If you are faced with such a situation, bring it to the attention of the instructor so that other means of transfer can be arranged. Small liquid spills should be soaked up with dry paper towels and the area then washed down with wet paper towels. Major spills should not be handled by the student but should be brought to the attention of the instructor. Broken thermometers pose a particularly dangerous problem. Mercury thus spilled will remain in cracks and crevices for years.
Mercury enters the body through the lungs and the skin.
Thus it is advisable to minimize your exposure over your lifetime insofar as possible. We have special methods for dealing with Mercury spills. If you break a thermometer, Do Not Attempt to clean up the spill. Many toxic chemicals can enter the body directly through the skin. Chemicals which may not be noticed on the hands may do damage if the eyes are rubbed, or may enter the body later while eating.