If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protective equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.
If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Care, and Use of Respirators", available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:
NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FORMALDEHYDE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:
AT CONCENTRATIONS ABOVE THE NIOSH REL, OR WHERE THERE IS NO REL, AT ANY DETECTABLE CONCENTRATION: Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.
ESCAPE: Gas mask with canister to protect against formaldehyde; or escape-type SCBA.
NOTE: The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for formaldehyde is 0.016 ppm (time-weighted average concentration) and 0.1 ppm (15 minute ceiling limit).
NOTE: NIOSH has classified this material as a potential occupational carcinogen, according to specific NIOSH criteria. This classification is reflected in these recommendations for respiratory protection, which specify that only the most reliable and protective respirators be worn. The requirements in other jurisdictions may vary.
The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed.
Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators.
ABBREVIATIONS SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.
What eye/face protection is recommended for working with formaldehyde solutions?Chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary.
What skin protection measures are recommended when working with formaldehyde solutions?Chemical protective gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other chemical protective clothing.
Have a safety shower and eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area.
A chemical protective full-body encapsulating suit and respiratory protection may be required in some operations.
What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?Guidelines for formaldehyde, 30-70%:
RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Butyl rubber, Nitrile rubber, Viton(TM), Barrier (PE/PA/PE), Trellchem(TM) HPS, Tychem(TM) BR/LV, Tychem(TM) SL, Tychem(TM) TK.
RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Silver Shield/4H(TM) (polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol), Responder(TM).
CAUTION, use for short periods only (resistance to breakthrough within 1 to 4 hours): Neoprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride.
NOT RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Natural rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol.
There is evidence that this material (Formaldehyde, 30-70% -- Formalin, solution of formaldehyde) can cause serious skin injury (e.g., corrosion or absorption hazard).
Recommendations are NOT valid for very thin natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile and pvc gloves (0.3 mm or less).
Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.
Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?Remove contaminated clothing promptly. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Discard contaminated shoes and leather goods. Launder contaminated clothing before reuse. Discard heavily contaminated clothing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in work areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling this material. Maintain good housekeeping.
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