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EH&S  >   Chemical Safety  >   SOP  >   Formaldehyde

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Title:                          Working with Formaldehyde

Approved  by:

David A. Brown, Director, EH&S

Effective Date:

12-27-2006

SOP #

EH&S-000

PURPOSE
Presents guidelines and procedures for handling and storage of formaldehyde solutions.

SCOPE
Intended for those who use formaldehyde in a laboratory or clinic environment.

GENERAL
Applies to the use of formaldehyde (37%) or formalin at Wake Forest University Health Sciences and any of its following forms:

·          formaldehyde, solution

·          formalin

·          formaldehyde, gas

·          formaldehyde, 0.25-5% aqueous solution

·          formaldehyde, 5-25% aqueous solution

·          formaldehyde, 25-38% aqueous solution

·          formaldehyde solution, conc.>25%

·          formaldehyde solution, 5%conc.<25%

·          formaldehyde solution, 35-44% aqueous solution with 7-10% methanol

·          formaldehyde solution, 1% conc.<5%

·          formaldehyde, solutions, with not less than 25 percent formaldehyde

·          formaldehyde, solutions (Formalin)

·          formaldehyde conc. > 90%

·          formaldehyde 25% < conc. < 90%

·          formaldehyde 10%

HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FORMALDEHYDE

Physical Hazards

  • Colorless liquid, with a pungent odor.
  • Moderate fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame.
  • Incompatibilities and reactivities: nitrogen dioxide, nitromethane, perchloric acid and aniline.
  • Peroxyformic acid yields explosive compounds.

Health Hazards

  • Studies indicate that formaldehyde is a potential human carcinogen.
  • Airborne concentrations above 0.1 ppm (parts per million parts of air) can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
  • Severity of irritation increases as concentrations increase; at 100 ppm it is immediately dangerous to life and health.
  • Dermal contact causes various skin reactions including sensitization.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Eye Protection

·         Safety glasses, goggles or face shields should be worn during operations in which formaldehyde or formalin might contact the eyes (e.g., through vapors or splashes of solution). 

·         Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection.  Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational Education Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z87.1-1989) and must be equipped with side shields. 

·         Fisherbrand® Chemical Splash Goggles, catalog # 19-041-739 are recommended.

·         Contact lenses should not be worn if the potential exists for formaldehyde or formalin exposure.

Hand Protection

·         Safeskin ™ Purple Nitrile Xtra Exam Gloves are recommended for use with formaldehyde (available through Fisher Scientific, catalog #19-149-864).

Lab Coats and Other PPE

·         Lab coats, closed-toe shoes and long-sleeved clothing

·         Protective clothing prevents any possibility of skin contact with formaldehyde or formalin.

Safety Shower / Eye Wash

·         Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to acetaldehyde, suitable facilities for quick drench or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. 

·         Bottle-type eyewash stations are not acceptable.

USE AND STORAGE OF FORMALDEHYDE

Designated Area for Use and Containment Devices

·         Only work with formaldehyde in a laboratory chemical fume hood.

·         The fume hood’s sash must be in the position where a face velocity of 100 feet per minute is achieved. Contact EH&S at 716-1221 if unsure.

·         Specimens preserved in formaldehyde must be stored in ventilated cabinets.

·         All areas where formaldehyde is used must be designated using the sign below (can be obtained from EH&S):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Waste Disposal

·         Excess formaldehyde and all waste material containing formaldehyde must be placed in a glass container labeled with the following: "HAZARDOUS WASTE: FORMALDEHYDE."

·         Full containers of formaldehyde waste must be manifested and disposed of according to WFUHS EH&S Hazardous Waste Program.

Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

·         Store away from strong oxidizing agents and bases.

·         Store with compatible materials.

·         Keep containers tightly closed.

Decontamination of Equipment and Area

Contact WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 for decontamination information.

Spill and Accident Procedures

·         Report all spills (regardless of size) to WFUBMC Security/Alarm Control Center at 716-9111.

·         If less than 300 cc, use Alde-X, Formal-X, or Spill-X-FP found in the spill kit located in laboratory hallway.

  • If greater than 300cc, do not attempt to clean it up. Call 716-9111.

REQUIRED TRAINING

·         Training is required upon initial assignment if duties include formaldehyde handling/use

·         Whenever a change in duties includes the handling/use of formaldehyde, training must occur.

·         Refresher training is required annually.

Special Note: Formaldehyde must be listed on all users’ hazard assessment in the PeopleSoft Position Data under the Position Hazards tab.