Safe Handling of 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin

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Barrie Higgins
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1 Safe Handling of 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin

2 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.

3 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).

4 Exposure Routes Inhalation Ingestion Skin contact (absorption) Eye contact

5 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

6 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.

7 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.

8 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.

9 Safe Work Practices Keep formalin containers closed tightly Know the location of emergency eyewashes Keep emergency eyewashes and showers in chemical labs unobstructed

10 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.

11 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.

12 For more information about this chemical.. use HazSoft For more information about this or any other chemical use HazSoft (available on the TRMC Intranet!

13 References Occupational Safety & Health Administration, US Dept of Labor. OSHA Fact Sheet: Formaldehyde Retrieved May 24, 2017 Occupational Safety & Health Administration, US Dept of Labor. Technical Guidelines for Formalin App A 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

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET ELAN CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC Date Printed: October 23, 2007 Date Updated: December 1, 2005 1. Product /Company Identification Product Name: NATURAL ALDEFRESH Manufacturer: Elan