How did the broken thermometer lead to the mercury spill?

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A Broken Thermometer Caused a Mercury Spill in a School Laboratory

A mercury spill occurred at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bukit Besi after a thermometer fell and broke on a laboratory table. The incident resulted in mercury spreading over an estimated area of 0.6 square metres. A Form Four student sustained an injury from contact with the spilled mercury and received treatment at a nearby clinic.
Thermometer Fall and Breakage

The spill originated from a thermometer that was dropped and subsequently shattered on a laboratory table. This breakage released the mercury contained within the thermometer. The mercury then spread across the table's surface.
Extent of the Spill

Following the thermometer's breakage, the spilled mercury covered an area estimated to be 0.6 square metres. This significant spread necessitated immediate containment and clean-up procedures by emergency responders.
Initial School Response and Firefighter Intervention

School staff initially applied sulfur powder around the spill area. This measure was taken to help contain the mercury and mitigate contamination risks while awaiting specialised assistance. Firefighters arrived and conducted cleaning operations using established hazardous material handling protocols. The collected mercury waste was secured in a disposal bag and given to school authorities.

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How did the broken thermometer lead to the mercury spill?

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