formaldehyde training zn. c. state university zenvironmental health & safety center
TRANSCRIPT
Formaldehyde Training
N. C. State University Environmental Health & Safety Center
Contents
Review of OSHA Formaldehyde Standard (1910.1048)Potential Health EffectsExposure Control MethodsSigns and Symptoms of ExposureHygiene ProtectionEmergencies and Spill ProceduresMedical SurveillanceRecordkeeping MSDS
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard (1910.1048)
Scope: Applies to all occupational exposures to
formaldehyde (i.e.. Formaldehyde gas, its solutions and materials that release formaldehyde)
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard (1910.1048)
Requirements: Requires initial monitoring for employees who
may be exposed at or above the action level/STEL
Monitoring whenever sign and symptoms of exposure reported
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard (1910.1048)
Requirements: Periodic monitoring In laboratories, all experiments involving
formaldehyde need to be carried out in a certified chemical hood
Initial training:Recommended for all employees who may come to contact
with formaldehyde in their work environmentRequired for anatomy, pathology, & histology
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard (1910.1048)
Requirements: Annual refresher training:
For anatomy, pathology and histology labsAny lab with airborne formaldehyde
concentrations at or above 0.1 ppm Refresher training whenever a new/modified
process is introduced in work areaSite specific training by PI/supervisor
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard (1910.1048)
Requirements:All laboratories using formaldehyde
require a written safety plan Safety plan shall explain methods of
safe handling formaldehyde in all process
NCSU written formaldehyde program may be used as a support document for formaldehyde use
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard (1910.1048)
Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)
TWA - Time Weighted Average: 0.75 ppm as an 8-hour TWA
STEL - Short Term Exposure Limit2.0 ppm for any 15 minute period during the work
period Action Level
0.5 ppm as an 8-hour TWA
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard (1910.1048)
Regulated Areas -
Shall be established where airborne formaldehyde concentrations exceed either TWA or STEL
Danger signs shall be posted at entrances
Access shall be limited to authorized persons
DANGERFORMALDEHYDE
IRRITANT AND POTENTIALCANCER HAZARD
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation: Repeated or chronic exposure- may cause headaches, rhinitis, nausea, drowsiness,
respiratory impairment, kidney injury and pulmonary sensitization and tissue damage
May cause neuropsychological effects including sleep disorders, irritability, altered sense of balance, memory deficits, loss of concentration, and mood alterations
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation: Carcinogenic Effects
Long-term exposure to formaldehyde is reported to be associated with an increased risk of cancer of the nose and accessory sinuses and nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cancer in humans.
Potential Health Effects
Skin ContactAcute Exposure: vapors or solutions may cause
smarting, white discoloration, roughness, hardness, anesthesia, and first degree burns. In previously exposed individuals subsequent exposures may result in a sensitization dermatitis characterized by the sudden eruption of blisters on the eyelids, face, neck and arms.
Potential Health Effects
Skin Contact Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated
exposures may cause second degree burns, numbness and itching rash, fingernail damage, hardening or tanning of the skin and sensitization. The dermatitis may be either a sudden blistering reaction or may be delayed several years with eruptions starting on the digital areas, wrists and other body parts.
Potential Health Effects
Eye Contact Acute Exposure: Airborne concentrations from
0.05 to 3.0 ppm may cause irritation with redness, itching, pain, blurred vision, and mild tearing. Concentrations from 4 to 20 ppm may cause profuse tearing and damage to the eye. Aqueous solutions effects range from reversible, minor injury and discomfort to severe, permanent corneal damage and loss of sight.
