Plans, Programs, Policies, etc.
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard Program to Control
Formaldehyde Exposure in the Workplace
Printable file is available with Adobe Acrobat Reader:
PDF version of Executive Summary of the Formaldehyde Program
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) instituted the Formaldehyde Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1048, for those potentially exposed to formaldehyde. The University’s Written Hazard Communication Plan for Exposure to Formaldehyde was developed to comply with this OSHA regulation.
Training
Annual training is required for any employee exposed at or above 0.1 PPM. It is the responsibility of the department to ensure personnel in their department attend the required training. Records of training will be retained by EH&S.
Exposures
Exposure to formaldehyde can result in severe health affects, including allergic sensitivity and cancer. Adverse signs or symptoms should be reported to a supervisor immediately. The supervisor should then instruct the employee to schedule an appointment with University Health Service (UHS) Occupational Health Unit. EH&S should also be notified.
The preferred method to reduce exposure is engineering controls. This includes the use of fume hoods, slot hoods, room HVAC systems, ducted biological safety cabinets and substituting less hazardous chemicals when possible. Administrative controls measures include reducing work time in areas with formaldehyde and work assignment rotations.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) can dramatically reduce exposures. PPE can include gloves, lab coats, goggles, face shields, and respirators. The purpose of PPE is to prevent direct skin contact or inhalation of generated vapors. Limitations exist for all PPE. Chemical breakthrough will occur for gloves. Lab coats will allow the passage of liquids and vapors. Contaminated PPE should be removed for either disposal or cleaning. Respirator users must be trained on the proper use of the respirator, fit tested and undergo a medical evaluation. Consult EH&S for additional information.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Labels
The MSDS for formaldehyde should be consulted prior to the use of formaldehyde. MSDS provides health information and methods to reduce personal exposure. They are available electronically from EH&S’s web site. Emergency MSDS are available electronically or from the Poison Center (x5-3232).
Labels are required on all products or containers of formaldehyde. Proper labeling is the responsibility of those who prepare the solutions/containers. EH&S can provide examples of acceptable labels.
Monitoring work sites and personnel
A workplace evaluation can be conducted by EH&S for locations where formaldehyde is used. Based on the assessment, personal monitoring may be required. The department will be charged for any monitoring performed. Results of the monitoring will determine the actual exposure to formaldehyde and steps to reduce exposures.
Medical Surveillance Program
This program is administered by UHS’s Occupational Health Unit. Individuals are enrolled in this program if exposed at or above the action level (0.5 PPM) over an 8 hour day, exposed above the short term exposure limit (2.0 PPM) for 15 minutes, or show signs or symptoms of exposure to formaldehyde.
The physician utilizes a preliminary questionnaire form to determine the necessary tests. The physician's written opinions will include conditions that place the employee at risk, medical conditions that would be aggravated by exposure, and if further examinations are required. If the employee needs to be removed from an area with formaldehyde exposure, the University will attempt to transfer the employee to a position with significantly less or no exposure. A follow up examination would be required after 6 months to determine if the employee can return to the previous position or if removal is permanent. A second physician can be designated by the employee to review any findings/recommendations.
Emergencies
Each locations where formaldehyde is stored or used must develop a spill plan. The plan must include the location of storage and procedures to prevent exposures (closing all doors to prevent the spread of vapors, the use of absorbent material to reduce vapor release, using sealed container to contain formaldehyde wastes generated from a spill). For major spills at the University, those that result in a significant exposure to employees because of location, concentration, or duration, call Security at x13 for the Spill Clean-up Team. If outside of the University, the appropriate emergency number should be posted by the phone for assistance.
Should clothing become contaminated with formaldehyde, the clothing must be removed and placed in a plastic bag and the bag sealed. Wash off any affected body part. Call EH&S (x5-3241) to make arrangements for the washing or disposal of the clothing.
Important Phone Numbers:
-
Security (Emergency) x13
Security (Non-emergencies) x5-3333
Poison Center x5-3232
University Health Service x5-1164
EH&S x5-3241
QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S Industrial Hygiene at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.
This page last updated 3/20/2007. Disclaimer
