Which one of the following is the correct action to take following a small spillage of mercury in the dental workplace?

When dealing with a small spillage of mercury in a dental workplace, the appropriate action is to collect any globules of mercury into a designated waste pot. This method ensures that the mercury is safely contained and can be disposed of properly, mitigating the risk of exposure to personnel and patients.

Mercury is a hazardous substance and proper handling is crucial. By using a waste pot specifically designed for this purpose, you minimize the potential for contamination and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations regarding toxic materials. Additionally, careful collection helps prevent any mercury from spreading further, which could pose additional health risks.

Other methods, such as covering the spillage with sodium hypochlorite, do not effectively address the issue of mercury and can potentially create harmful reactions. Reporting the spillage to the Health and Safety Executive, while necessary for larger or more significant releases, is not the immediate action needed in the case of a small spill. Vacuuming the area thoroughly may inadvertently aerosolize mercury particles, which would be dangerous and could lead to inhalation exposure. Therefore, collecting the mercury is the safest and most effective response.