formaldehyde safety training center for environmental health and safety siuc siu-center for...

SIU-CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY

Formaldehyde Safety Training

CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SIUC


TrainingoBefore working with formaldehyde, and before entering a regulated area, each employee and lab supervisor must complete formaldehyde training through CEHS.


Today’s Training Topics Include:oIntroduction to OSHA Formaldehyde StandardoExposure LimitsoExposure Monitoring Requirements

oRoutes of Exposure and Health Effects

oPersonal Protective Equipment

oLabeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

oExposure Controls

oMedical Surveillance Program

oDisposal, Spills and Emergencies

oSummary


What Is Formaldehyde?oA colorless chemical with a pungent odor, which is a gas at standard temperature and pressure

o It is usually found as formalin, a methanol-stabilized water solution that contains 37%, 44%, or 50% formaldehyde.

oOther uses include resins, bactericide or fungicide, cosmetics, permanent press clothing, embalming fluid


The OSHA Formaldehyde StandardoThis standard, 29 CFR 1910.1048, was passed into law in 1992. o It is intended to:oControl employee exposure to formaldehyde, and oProvide employees with the knowledge and understanding to work safely using

formaldehyde

o It establishes three different levels of exposure:oPermissible Exposure LimitoShort Term Exposure LimitoAction Level


Employee Exposure LimitsoPermissible Exposure Limits (PEL): 0.75 ppm

This is an 8-hour Time Weighted Average, or 40 hour work week

oShort Term Exposure Limit (STEL): 2.0 ppm

This is the maximum concentration that workers may be exposed to for 15 minutes

oAction Level (AL): 0.5 ppm

This is an 8-hour Time Weighted Average.

oIf exposure exceeds any of these limits, changes must be made to reduce employee exposure.


Exposure Monitoring RequirementsoInitial MonitoringoTo determine whether personal exposures may be at or above action level or STEL

oPeriodic MonitoringoExposures at or above the action level, repeat monitoring at every 6 monthsoExposures at or above the STEL, repeat monitoring annually under the worst

conditions

oTermination of monitoringoIf the results from two consecutive sampling periods taken at least 7 days apart

indicate employee exposure below the action level and the STEL.


Best Case ExposureoIf the initial monitoring indicates that exposure is below the Action level (0.5 ppm), you have to:oKeep the exposure monitoring results on fileoKeep the formaldehyde training records for each employee on file

oRemember: EVERY employee working in the area has to have training ANNUALLY!


Medium ExposureoIf the initial monitoring indicates that exposure is above the Action Level of 0.5 ppm, but it is below the Permissible Exposure Limit of 0.75 ppm and below the Short-Term Exposure Limit of 2.0 ppm for fifteen minutes:oPeriodic monitoring must be repeated every six monthsoYou have to keep all the exposure monitoring records, and oYou have to begin an employee medical surveillance program.

oRemember: EVERY employee working in the area has to have training ANNUALLY.


Worst Case ExposureoIf the initial monitoring results indicate the exposure is above the Permissible Exposure Limit (0.75 ppm) or above the Short-Term Exposure Limit (2.0 ppm):o Periodic monitoring must be done annually (under the worst conditions)

oBegin an employee medical surveillance program

oDevelop a written plan to reduce exposure

oSend a written notice to employees about the corrective actions being taken to reduce exposure

oPut a posting on every entrance and access way that reads….


Worst Case Exposure (cont.)

DANGERFORMALDEHYDE

IRRITANT AND POTENTIAL CANCER HAZARDAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL

ONLY


If Formaldehyde Exposure Cannot Be Reduced Below Acceptable Limits…oFull-face respirators must be provided to employees and the workplace must comply with the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).

oAll employees must complete a medical questionnaire, and based on that questionnaire, the physician will determine whether or not the employee must undergo a physical examination.

oExposure monitoring, medical surveillance, respiratory fit testing, and employee training must be repeated at least annually.

oMonitoring records must be kept for thirty years.

oMedical records must be kept for thirty years after employment ends.

o Respirator fit testing records must be kept until replaced by a more recent record.


OverviewoIntroduction to OSHA Formaldehyde StandardoExposure LimitsoExposure Monitoring Requirements

oRoutes of exposure and health effectsoPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)oLabeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)oExposure ControlsoMedical Surveillance ProgramoDisposal, Spills and EmergenciesoSummary


Signs And Symptoms Of ExposureoYou may notice…oSwelling of the eyelidsoRespiratory disorders such as coughing, shortness of breathoAllergic reactions such as dermatitisoFrequent headaches, dizziness and drowsinessoJaundiceoBruising easily

*report any of these signs and symptoms immediately to your supervisor*


Health Hazards: Inhalation0.5-2.0ppm Irritation of eyes, nose and throat

3-5 ppm Tearing of eyes

10-20 ppm Causes difficulty breathing, burning of the nose and throat, coughing, and heavy tearing of eyes

25-30 ppm Severe respiratory tract injury leading to pulmonary edema and pneumonitis

30-100 ppm Immediately dangerous to life and health.


