Standard Operating Procedure
For the Use ofHazardous Chemicals
Fill-in or check the appropriate boxes that best illustrate the safe handling practices associated with this procedure.
Principal Investigator(s):
Contact Info:
Prepared By:Date:
Chemical(s) or chemical groups: Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Solutions including Formalin and Paraformaldehyde
Process(es) involved:
Specific Hazards: Flammable Liquid or Solid, Carcinogen,
Purchasing Procedure:
All chemicals must be entered into the Marquette Chemical Inventory System CisPro.
A current MSDS must be already accessible in the laboratory.
OtherInstructions:
Authorized Use:
Authorization in the form of written approval from the PI or, (Title) must be obtained prior to use of the material(s). See end of SOP for authorized users. Use will be limited to:
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Principal Investigator
Postdoctoral employees
Graduate Students
Undergraduate Students
Technical Staff
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Other:
Training Requirements:
The special training or information required prior to the use of the material(s) includes:
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Review of current MSDS
Review of MU Chemical Hygiene Plan
General Lab Safety Training
Special training provided by the
Supervisor
Review of group safety rules
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Other: Training on proper chemical, sharps, and waste handling should be conducted with all employees. The OSHA Formaldehyde Standard requires MU to ensure all employees who are assigned to workplaces where there is exposure to formaldehyde participate in a training program. An exception can be made when the employer can show using objective data that employees are not exposed to formaldehyde at or above 0.1ppm. Environmental Health & Safety can assist with training for formaldehyde. Training shall be provided to employees at time of initial assignment, and whenever a new exposure to formaldehyde is introduced.
Storage Requirements:
Store material(s) as indicated by the label or MSDS compatibility recommendations.
Designated Storage Area: Flammable Storage Cabinet
Area inspected regularly by:
Stored in secondary containment
Other special storage requirements: Store away from incompatibles. Incompatible with oxidizing agents and alkalis. Reacts explosively with nitrogen dioxide at ca. 180C (356F). Reacts violently with perchloric acid, perchloric acid-aniline mixtures, and nitromethane. Reaction with hydrochloric acid may form bis-chloromethyl ether, an OSHA regulated carcinogen. Decomposition emits Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide.
Designated Use Location:
Building: Room:
Designated Use Area in room:
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Fume Hood
Glove Box
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Other: Conduct all operations in a fume hood. Exhaust ventilation other than a fume hood should be approved by EH&S.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
The following PPE is required to be worn whenever handling this material(s):
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Lab Coat
Safety Glasses
Safety Goggles (splash hazards)
Gloves- specify type: Nitrile
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Other: Check integrity of gloves. Double glove with thin nitrile gloves in case integrityof outer glove is compromised. Heavier nitrile gloves may be worn. Face shields should be incorporated, if possibility of splashing.
Waste Disposal:
Properly collect and dispose of the material(s) associated with this procedure according to laboratory and MU disposal procedures.
Instructions:Place material in Hazardous Waste containers provided by Environmental Health & Safety. Complete Chemical Waste Disposal form. Contact EH&S when full.
Waste containerlocation:
Decontamination Procedure:
Specify steps to decontaminate surfaces of materials(s).
Instructions:See Spill procedure
Spill Procedure:
Specify steps to be taken in case of a spill.
Spill Kit Location:
Instructions:Ventilate area of leak or spill. Remove all sources of ignition. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified above. Isolate hazard area. Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel from entering. Contain and recover liquid when possible. Use non-sparking tools and equipment. Collect liquid in an appropriate container or absorb with an inert material (e. g., vermiculite, dry sand, earth), and place in a chemical waste container. Do not use combustible materials, such as saw dust. Do not flush to sewer! US Regulations (CERCLA) require reporting spills and releases to soil, water and air in excess of reportable quantities (100 lbs.). Exposure monitoring may be required depending on location of spill (area with general ventilation) to determine respiratory protection.
Exposure Procedure:
Skin- Symptoms: Causes skin burns. May cause skin sensitization, an allergic reaction, which becomes evident upon re-exposure to this material.
First Aid: Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.
Eye- Symptoms: Causes eye burns.
First Aid: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub eyes or keep eyes closed.
Ingestion- Symptoms: May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause burns to the digestive tract. May cause central nervous system depression.
First Aid: Do not induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
Inhalation- Symptoms: Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Causes respiratory tract irritation, may cause asthmatic attacksdue to allergic cause sensitization of the respiratory tract. May cause burning sensation in the chest.
First Aid: Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Consult a physician.
Chronic: Carcinogen. There is sufficient evidence that formaldehyde causes nasopharyngeal cancer in humans, a rare cancer in developed countries. There is limited evidence that formaldehyde causes cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and strong but not sufficient evidence for leukemia. Repeated exposure may cause skin discoloration and thickening and nail decay.
Target Organs: Kidneys, central nervous system, liver, skin.
Special First Aid/ Medical Instructions: Monitor arterial blood gases and methanol levels after significant ingestion. Hemodyalysis may be effective in formaldehyde removal. Use formic acid in urine and formaldehyde in blood or expired air as diagnostic tests.
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Public Safety: x8-1911 or 414-288-1911 (cell)
Environmental Health & Safety x8-8411
University Environmental Health & Safety Web Guidance
- Chemical Hygiene Plan
- Laboratory Safety
- Waste Disposal Guide
- Emergency Preparedness
- On-Line Safety Training
▪Laboratory Safety, Hazardous Waste Orientation, Mercury Spill Clean-up Procedures, & more
Procedure Name:
List each step of the procedure including the hazards associated with the step and controls that will be used to ensure safety. Be as specific as possible.
Process Step / Hazards / Safety ControlsWeighing and dissolving of solid Paraformaldehyde / Formation of dust. Vapors, once in solution / Keep away from sparks. Use fume hood to control dust and vapors.Personal Protective Equipment stated above
Use of Formaldehyde Solution / Vapors, Splash / Fume Hood, Personal Protective Equipment stated above
Process Step / Hazards / Safety Controls
Authorization of Use
The below stated individuals have read and fully understand the (Procedure Name) standard operating procedure. The individuals have received the required training listed above and are aware of the potential hazards and spill procedures related to handling these materials.
Name:Signature:
- ______
- ______
- ______
- ______
- ______
Principal Investigator Signature: ______Date: ______
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