Potential Health Effects
Eye Contact Chronic Exposure:
Effects depend on the concentration and duration of exposure
Effects are different based on the individual’s sensitivity
Signs and Symptoms of Overexposure
Watery eyesBurning sensations in eyes, nose and throatSkin rashesNausea Coughing Chest tightnessAllergic reactions
Exposure Control Methods
Engineering Controls Reduces or eliminates hazard at the source Preferred method of hazard control
Examples:• Using formaldehyde preservative substitute whenever possible
• Using formaldehyde only in chemical laboratory hoods
Exposure Control Methods
Administrative Controls (Work Practices) Control between the worker and the source of hazard:
Examples:• Keep solution containers of formaldehyde closed when not in use
• Reduce exposure time
Exposure Control Methods
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Specialized clothing or equipment worn to protect from hazard
Provides limited protection
Requires proper use and maintenance
The last choice for exposure control
Exposure Control Methods
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Eye protection :
Indirect-vent gogglesface shield worn with goggles for severe exposure
Exposure Control Methods
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Gloves : choose gloves and sleeves with proper
permeation and degradation ratings, materials such as nitrile or neoprene are recommended
Gloves have limited protection and shall be changed as soon as they become contaminated
Exposure Control Methods
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Respiratory protection
• Used at exposures above PEL or STEL• Used only when other control methods are not feasible/effective• Used in emergencies• Voluntary use (employee’s concern)
– Air purifying respirators with chemical cartridge– Air supplied respirators
• Any respirator selection/use requires EH&S approval
Exposure Control Methods
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Apparel: Aprons and sleeves may be worn over lab coats,
neoprene and nitrile materials offer excellent resistance to formaldehyde and a wide variety of other chemicals
For more information on personal protective equipment contact EHSC at 513-1282
Hygiene Protection
Emergency Showers will be located in areas where employee’s skin
may be splashed with solutions containing 1% or greater formaldehyde
Emergency showers require annual inspection and test
Hygiene Protection
Emergency Eyewashes Shall be located in areas where employee’s eyes
may be splashed with solutions containing 0.1% or greater formaldehyde
Emergency eyewash shall be able to deliver at least 1.5 liters of water per minute (0.4 gpm) for 15 minutes
Eyewash stations need weekly test and annual inspection
Emergencies and Spill
Exposure Incidents Inhalation: leave the area and seek immediate
medical attention, report to supervisor Skin/eye exposure: rinse the effected area/eyes
using the emergency eyewash/safety showers for at least 15-minute and seek immediate medical attention (report to supervisor)
Emergencies and Spill
Injuries While protecting yourself, try to help by removing
the victim to a safe area Report the incident to the campus police (911) Stay with victim until help arrives
Emergencies and Spill
Large Spills Leave the area, close the door, call campus police at 911
and inform your supervisor Report the location and volume of the spill
Small Spills Need to be cleaned by trained people Use appropriate types of PPE Seal and contain cleaning debris as hazardous waste
Medical Surveillance
Institute medical surveillance program for all employees exposed to formaldehyde concentrations at or exceeding the Action Level or exceeding the STEL
Employees who develop signs and symptoms of overexposure
Employees exposed to formaldehyde in emergencies
Medical Surveillance
Program includes: Medical Disease Questionnaires
Performed by or under supervision of a licensed physician
Medical Examinations No cost to employee
Recordkeeping
Medical Kept for duration of employment and 30 years
thereafter Archived at the Student Health Services
Monitoring and exposure assessment data: Kept for 30 years Archived at EH&S
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
A unique document for a specific chemical, explaining information such as hazards, exposure limits, spill control, and protective equipment in different sections
Must be readily available wherever chemical is being used
Manufacturer's responsibility to develop and provide MSDS
Additional Resources
OSHA Formaldehyde Program (29 CFR 1910.1048)
OSHA Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29CFR 1910.1450)
NCSU on-line formaldehyde programhttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/
factsheet/Risk/formaldehydeNIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazardsNational Cancer Institute
For More Information
For Additional Information, Assistance, or Questions in Working Safely with
Formaldehyde Contact the Industrial Hygiene Section at 919-513-1282
Take the Quiz
In order to complete Formaldehyde training you must complete a short
quiz
Quiz