FORMALDEHYDE POLICY
FORMALDEHYDE POLICY: CARCINOGEN NOTICE!! -- Formaldehyde (including formalin, and
formaldehyde gas) is classified as an "official" State of California regulated
carcinogen. 8CCR 5217 is the primary
Cal/OSHA reference where details are located.
DATE
ADOPTED: 2/28/92
revised: 9/22/94,
8-28-00
SCOPE: All
possession and use of formaldehyde-containing products by CNSM employees.
PERSONS WHO MUST COMPLY: All CNSM employees or ancillary employees who
are exposed to formaldehyde materials that are under
the control of a CNSM employee. A list
of CNSM personnel who have declared possession and/or use of formaldehyde
materials is maintained in the CNSM Safety Office.
COLLEGE OPERATIONS THAT USE FORMALDEHYDE:
1. Preservation of
biological specimens with formalin (95% of the use).
2.
Disinfection/sterilization of surfaces (4% of the use).
3. Contracted
sterilization of biosafety cabinets (1% of the use).
ELEMENTS OF THE POLICY:
1. Eliminate - Where possible, phase-out
the use of formaldehyde.
2. Substitute - Where possible, switch to
a less regulated material to get the job done.
3. Declare - If you must use these
materials, notify the CNSM EH&S Office @ x55623. A list of users is maintained.
4. Minimize - Avoid handling regulated
formaldehyde materials. Work in well
ventilated areas. Use a fume hood when
practical. Wear gloves and a labcoat. Chemical
splash goggles must be worn when handling any formalin.
5. Spills - Small spills (<1.0 liter)
of 37% formalin can safely be addressed by experienced persons using the basic
protective equipment -- provided there is adequate ventilation. If in doubt, call EH&S for monitoring or
other help.
6. Label - all containers of formaldehyde
must be clearly labeled, stating contents and hazard (carcinogen)
7. Training - The employer must train
employee(s) in the safe use of formaldehyde, according to Title 8, California
Code of Regulations (General Industry Safety Orders), Section 5217, and the
California Hazard Communication Standard (GISO 5194). You must ensure that this training is
documented and is kept on-file.
8. Waste - Formaldehyde waste is
collected as hazardous waste.
EXPOSURE INFORMATION -- INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
SURVEY INFORMATION
1. The PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for the
amount of formaldehyde an employee may be exposed to in the workplace must be
kept within 1 part per million of formaldehyde in air, averaged over 8 hours. The STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit) is 2 ppm for 15 minutes.
2. Measurements taken on typical CNSM operation
are as follows:
a. Transfer of 37% formalin in a
small room:
<1 ppm for 15 min.
b. Spill (100 ml) clean-up in a
small room:
<1 ppm for 15 min.
c. Bench work with
formalin-preserved specimens: not detected.
d. Work over human cadavers: not detected.
e. Airborne level in a major
specimen storage room:
not detected.
f. Biohood sterilization in
laboratory:
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