Masterhandyman

Listen Here! -- September 4, 2010
►Handyman Show audio archive
►Upcoming shows and guests

Brick & Concrete

Driveways, Patio's, Porches, Stamped concrete, Chimney's, Brick paver repair. 23 years in business. For all your brick and concrete needs. Call 877-MASONRY.

►Website for more info

Roofers

Kearns Bros. Inc.

Only Michigan's #1 GAF Master Elite Roofer has the crews, equipment and systems to handle any conventional or emergency roofing job. Roofing, Gutters, Chimneys, Windows and more.

►Website for more info

Plumbing

Universal Plumbing Supply

Why settle for pictures when you can get a world of choice at Universal Plumbing? Choose from Michigan's largest selection of under mounted sinks, a display of 500 faucets and a huge collection of working toilets, vessles, tubs, spas & designer items.

►Website for more info

Roofing Replacement Guide

Replacing a roof isn't something a homeowner does that often. Glenn Haege's Roofing Replacement Guide gives you the steps to follow in order to find a contractor, select the correct roofing materials and make sure that you are protected with the right warranty. It’s free!

►Download the guide here

Publication date: 05/12/2007

Click here for a printer-friendly version

Clean up carefully after a CFL bulb is broken

One of the immutable laws of nature is that when you buy a light bulb there is the possibility of breaking a light bulb. The more you buy, the greater your opportunities for breaking.

When you clean up a broken incandescent bulb, your only risk is cutting yourself. When you break a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL), you have a very slight risk of mercury poisoning.

The EPA has very straightforward directions on what to do if you break a fluorescent or CFL bulb. Their directions are very simple and shouldn't cost more than $1.

Here are the EPA's directions in case you break a bulb. You can download the EPA's complete file on cleaning up products that contain mercury from their Web site at www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index. htm.

NEVER vacuum or sweep up the mess. This will just spread mercury throughout the room and increase mercury exposure. The appliance also will have become contaminated and will have to be thrown away.

As soon as the bulb breaks, open a window and clear the room.

Close the door and stay out for at least 15 minutes. This is very important because you want as much fresh, nonpolluted air in the room as possible.

Do not use your bare fingers for clean-up. Put on disposable rubber gloves and carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard. Pour the particles into a plastic bag. Seal the bag.

Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel.

Place all the materials into another plastic bag. Seal the bag.

Put all the bags you have used into a larger plastic bag. Seal that bag and store in an outside trash container or other outdoor protected area. Dispose of the bag during the next normal trash disposal day.

When done, wash your hands.

If the bulb broke on a carpet, it is a little bit more of a problem. The EPA instructions are to remove all the materials without using a vacuum cleaner, using the directions I just gave you.

Use a sticky tape, like duct tape, to pick up any remaining small pieces or powder.

If you must vacuum the area, do so after clean-up. Immediately remove the vacuum bag or empty and wipe the canister and put into two plastic sealed bags and store outside.