Health Hazards: Ingestion oSevere irritation and inflammation of the mouth, throat and stomach

oDifficulty swallowing

oStomach cramps and severe abdominal pain

oUnconsciousness

oComa

oMay cause damage to liver, heart, brain, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and central nervous system


Health Hazard: Eye ContactoIrritation or burning of eyes

oBlurred vision

oPermanent corneal clouding

oPermanent loss of vision


Health Hazards: Skin ContactoWhite discoloration

oSmarting

oDrying

oCracking

oScaling

oNumbness

oHardening or tanning

oDermatitis or hives for previously exposed persons


Chronic Health Hazards: Cancer oIn 2011, the National Toxicology Program declared that formaldehyde is a “known carcinogen”

oRepeated exposure increases the risk

oAssociated with cancers of the lung, nasopharynx, and oropharynx, and nasal passages


Chronic Health Hazards: MutagenicityoGenotoxicoToxic agent that damages DNA molecule

in genes causing mutations, tumors, etc.


Chronic Health Hazard: ToxicityoRespiratory ImpairmentoRats exposed to 2 ppm developed benign nasal tumors and

changes of the cell structure in the nose as well as inflamed mucous membranes of the nose

oHumans have developed structural changes in epithelial cells of the nose

oSome may develop asthma or bronchitisoOften due to accidental spill involving single dose of highly

concentrated formaldehyde


Report adverse signs and symptomsoTell your supervisor immediately.

oRemember: symptoms develop over time, so adverse effects may not be immediately noticeable

oOdor and eye irritation will become less noticeable as you develop a tolerance to formaldehyde exposure. oThis can lead to overexposure, so report any signs and symptoms as soon as possible.



oRoutes of Exposure and Health EffectsoPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)oLabeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)oExposure ControlsoMedical Surveillance ProgramoDisposal, Spills and EmergenciesoSummary


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)oGloves: Nitrile or neoprene are recommended

oEye/face protection: oSafety gogglesoMaximum protection = safety goggles with face shield

oLab coat that is completely snapped or buttonedoAn impervious apron can be used over a lab coat

oRespiratory Protection: contact Center for Environmental Health and Safety (CEHS)oRespiratory Protection Program required


Personal Protective Equipment (cont.)oStorage of PPEoStore away from sources of formaldehydeoFormaldehyde vapors can permeate the lab coat or glove material, reducing its

barrier-properties

oInspect all PPE prior to useoCheck for holes, cracks, degradation

oChange gloves frequently

oDo not reuse disposable gloves




oPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)


oExposure Controls



oSummary


Labeling: Primary ContainersoPrimary containers of formaldehyde that are received from the manufacturer must be labeled with:oChemical name: FormaldehydeoConcentration, in ppmoThree pictograms:oSignal word: Danger!oHazard Statement: Toxic if swallowed. Toxic in contact with skin. Causes severe skin

burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation. CarcinogenicoPrecautionary StatementsoName and address of manufacturer


Labeling: Secondary Containers

They must contain the same label as the primary container, or a combination of required information with additional associated hazards.


Safety Data SheetsoWritten documents from the chemical manufacturer that communicate information about the hazards of a chemical.

oInclude information such as:oProperties of the chemicaloPhysical, health and environmental health hazardsoProtective measuresoSafety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical

oInformation must be in English (other languages are available) and available in your workplace at all times






oExposure Controls



oSummary


Exposure ControlsoThe use of equipment, processes, and work practices to eliminate or minimize exposure.

oCommon controls include:oVentilationoHygiene ProtectionoWork practice/administrative controlsoHousekeeping controls


VentilationoMost widely used control method.

oExhaust location is keyoLocation at foot of embalming table and below tabletop

oAir intake on opposite side of wallo12-20 air exchanges


Hygiene ProtectionoSafety Showers and eye wash stations must be located in areas where employee’s skin or eyes may be splashed with solutions containing 1% or greater formaldehyde

oSafety showers are checked periodically by CEHS and Physical Plant.

oEyewash stations must be flushed/purged weekly (at least) for a period long enough to verify adequate operation (approximately two minutes). This will help clean out any rust, scale deposits, or bacteria that may accumulate. A log should be maintained of weekly flushes. This log should indicate the date of flush, name of flusher, and comments/ “pass” or “fail”. This is the responsibility of the lab.


