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