Broken CFL clean-up kit

To clean up safely after a CFL is broken, follow these steps from the Right-Light website:

• 1. Mercury vaporises readily at room temperature, so ventilate the room (by opening all the windows) for 15 minutes before you start the clean-up. Turn off all heating/air conditioning systems, heat pumps and dehumidifiers.
• 2. Don’t use a vacuum or a broom - this could vaporise the mercury and spread it through the room (as well as contaminating the vacuum cleaner or broom).
• 3. Put on a pair of rubber of latex gloves before cleaning up. This will help protect you against any cuts from the broken bulb.
• 4. Sweep up the big pieces of broken glass with a piece of stiff paper or cardboard. Then wrap these pieces in newspaper and place in a plastic bag. Use the sticky side of duct or some other wide tape to clean up the smaller pieces. Wrap these in newspaper too and place in the bag.
• 5. Wipe down the area with a damp paper towel. Place the used paper towels (and your gloves) in the plastic bag.
• 6. Store the sealed bag outside until the next rubbish collection.