University of Rochester
EMERGENCY INFORMATIONCALENDARDIRECTORYA TO Z INDEXCONTACTGIVINGTEXT ONLY

HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
for
FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURES IN THE WORKPLACE


Printable file is available with Adobe Acrobat Reader:
PDF version of Hazard Communication Program for Formaldehyde

Revision Dates:
        January 1994
        February 1998
        July 2002
        February 2007

Table of Contents

I. General Policy and Purpose

II. Labels

III. Material Safety Data Sheets

IV. Employee Information and Training

V. Formaldehyde Storage / Use Requirements

VI. Medical Surveillance

VII. Formaldehyde Emergencies

  1. GENERAL POLICY AND PURPOSE

    The purpose of the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard (CFR 1910.1048) is to ensure that employees are not exposed to dangerous concentrations of formaldehyde and to make employees aware of the potential hazards of the chemical.  Acute exposures to formaldehyde can cause eye and breathing irritation.  Chronic exposures can result in allergic sensitivity and/or nasopharyngeal cancer.

    The main methods of conveying information to employees on the hazards of formaldehyde is in the form of labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).  Labels are to be affixed to all containers of formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde solutions with specific warnings and MSDSs must be available in areas where formaldehyde is used.

    The Environmental Health and Safety Department (EH&S) has been designated as the responsible party for administering compliance with the Formaldehyde Standard.  The Industrial Hygiene (IH) Unit of EH&S is directly responsible for ensuring compliance and performing general training.  The responsibilities of supervisors and Principal Investigators (PIs) are to train their staff members with tasks using formaldehyde, ensure that containers are labeled, and make MSDSs available.

    A copy of the University’s Written Hazard Communication Program For Exposure To Formaldehyde in the Workplace is available to all U of R employees by contacting EH&S. 

    At the request of supervisors/PIs, the IH Unit will assist in developing specific work rules for certain tasks and assist in the instruction of employees.  Where special facilities or personal protective equipment are required, the IH Unit will also provide direction in selection and proper use.  EH&S will also review work rules generated by departments and outside contractors for adequacy.

  2. LABELS

    Labels & other forms of warning (1910.1048) (m)(3)

    All locations utilizing formaldehyde containing materials must ensure the following are labeled: formaldehyde gas, mixtures or solutions composed of greater than 0.1 percent formaldehyde and all materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air, under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm.

    1. Materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air at levels of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) - 0.5 ppm shall be labeled, tagged/marked with the following information:
      1. The label shall identify that the product contains formaldehyde.
      2. Name and address of the product's manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.
      3. A statement that physical and health hazard information is readily available on the MSDS.
    2. Materials capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air at levels above 0.5 ppm shall be labeled, tagged/marked with the following information:
      1. The label shall identify that the product contains formaldehyde.
      2. Name and address of the chemical's manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.
      3. All physical and health hazard warnings including respiratory sensitization and the words "Potential Cancer Hazard".
    3. Substitute labels containing the same information as above.  Rolls of special labels are available from Forms Management.
    4. It is the responsibility of supervisors/PIs to verify compliance with these requirements and ensure that all products are properly labeled.  Any questions about labeling can be referred to the IH Unit at x5-3241.
    5. The supervisor/PI shall ensure that existing labels on incoming containers of formaldehyde are not removed or defaced.
    6. Supervisors/PIs are to perform periodic inspections of their locations where formaldehyde is used/stored to ensure compliance with the labeling requirements.

  3. Material Safety Data Sheets  (MSDSs) (1910.1048) (m)(4)
    4.  
    1. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for chemicals are available through the University’s Chemical Inventory / MSDS System at EH&S’s web site at http://www.safety.rochester.edu/msds.html.  During regular work hours, MSDSs are also available by calling EH&S at x5-3241.  MSDSs are available after regular work hours by calling the Poison Center at x5-3232.
    2. It is the responsibility of the supervisors/PIs to make sure that MSDSs are available for new chemicals in their locations. No chemicals shall be used until an MSDS is received or available through the University’s Chemical Inventory / MSDS System.
    3. The supervisor/PI is to assign an individual or individuals under their direction to enter the chemical inventories into the University’s Chemical Inventory / MSDS system.  Information on entering the inventories is available after by contacting EH&S and obtaining a username, password, and instructions.

