Energy Saving Lightbulbs

If you accidently break an energy saving lightbulb it shouldn’t cause you any harm, however these guidelines will help you to reduce the risk of coming into contact with the mercury or injuring yourself on the broken glass.

First of all open the windows and doors and leave the room to ventilate for at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile put some rubber gloves on and something to cover your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling any airborne dust.  Get some kitchen paper and a sturdy plastic bag to put the broken pieces into.

Don’t attempt to pick the pieces up with a brush or vacuum cleaner as this could spread the mess.  It’s better to use the kitchen paper to put them into the plastic bag.  If the bulb has smashed onto a carpet, rug or other soft furnishing you can use sticky tape to make sure you get the smallest pieces.  Make sure you also put the tape in the bag afterwards.

When you’ve finished picking up all the pieces, use a damp cloth to wipe the area.  Put the cloth into the plastic bag with the broken pieces and seal it.  If you have a small cardboard box or another plastic bag you could put the bag in there to avoid it getting ripped.

Take the broken bulb to your local recycling centre where they will be able to dispose of it properly. It’s important not to dispose of it with your normal household waste.