Status and Collection · Removal Response Technologies of Mercury (Hg) Leakage Accidents in Korea : A Focus on Educational Institutions

This study aims to systematically analyze the characteristics of mercury(Hg) leakage incidents occurring in various environments, including educational institutions, and to propose countermeasures to ensure the safety of on-site response personnel and prevent secondary damage. According to domestic chemical accident statistics from 2020 to 2022, Hg leaks showed the highest frequency, with an especially high proportion of accidents occurring in educational institutions. In this study, assuming a Hg leakage scenario, a step-by-step response procedures were presented, including wearing personal protective equipment, ventilating the site, collecting and removing Hg droplets, confirming the absence of residues, sealing and disposing of contaminated materials and suppressing vaporization. The proposed procedures and techniques can serve as fundamental data for the standardization of on-site responses and the enhancement of response capabilities and are expected to contribute to improving safety management levels in educational institutions and preventing the recurrence of Hg-related accidents.