safe handling of 10% neutral buffered formalin is formalin? •formalin is diluted formaldehyde....
TRANSCRIPT
Safe Handling of 10% Neutral Buffered
Formalin
What is Formalin?
• Formalin is diluted Formaldehyde.
– It is a hazardous chemical.
– It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor.
– It is most often used in aqueous solutions for preserving specimens.
– It can be irritating to the skin if exposed; it can be irritating to the respiratory tract if inhaled.
– It can be carcinogenic if exposed to large quantities.
Storage
• Formalin containers are obtained from the main laboratory.
• Formalin may be found on bronchoscopy carts.
• Formalin containers must be stored in a locked closet, in an upright position (to prevent leaks).
Exposure Routes
• Inhalation
• Ingestion
• Skin contact (absorption)
• Eye contact
Signs of Exposure
• Skin contact: – May cause mild irritation, redness, cracking and drying
• Skin absorption: – Although it may be absorbed by the skin, harmful effects are not
expected by this route
• Eye contact: – Causes irritation, redness, pain and blurred vision
• Inhalation – Causes irritation of the respiratory tract. High concentrations may
cause central nervous system depression, with weakness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and loss of consciousness
• Ingestion: – Poisonous. Causes nausea, headache, double vision and may cause
unconsciousness or death
Labels
• Specimen jars containing formalin are pre-labeled to alert healthcare workers of the dangers of formaldehyde. – Information includes the name and phone
number of the company
– Gloves should be worn when handling the container.
– Face shield/goggles should be also be worn if there is the potential to create a splash when opening the container and inserting the specimen.
Labels
• Patient ID labels should also include date, time, initials and source.
• Formalin containers can not be sent in the pneumatic tube – they must be brought to the lab.
Personal Protective Equipment
• At all times, Formalin should be handled with extreme caution. – A face shield and goggles should be worn while
mixing or pouring – Disposable gloves (nitrile or latex) must be worn to
prevent dermal exposure when handling and/or mixing this product. – Change gloves if ripped or torn. – Wash hands thoroughly after removing use.
– Rooms should be adequately ventilated – If clothing, or PPE becomes contaminated,
remove and contain; Call EVS for removal.
Safe Work Practices
• Keep formalin containers closed tightly
• Know the location of emergency eyewashes
• Keep emergency eyewashes and showers in chemical labs unobstructed
First Aid Measures
• Eye contact: – Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, then go to Employee Health – If an eye wash is not available, transfer to Emergency Room immediately
• Skin contact: – Remove contaminated clothes immediately (put in a sealed container (call EVS
to remove) – Wash the affected area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes – Report to Employee Health
• Inhalation: • If breathing is difficult, give oxygen – Transfer to Emergency Room immediately
• Accidental Ingestion: – Transfer to Emergency Room immediately.
In the event of a spill…….
• Place an absorbent, neutralizing pad over the spill for containment.
• Call a Code Orange – EVS will clean the spill using the required method.
• Neutralizing, absorbent pads should be available on any unit that uses Formalin.
For more information about this chemical….. use HazSoft
For more information about this or any other chemical – use
HazSoft (available on the TRMC Intranet!
References
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration, US Dept of Labor. OSHA Fact Sheet: Formaldehyde
– https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/formaldehyde-factsheet.pdf
– Retrieved May 24, 2017
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration, US Dept of Labor. Technical Guidelines for Formalin – 1910.1048 App A. 2006
– http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table= standards&P_ID=10076
– Retrieved May 24, 2017
• Safety Data Sheet – 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin
– Retrieved from HazSoft, May 24, 2017
• CAT#: 5701/59201/59901
• Richard-Allan Scientific
• 4481 Campus Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008