbs as necessary. R
20、epeat process for each mercury containing lighting fixture or switch in thevehicle.5.2 DisassemblyMercury capsules may be removed from the lighting fixture or switch as follows:5.2.1 Remove capsules only at a properly designed work station. Proper work station design requires a secondarycontainment
21、bowl or container made of heavy plastic in a well-lighted well-vented area. 5.2.2 Inspect the lighting fixture or switch to determine the manner in which it was constructed. Locate a snaplatch, clip, mechanical stake, etc., which when removed will allow disassembly. If the manner of constructionis n
22、ot straight forward, then recycle the entire assembly.5.2.3 Remove or open the snap latch, clip, mechanical stake, etc., using hand tools and open the lighting fixture orswitch to expose the mercury capsule. Mercury capsules are generally glass or metal and are cylindrical orbullet shaped. Mercury i
23、tself is a silver-gray liquid metal.5.2.4 Exercise caution when cutting any electrical leads emanating from the capsule in order to avoid rupturing thecapsule itself. Immediately proceed with the capsule to the storage area before returning to recycle any ofthe remaining loose metal/plastic parts.SA
24、E J2456 Issued MAY1998-3-FIGURE 1LOCATION/IDENTIFICATION OF MERCURY SWITCHESSAE J2456 Issued MAY1998-4-5.2.5 If the disassembled lighting fixture has no capsule, revisit the vehicle to see if a switch is mounted in thewiring harness if the particular application relied on some other non-mercury mean
25、s of turning the bulb on.Not all underhood light and truck light applications rely on a mercury switch.6. StorageRemoving the capsule from a lighting fixture or switch reduces the amount of space needed forstorage prior to transport to a recycling facility. The capsules must be kept in a tightly sea
26、lable and leakproofcontainer in such a fashion to assure the integrity of the capsules during storage. These storage containersshould be made of a heavy plastic and should be stored away from the general work area in a cool well-ventilated area. Glass containers are not recommended due to their frag
27、ility; tin or aluminum containersshould not be used because mercury can combine with these metals and also leak through any seams(Reference 2.1.2). Mercury capsules should not be stored on bare ground and they are not to be disposed ofwith regular trash.States, counties, or local municipalities may
28、have regulations as to the maximum inventory of mercury allowedon site, storage time limits, and labeling practices. Consult your local regulations/requirements for appropriateprocedures. Since mercury is a characteristic hazardous waste, be sure to follow all applicable federal, state,and local reg
29、ulations in the storage, handling, and shipping of mercury switches or capsules.7. ShippingMercury should be recycled with a mercury recycling facility. The switches must be securelypackaged in such a way that the capsules will not be damaged or ruptured during transport. Lists of mercuryrecycling f
30、acilities are available from the Automobile Recyclers Association, the United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency, or your state environmental agency.7.1 All shipments containing mercury must follow all the regulations and requirements described by the UnitedStates Department of Transportations Ha
31、zardous Materials Transport Regulations (Title 49, CFR, Parts 260-268), and local/state requirements (Reference 2.1.1).7.2 Keep records of all the switches/capsules your facility has collected and recycled, including shipping invoices,consistent with applicable regulations.8. Cleaning Up Mercury Spi
32、llsMercury is classified as a hazardous waste pursuant to the U.S. ResourceConservation and Recovery Act. All mercury spills must be cleaned up immediately and properly disposed of.The following cleanup procedures are general in nature. Mercury absorbent powders or containers withintegral mercury ab
33、sorbent sponges are available from Laboratory Safety Supply stores. These products arenominally priced and easily capable of containing a spill typical to the volume contained in a single capsule.Some powders for example, are sold in 1000-g containers and are capable of absorbing their weight inmerc
34、ury.8.1 Small mercury spills can be cleaned up using a commercially available Mercury Spill Control Kit available atlaboratory safety supply companies/stores.8.2 For large spills; immediately vacuum up the spill with a vacuum cleaner that has a mercury trap and charcoalcleaner in order to avoid lett
35、ing the vapor escape into the air. Mercury vacuums are available at laboratorysafety supply companies/stores (or call an emergency service capable of large spills).8.3 After vacuuming, chemically clean the entire spill area with a polysulfide mercury decontaminant available fromlaboratory safety sup
36、ply companies/stores.8.4 DO NOT use compressed air to blow the mercury off any surface, as this will increase the amount of mercurythat is airborne and spread it beyond the area of the spill.8.5 DO NOT sweep up the mercury, as this will create even smaller beads of mercury, which can then be trapped
37、in the small cracks of the floor or workbench. The sweeping action also facilitates vaporization and increasesthe chances of exposure (Reference 2.1.2).SAE J2456 Issued MAY1998-5-8.6 DO NOT dispose of any mercury contaminated substances down drains or in the regular trash.8.7 DO NOT use a convention
38、al vacuum cleaner. A conventional vacuum will create toxic mercury vapors. Useonly a properly equipped vacuum cleaner to vacuum mercury spills.8.8 Mercury recovered from spills must be disposed of at a reputable mercury recycling facility.8.9 Determine whether the spill must be reported under any fe
39、deral, state, or local law.9. First Aid Measures9.1 Skin ContactRemove any clothing that has absorbed the mercury and gently wash the affected skin areawith a mild soap and water. Seek medical attention promptly. Mercury contaminated clothing should bedecontaminated only by trained personnel (Refere
40、nce 2.1.2).9.2 Eye ContactFlush eyes with room temperature water for at least 15 min. Lift upper and lower lids to rinsebeneath them as well. Seek medical attention promptly (Reference 2.1.2)9.3 InhalationMove the person to an area where they can get fresh air. Keep them warm and at rest. Seekmedica
41、l attention as soon as possible (Reference 2.1.2).9.4 IngestionSeek medical attention immediately (Reference 2.1.2).PREPARED BY THE SAE SWITCH TASK FORCESAE J2456 Issued MAY1998RationaleNot applicable.Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO StandardNot applicable.ApplicationMercury capsules have been us
42、ed in the automotive industry in various switching applications.The basic design and performance characteristics of mercury switches (or capsules) make thesecomponents particularly suited to underhood light and trunk light applications. The processes describedin this standard deal with the location,
43、 removal, storage, and recycling of mercury switches and capsulesassociated with these underhood and trunk light applications.Reference SectionHazardous Materials Transport Regulations (Title 49, CFR, Parts 260-268)Mark Rust, Mike Rafferty, and John Ikeda, “Automobile Shredder Residue Report” (1995)
44、, MinnesotaPollution Control AgencyMinnesota Pollution Control Agency, “Mercury Switch Recycling - A Fact Sheet for Motor Vehicle SalvageFacilities” (1995)Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, “Motor Vehicle Salvage Facilities - A Report on the MPCAsEvaluation, Assessment, and Outreach Effort” (1995)Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, “Motor Vehicle Salvage Facility Environmental Compliance Manual”(1994)The Micromedex Tomes SystemToxicology, Occupational Medicine, and Environmental Series Plus, 1987-1998, Micromedex, Inc.Developed by the SAE Switch Task Force
