CHEMICAL  EMERGENCY

POLICY

Spills of formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, acrolein, and acetaldehyde will be properly handled and residual materials disposed of through the WFUHS Chemical Waste Program.

PURPOSE

This document provides specific information for dealing with spills of formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, acrolein, and acetaldehyde.

SCOPE

The requirements of this document apply to all WFUHS faculty, students and staff and all campuses.

AUTHORITY

PROCEDURE

RESPONSIBILITIES

               WFUBMC Hazardous Materials Response Team

·        Respond to aldehyde spills over 300 cc.

·        Act within limits of training to clean up and remove spilled aldehyde substances.

1.     WFUHS Environmental Health and Safety (WFUHS EH&S)

·        Provide technical assistance to Principal Investigators, staff and WFUBMC Hazardous Materials Team.

·        Provide an aldehyde neutralizer such as ALDE-X where aldehydes are used.

·        Maintain this document.

·        Document exposures occurring during spills.

2.     Laboratory Personnel

·        Instruct staff and students in cleanup of spills of these materials less than 300 cc.

·        Report all spills of aldehydes to WFUHS Environmental Health and Safety.

·        Report spills greater than 300 cc aldehydes to Safety/Security at 716-9111.

·        Cleanup of spills of aldehydes less than 300 cc.

SPILLS OF ALDEHYDES (GREATER THAN 300 CC)

·        Evacuate area.

·        Call the Medical Center at 716-9111.

SPILLS OF ALDEHYDES (LESS THAN 300 CC)

·        Spilled aldehydes can be completely neutralized in about ten to fifteen minutes by applying ALDE-X powder to the spilled area. ALDE-X™ Aldehyde Management System Neutralizer which is available through Lab Safety Supply, Catalogue # 2BD-18248.

·        Stir the ALDE-X powder to absorb the spilled aldehyde liquid.

·        After the spilled aldehyde liquid is absorbed into the ALDE-X, place the solids into the plastic bag contained within the spill kit.  Label the plastic bag with the date, content of bag and call WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 for disposal.

DISPOSAL OF RESIDUAL MATERIALS

·        ALDE-X solids – Dispose through the WFUHS Chemical Waste Program.

·        Liquid – Residual liquid formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, acrolein, or acetaldehyde shall be disposed through the WFUHS Chemical Waste Program.

·        Contaminated solids – Paper towels and other materials that are contaminated with any aldehyde shall be disposed of through the WFUHS Chemical Waste Program.