FORMALDEHYDE TRAINING

CONTENTS
 Review of the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard
 Potential Health Effects
 Medical Surveillance
 Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
 Safe Work Practices for Specific Operations
 Spill Procedures
 Appendix A: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
 Appendix B: Air Monitoring Results
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.0148)

 SCOPE
• Applies to all occupational exposures to
formaldehyde (i.e. formaldehyde gas, its
solutions and materials that release
formaldehyde)
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 Permissible Exposure Limits

• TWA - 0.75ppm, as an 8-hour time-
weighted average
• STEL - 2.0pppm, any 15-minute period
during the work shift
• Action Level - 0.5 ppm, as an 8-hour TWA
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)
 Exposure Monitoring
• Initial Monitoring
– All employees who may be exposed at or above the Action
Level or STEL
 Periodic Monitoring
• Exposures to at or above the action level, repeat monitoring every 6
months
• Exposures at or above the STEL, repeat monitoring at least once a
year during worst case conditions
 Termination of Monitoring
• if the result from two consecutive sampling periods taken at least 7
days apart indicate employee exposure below the action level and
the STEL
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 Regulated Areas
• Shall be established where airborne
formaldehyde concentrations exceed the
TWA and STEL
• Post danger signs at entrances and access
ways
• Access limited to authorized persons
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 Control Methods
• Institute engineering controls and work
practices to maintain exposures below the
TWA and STEL
• Where necessary supplement controls with
respiratory protection
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE (29 CFR
1910.1048

 Respiratory Protection
• Where respirators are required, they will be
provided at no cost to the employee, will be
used properly, and will reduce formaldehyde
exposures to levels at or below the TWA and
STEL.
• Whenever respirator use is required, a
respiratory protection program conforming with
OSHA regulations will be instituted.
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 Protective Equipment and Clothing

• Contact of the skin and eyes with liquids
containing 1 percent of more formaldehyde
will be prevented by the use of protective
clothing made of material impervious to
formaldehyde and using protective
equipment such as goggles and face
shields, as appropriate to the operation.
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 Hygiene Protection
• Change rooms will be provided for employees
required to change from work clothing into
protective clothing to prevent skin contact
• Emergency showers will be located in areas
where employees skin may be splashed with
solutions containing 10% or greater formaldehyde
• Emergency eye washes will be located in areas
where employees eyes may be splashed with
solutions containing 0.1% or greater formaldehyde
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 Housekeeping
• Preventative maintenance of equipment, including surveys
for leaks will be performed regularly
• In areas where spillage may occur, provisions will be made
to contain spills, decontaminate the work area and dispose
of the waste
• Employees repairing equipment leaks and cleaning up spills
will be properly trained and will wear suitable protective
equipment
• Formaldehyde contaminated waste and debris will be placed
in sealed containers bearing formaldehyde hazard warning
labels
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048

• Medical Surveillance
– Institute medical surveillance programs for all
employees exposed to formaldehyde at
concentrations at or exceeding the Action Level
or exceeding the STEL
– Medical disease questionnaires
– Medical examinations
– All medical procedures will be performed by or
directly supervised by a licensed physician.
OSHA Formaldehyde Standard
(29 CFR 1910.1048)
 Hazard Communication
• Formaldehyde gas, all mixtures or solutions composed of
greater then 0.1 percent formaldehyde, and materials
capable of releasing formaldehyde into the air at
concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm shall be
considered a health hazard.
• Employer shall comply with requirements of 29 CFR
1910.1200 (Hazard Communication)
– Inform employees of specific health hazards (e.g..
cancer, irritation, sensitization of skin and respiratory
system, eye and throat irritation, acute toxicity)
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 Hazard Communication (Cont'd)

• Material Safety Data Sheets MSDS (provided by
manufacturer)
• Labels on all containers where formaldehyde
constitutes a health hazard. Labels identify the
chemical, list name and address of responsible
party, contain the information “Potential Cancer
Hazard”, and appropriately warn of other hazards
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 Employee Information and Training

• All employees assigned to workplaces where
there is a health hazard from formaldehyde shall
participate in a training program.
• Training will be provided at the time of the
employees initial assignment and whenever a new
hazard from formaldehyde is introduced into the
work area.
• Information and training will be provided at least
annually for employees exposed to formaldehyde
concentrations at or above the action level or
STEL.
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 Employee Information and Training (Cont'd)

• Affected employees will be informed of the
location of written training materials and at their
request, will be provided with this materials at no
cost.
• Information and training will be provided at least
annually for employees exposed to formaldehyde
concentration at or above the action level or
STEL.
• Affected employees will be informed of the
location of written training materials and at their
request, will be provided with this materials at no
cost.
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 The employer will establish and maintain an accurate

record of the following:
• All measurements taken to monitor employee
exposure to formaldehyde.
• If no exposure monitoring is performed, the data
used to determine that monitoring is not required.
• Medical surveillance information
• Respirator fit testing information
OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD
(29 CFR 1910.1048)

 RECORDKEEPING
• Exposure records and determinations: at
least 30 years
• Medical records: the duration of
employment plus 30 years
• Respiratory fit test records: until replaced
by more recent a record
 POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECT -
INHALATION

 Air Concentration (ppm)  Reported Health Effects

• 0 - 0.5 • None
• Odor threshold
• 0.05 - 1.50
• Eye sensation/irritation
• 0.05 - 2.0 • Irritation of the nose and throat
• 0.10 - 5.0 • Difficulty in breathing, burning
sensation in the nose and
throat, and coughing
 POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECT -
INHALATION