  4. Employee Information & Training (1910.1048) (n)
    1. Generic training on the Formaldehyde Standard is provided by the IH Unit. Training shall be performed at the initial time of assignment and whenever a new exposure to formaldehyde is introduced into the workplace.   This generic training on the Formaldehyde Standard includes the following information:
      1. The requirements of the Formaldehyde Standard.
      2. Information on the Written Hazard Communication Plan for Exposure to Formaldehyde and how to read/use the information provided on MSDSs and labels.
      3. The medical surveillance program, including a description of the potential health hazards and the signs and symptoms of exposure to formaldehyde.  Employees are given instructions to immediately report to the employer any adverse signs or symptoms suspected of being related to exposure to formaldehyde.
      4. The purpose for, proper use of, and the limitations of personal protective clothing and equipment.
      5. Instructions for handling spills, emergencies and clean-up procedures.
      6. An explanation of the importance of engineering controls and proper work practices and how they work to limit employee exposures.
      7. A review of emergency procedures and the role of individual employees in the event of an emergency.
    2. Supervisors/PIs are responsible for providing specific training to their employees on formaldehyde use in their work area to addresses the following:
      1. Locations in the workplace where formaldehyde is to be used and the safe work practices to limit formaldehyde exposure.
      2. The availability of the University's Written Hazard Communication Plan for Exposure to Formaldehyde and MSDSs.
      3. Location and availability of protective equipment such as gowns, goggles, gloves, etc. needed to protect employees from exposure.
      4. Review of emergency procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency involving formaldehyde.
    3. Documentation of employees trained and the training content is recorded at the time of the training sessions.  Records and documents related to generic training are maintained by EH&S.  Records for site-specific information/training are kept by the individual departments.

  5. Formaldehyde Storage/Use Requirements
    1. Patient Care Locations
      1. All patient care locations where formaldehyde is used/stored must be properly ventilated.  These locations shall have general ventilation that provides at least 6 air changes per hour.
      2. Minimum quantities of specimen containers are to be stored in patient care treatment/examination rooms to minimize potential formaldehyde exposures.  No more than 2-3 days supply of specimen containers are to be kept in these rooms.   All specimen containers must have tight fitting lids and be labeled as listed in Section II.
      3. Stock quantities of specimen containers are to be stored in limited access ventilated storerooms.
      4. Personnel handling specimen containers are to wear nitrile gloves.
      5. When using specimen container, the lid is to be removed only when a specimen needs to be placed into the container.  The lid is to replaced immediately.
    2. Laboratory Locations
      1. All labs using formaldehyde/paraformaldehyde containing materials shall observe proper handling of chemicals as outlined in the University’s Chemical Hygiene Program.
      2. All lab locations using or storing formaldehyde/paraformaldehyde shall be properly ventilated.  The general ventilation shall be provided with at least 10 air changes per hour unless EH&S has determined a lower airflow rate provides adequate protection.
      3. Special use locations, such as animal perfusion locations, the Morgue, and locations where cadavers are prepared, stored, or used are to be checked by EH&S to verify the ventilation and the established work practices offer adequate protection to prevent dangerous concentrations of formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde.
      4. To help prevent exposures, the preparation and use of formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde solutions must utilize local exhaust ventilation systems such as a fume hood or articulating air exhaust system.
      5. All containers of formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde must utilize tight fitting lids to prevent the release of formaldehyde.
      6. To minimize severity of spills, individual formaldehyde containers shall not exceed 5-gallon quantities for 10% formaldehyde.  For 37% formaldehyde containers the largest quantity shall be one gallon.
      7. Laboratory locations shall have an operational eyewash station.
      8. Formaldehyde has been found to penetrate latex gloves quickly.  Personnel handling formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde shall wear nitrile gloves to minimize dermal exposures.  Goggles, safety glasses or a face shield are to be utilized if there is a potential for an eye exposure.
      9. Should levels of airborne formaldehyde be found above the OSHA PEL or STEL, personnel shall implement work practices to reduce exposures.  Should these practices be found insufficient to prevent dangerous concentrations of formaldehyde, respirators can be used as a temporaty measure until the required engineering controls are installed.

  6. Medical Surveillance Program 1910.1048 (l)
    1. The University’s Medical Surveillance Program is administered by the Occupational Health Unit of University Health Service (UHS). The program is designed to medically evaluate certain groups of formaldehyde users.  All medical procedures are administered by or under the supervision of a licensed physician and are provided without cost to the employee, without loss of pay and at a reasonable time and place.  The groups eligible are:
      1. Employees who are exposed to airborne formaldehyde at concentrations equal to or exceeding either the time-weighted average action level of 0.75 parts per million (ppm) over an eight hour day or the Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 2 ppm over any 15 minute period.
      2. Any employee who develops signs or symptoms of overexposure to formaldehyde and all employees exposed to formaldehyde in an emergency.
      3. Employees required to wear respirators to reduce exposure to formaldehyde.
    2. The medical surveillance program consists of:
      1. Administering a medical disease questionnaire.  Based on the questionnaire, the physician will determine whether a medical examination is necessary for those employees who are not required to wear respirators.
      2. Medical examinations include a physical examination, laboratory tests for respirator wearers and any other test deemed necessary by the physician.
      3. Counseling of employees who have a medical condition that may be directly or indirectly aggravated by exposure to formaldehyde and may have an increased risk of impairment of health.
      4. Examinations for employees exposed to formaldehyde during emergencies.
    3. Follow-up Procedures:
      1. The examining physician will issue a written opinion to the employer/department that includes the results of the examination but shall not reveal any finding or diagnoses not related to formaldehyde exposure.  The opinion includes whether the employee has any medical condition that would place the employee at an increased risk of material impairment of health from exposure to formaldehyde, recommended limitations for use of protective equipment and a statement that the employee has been informed of any medical conditions which would be aggravated by exposure and whether further examination or treatment is required.
      2. A copy of the physician's written opinion will be provided to the affected employee within 15 days of completion.
      3. Medical removal may be issued as a recommendation from the physician in instances where an employee reports significant irritation of the mucosa of the eyes or of the upper airways, respiratory sensitization, dermal irritation or dermal sensitization attributed to workplace formaldehyde exposure.  If the examining physician recommends removal of the affected employee, the University will remove the employee from the current formaldehyde exposure and, if possible, transfer the employee to a position with significantly less or no exposure.  A follow-up medical exam will be given six months after removal to determine if the employee can return to the previous assignment or if the removal is permanent.
      4. The employee may designate a second physician to review any findings, determinations or recommendations of the initial physician and conduct examinations, consultations and laboratory tests to complete this review.  If the second physician's findings and recommendations differ from those of the first physician the University will work to have the physicians resolve the differences or the physicians will designate a third physician to mediate.
    4. All records related to the medical surveillance program will be maintained by UHS.