Work Practice Controls/Administrative ControlsoKeep waste containers covered at all times

oDo not eat or drink where formaldehyde is handled, processed, or stored.

oSubstitute formaldehyde for a less toxic chemical, like Formalternate or GlyoFixx

oAvoid extremely close contact with formaldehyde sources by keeping the breathing zone away from the path of vaporsoBreathing zone: within a ten inch radius of the worker’s nose and mouth.

oWash your hands thoroughly after using formaldehyde, even if gloves were worn


Disposal ProceduresoDO NOT DISPOSE OF FORMALDEHYDE WASTE DOWN THE DRAIN!!!!!!

oCollect all formaldehyde solutions in a container with a screw-type lid.

oPut a yellow “Hazardous Waste” label on it, then place it in the Chemical Waste Satellite Accumulation Area

oComplete an online Chemical Pickup Request form on CEHS website

*Contact CEHS 453-7180 if you are using formaldehyde in such a way that collection in a container is difficult or impossible.


Housekeeping ControlsoCleaning and maintenance issues that prevent formaldehyde fume releasesoIf a mop and bucket are used to clean spills of formaldehyde, add ammonia to the

solution to neutralize the formaldehyde (CAUTION-DO NOT USE BLEACH or other chlorine containing agents in a mixture containing ammonia-this will produce dangerous gases)

oConduct visual inspections of containers that store or hold formaldehyde for leaks and spills

oKeep embalming equipment in good repair to prevent leaks and spills

oFormaldehyde-containing waste must be disposed through CEHS






oExposure Controls



oSummary


Medical Surveillance ProgramoRequired for all employees exposed to formaldehyde at concentrations that equal or exceed the action level (0.5 ppm) or STEL (2 ppm).

oRequired whenever an employee shows signs/symptoms of toxic levels of exposure

oAll medical procedures will be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician and will be provided without cost to the employee.

oMedical surveillance includes:oAdministration of medical disease questionnaireoDetermination if a medical examination is necessaryoExaminations for employees who are at increased risk for exposure to formaldehyde






oExposure Controls



oSummary


Spill ResponseoAreas in which formaldehyde is used MUST be inspected for leaks or spills of formaldehyde on a regular basis.

oAt a minimum these areas must contain a spill kit that includes:oSorbent material compatible with formaldehyde (ex: vermiculite)oA Disposable plastic broom and dustpanoPlastic bags or buckets to contain the clean-up debrisoYellow “Hazardous Waste” labels


Small spills (< 100 ml)oRemove all ignition sources

oPut on gloves, lab coat, and safety goggles.

oIf possible contain the spill by surrounding it with paper towels or sorbent material like vermiculite.

oWipe up all formaldehyde solution with paper towels or sweep up with the wet sorbent

oPut the paper towels and sorbent in a plastic bag, tie it shut, and double-bag it.

oPlace a yellow “Hazardous Waste” label on the bag.

oWrite “Debris from a spill clean-up of formaldehyde” on the yellow label.

oPlace the labeled bag in the Chemical Waste Satellite Accumulation Area

oComplete and online Chemical Pickup Request on the CEHS website.


Large spill ( > 100 ml) oThe exposure levels may be exceeded

oEvacuate the area

oClose the door, but don’t lock it

oContact the Department of Public Safety at 911 (from SIU landline) or 453-3771 (from cell phone).

oContact CEHS at 453-7180 and request assistance for a chemical spill.oOperation hours of CEHS: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm


First Aid: IngestionoIf victim is conscious, give milk, activated charcoal, or water.oAny organic material will inactivate formaldehyde

oKeep affected person warm and at rest

oGet medical attention immediately

oIf vomiting occurs, keep head lower than hips


First Aid: InhalationoImmediately move victim to fresh air

oIn high concentrations of formaldehyde, each rescuer MUST put on self-contained breathing apparatus before attempting to remove victim

oIf the victims breathing has stopped:o Contact 911 or have someone contact 911oStay on the line, until dispatcher tells you to hang up.

oStart Hands Only-CPR (if not trained in CPR). oKeep affected person warm and at rest


First Aid: Skin ContactoImmediately remove contaminated clothing (including shoes)

oWash affected area of body with soap and large amounts of water for 15-20 minutes

oIf there are chemical burns:oCover area with sterile, dry dressing, and bandagesoGet medical attention


First Aid: Eye ContactoWash immediately for 15-20 minutes (lifting lower and upper eyelids)

oIn case of burns, apply sterile bandages loosely without medication

oGet medical attention immediately


SummaryoThe OSHA Formaldehyde Standard has specific components in place to protect employees from health hazards associated with exposure to formaldehyde

oFormaldehyde is an irritant and potential human carcinogen, and it is widely used

oOSHA has set permissible exposure limits (PEL) for formaldehyde to ensure worker safety

oIn the event that overexposure to formaldehyde is suspected, evacuate the area and contact 911

oAnnual training is required when working in an area which contains formaldehyde.

formaldehyde safety training center for environmental health and safety siuc siu-center for...

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