 Air Concentration (ppm)  Reported Health Effects

• 25 - 50 • Tissue damage and serious
respiratory tract injury such as
pneumonitis. Associated
symptoms may include
sneezing, wheezing, chest
constriction, bronchitis,
headache excessive thirst,
weakness, palpitations, nausea
and vomiting
• 50 - 100 • Pulmonary edema/inflammation
- severe lower airway effects
• 100
• Death.
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS -
INHALATION

 Chronic Exposure:
• Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause
headache, rhinitis, nausea, drowsiness, respiratory
impairment, kidney injury and pulmonary sensitization.
• Neuropsychological effects may include sleep
disorders, irritability, altered sense of balance, memory
deficits loss, of concentration, and mood alterations.
• Menstrual disorders and secondary sterility have
occurred in women.
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 -
INGESTION

 Acute Exposure:
• Ingestion of formaldehyde solutions may cause burning of
the mouth, throat and stomach, difficulty swallowing, nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, headache,
hypertension, vertigo, stupor, convulsions, unconsciousness
and coma. May also cause damage to the liver, heart, brain,
spleen, pancreas, kidney, and central nervous system.
Mean fatal dose in humans is 1-2 ounces of a 37% solution.
 Chronic Exposure
• Repeated ingestion of small amounts of formaldehyde may
cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and dizziness.
 POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS -
SKIN CONTACT
 Acute 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, scrotum and arms.
 Chronic Exposure
• Prolonged or repeated exposures may cause second degree burns,
numbness, and itching rash, fingernail damage, hardening of
tanning of the skin and sensitization. The dermatitis results from
chronic exposure to formaldehyde may be either a sudden
blistering reaction, or may be delayed several years with eruptions
starting on the digital areas, wrists and other parts of the body
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS - Eye
Contact
 Acute Exposures
• Airborne concentrations from 0.05 - 3.0 ppm may cause irritation
with redness, itching, pain, blurred vision, and mild tearing.
Concentrations from 4 - 20 ppm may cause profuse tearing and
damage to the eye. Aqueous solutions effects range from
transient, minor injury and discomfort to severe, permanent corneal
pacification and loss of sight.
 Chronic Exposure
• Effects depend on the concentration and duration of exposure.
 Reporting Symptoms
• Employees will immediately report to their manager, other
supervisory personnel, or site medical personnel, the development
of any adverse signs or symptoms suspected of being related to
formaldehyde exposure.
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM

 General
• The employer shall institute medical surveillance programs
for all employees who:
– are exposed to formaldehyde concentrations at or above
the Action Level or above the STEL
– develop signs and symptoms of overexposure to
formaldehyde (see MSDS)
– are exposed to formaldehyde in an emergency
• All medical procedures will be performed by or under the
supervision of a licensed physician and will be provided
without cost to the employee, without loss of pay, and at a
reasonable time and place.
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM

 Medical Surveillance
• Administration of a medical disease questionnaire and an
evaluation of the questionnaire by a physician to determine
whether a medical examination is necessary (employees not
wearing respirators) will be made available to employees:
– prior to assignment to a job where formaldehyde exposure is at
or above the action level or above the STEL and annually
thereafter
– promptly upon determining that an employee is experiencing
signs and symptoms indicative of possible overexposure to
formaldehyde
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM

 Medical Examinations
• Medical examinations will be given to any employee when:
– based on the information provided on the medical
questionnaire, the physician feels the employee may be
at increased risk from exposure to formaldehyde
– the employee is required to a wear respirator to reduce
exposure to formaldehyde (see Respiratory protection
Policy)
• Medical examinations will be made available as soon as
possible to employees exposed to formaldehyde in an
emergency
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM
 Physician’s Written Opinion
• For any examination required by the standard, the employer will obtain a
written opinion from the examining physician discussing only those findings
relating to occupational exposures to formaldehyde
• The written opinion will include:
– physician’s opinion as to whether the employee has a medical condition
that would increase the risk of material impairment of health with
exposure to formaldehyde
– recommendations on limiting employee’s exposure or changes inure of
personal protective equipment
– a statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of
any medical conditions that would be aggravated by exposure to
formaldehyde and whether there is need for further examination or
treatment
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM

 Physician’s Written Opinion (Cont'd)

• The employer will retain the results of the
medical examination and tests conducted
by the physician in records
• The employer will provide a copy of the
physician’s written opinion to the affected
employee within 15 days of its receipt
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
AND EQUIPMENT

 Purpose
• To provide employees with a means of protecting
themselves against unnecessary exposures to
formaldehyde
• Skin Contact: Protective gloves, sleeves, aprons
• Eye Contact: Safety glasses/goggles, face shields
• Inhalation: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV),
respirators
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
AND EQUIPMENT

 Proper Use
• Personal protective clothing and equipment can only be
effective if it is used properly.
– Select the appropriate type of clothing or equipment (e.g.
gloves, respirators, LEV) according to Hazard Assessment
performed by supervisor for PPE.
– Properly maintain and store personal protective equipment after
use.
– Replace defective or damaged personal protective equipment
such as safety glasses, gloves, or respirator components.
Mechanical equipment such as LEV can be effectively repaired.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
AND EQUIPMENT
 Limitations
• Personal protective equipment appropriate for use with one
substance may be totally inappropriate for use with another
substance (e.g. respirators, gloves). Inappropriate use of personal
protective equipment may result in unnecessary exposures or injury
• Know the expected service life of personal protective equipment
and replace it as necessary.
– For respirator cartridges utilizing adsorption as the filtration
mechanism, when all available collection sites have been filled,
“break through” occurs and contaminants will pass through the
cartridge.
– Likewise, gloves will provide protection for only specific periods
of time before the contaminant permeates through the glove
material and “breakthrough” occurs.