  7. Formaldehyde Emergencies
    1. Spill Protocol
      1. Spills of formaldehyde can be classified as either minor or major spills. Minor spills involve small quantities of relatively low concentration of solutions. Examples can include quantities/volumes less than 200 ml of 10% formaldehyde solution (formalin) or 50 ml of 37% formaldehyde. Lab personnel can prevent over-exposures while cleaning up these minor spills by immediately cleaning up the spills while wearing the required personal protective equipment.  The collected waste is to be handled as hazardous waste and placed into a sealable waste container for disposal through Hazardous Waste.
      2. Some formaldehyde spills requires special clean-up procedures to minimize potential health effects to personnel.  Major spill clean-up, quantities/volumes greater than listed for minor spills above, should not be attempted by personnel. Personnel need to evacuate the area and contact Security by calling x13 from a safe location.  Security will notify the EH&S Spill Clean-Up Team for a response.
    2. Spill Emergency Plan
      1. The following is emergency preplanning to be followed when working with formaldehyde:
        1. Determine the locations where formaldehyde spills may occur.
        2. The severity of spills can be diminished by minimizing the volume and concentration of formaldehyde containers.
        3. Use any personal protective equipment that may be needed to prevent formaldehyde exposures.  This equipment includes nitrile gloves, eye protection, and in some cases respiratory protection.  Respirators are to be used only by trained and qualified employees.
      2. In the event of a minor spill, the following general procedures are to be followed:
        1. Survey the situation for the potential hazards present before approaching a spill area.  If possible, attend to anyone who may be injured or has been contaminated.
        2. Notify persons in the immediate area about the spill.  Evacuate non-essential personnel from the spill area.
        3. Clean up the spill as quickly as possible to avoid breathing vapors of the spilled formaldehyde.
        4. Leave all exhaust ventilation on.
        5. Package the waste for disposal through Hazardous Waste.
      3. In the event a major spill occurs, evacuate the room, close all doors to the area to prevent the spread of vapors, and contact Security at x13 to notify them of the spill.
    3. Exposures
      1. Should an exposure occur to one’s eyes or face:
        1. Immediately use the eyewash station to flush the face area.  Continue to flush the eyes and face for up to 15 minutes, opening and closing the eyes to assist in the removal of formaldehyde from the eyes.
        2. While using the eyewash station, someone in the location needs to contact UHS at x5-1160 to notify them that an exposure has occurred and the individual will be going to UHS for medical attention.  Should the exposure occur after normal work hours, contact Strong ED at x5-4551.
      2. Should an exposure occur to one’s body:
        1. Immediately take off contaminated clothing and use the safety shower to flush the skin.
        2. While using the safety shower, someone in the location needs to contact UHS at x5-1160 to notify them that an exposure has occurred and the individual will be going to UHS for medical attention.  Should the exposure occur after normal work hours, contact Strong ED at x5-4551.
      3. Formaldehyde contaminated clothing must be collected for appropriate action.  The clothing must never be taken home for laundering.  Rather, contact EH&S at x5-3241 so the clothing can either be:
        1. Disposed of as hazardous waste
        2. Wash and dried and returned to the user free of formaldehyde.
      4. The exposed individual or the supervisor/PI is to complete an Incident Report to document the incident.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

MEDICAL:

    Medical Emergency..................................................x13
    Poison Center.........................................................x5-3232
    Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department...........x5-4551
    University Health Service
      Urgent Care...........................................x5-1160
      General Occupational Health Information......x5-4955

EMERGENCIES:

    Poison Center.........................................................x5-3232
    Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department...........x5-4551
    Spill Clean-up
      Security..............................................x13
      Environmental Health & Safety.................x5-3241

OTHER: