If our Forensic & Analytical Science Service (FASS) chemistry laboratory notifies you that mercury as found in a water sample submitted for analysis, follow this procedure.
Sample Container
Use one 250 mL capped container with added acid preservative (5 mL of mixed acid: Nitric Acid 39.6% w/w and Hydrochloric Acid 0.17% w/w), as supplied by FASS.
Caution
The acid preservative is corrosive. It can cause severe burns and eye damage and may cause respiratory irritation.
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is supplied with the acidified bottles. Read this SDS before using the bottles.
Label
- Use a yellow NSW Health allocated Chemistry label with a barcode beginning with 7.
- Select a label for the correct supply system and current year.
- Using a waterproof pen record the site code, time and date of collection on the label. Write ‘Mercury only’ in the Comments section. Tear off and discard the small barcoded label attached on the right hand side of the label.
- Ensure the outside of the container is dry before placing the label evenly around the acidified sample bottle (not on the lid) so that the entire barcode can be scanned at the laboratory.
- A fluoride field result is not required.
Contact the NSW Health Water Unit if you require replacement allocated labels at [email protected] or on 02 9391 9939.
Collection tips
- Flush the lines for at least 3 minutes before collecting the sample.
- Do not rinse the bottle prior to taking the sample.
- Fill the bottle to the brim, taking care not to overfill. Avoid splashing.

Package as ‘Dangerous Goods’
- Place a non-reactive absorbent mat/material into an insulated cooler.
- Place the samples into the cooler with enough freezer bricks to keep them cool (≤6°C) during transport. Ensure the acidified samples remain upright in the cooler and are prevented from moving during transportation.
- Include a copy of the Safety Data Sheet in the cooler.
- Pack the cooler into a box strong enough to withstand conditions normally encountered during transport.
- Attach a copy of the FASS Address label to the outside of the box.
- Attach a Dangerous Goods (orange) sticker, a “Corrosive” sticker and a “This Way Up” sticker to the outside of the box.
- Complete a Dangerous Goods consignment form.
- Complete a Sender’s Declaration form for Dangerous Goods. The following information must be included:
- Shipping name – Corrosive liquid, Acidic, Inorganic, NOS
- Technical Name – Mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid
- UN Number – 3264
- DG Class – 8
- Packing Group – II
- Sender’s full name, address and telephone number
- FASS address: 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe NSW 2141
- Dispatch the samples to FASS as soon as possible.
