NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

To whom should a person report spilled mercury from a broken lamp?

1. A local hardware store

2. The fire department

3. A hazardous materials team

4. Nearby residents

The correct answer is: A hazardous materials team

Reporting spilled mercury from a broken lamp is a critical safety concern due to the toxic properties of mercury. The appropriate response is to contact a hazardous materials team. These specialized teams are equipped to handle hazardous substances safely and can ensure that the spill is cleaned up properly, mitigating the risk of exposure to both individuals and the environment. Hazardous materials teams have the training, resources, and protective equipment to deal with mercury spills, which can pose serious health risks if not managed correctly. They will follow established protocols to contain and clean up the spill, ensuring that local regulations regarding hazardous waste are adhered to. Options like reporting to a local hardware store, the fire department, or nearby residents do not provide the necessary expertise or resources needed for dealing with toxic spills. While firefighters may respond to hazardous situations, they are not specifically trained to handle materials like mercury in the way that a specialized hazardous materials team would be. Similarly, nearby residents should not be involved in handling the situation as they lack the requisite training and equipment.