Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Assessment Form
School of Life Sciences
Ref
No.
Title:
Histology Chemicals
Date:
17/07/2012
Review
Date:
School
Section:
Histology Lab
Location:
G1
SUBSTANCES
Substance(s)
Quantity
Hazardous Properties
Location (Stored)
Chemical Reactions: Please state any
material or chemical these substances
must not come in to contact with.
Formaldehyde solution, 36.538%
residual
Formaldehyde
Toxic by inhalation, in contact
with skin and if swallowed.
Causes burns.
Limited evidence of a
carcinogenic effect.
May cause sensitization by skin
contact.
Within fixed tissues
Strong oxidizing agents.
Ethanol
Absolute-50% dilutions
Flammable , harmful
G1 solvent cupboard
Strong oxidizing agents, Strong acids, Acid anhydrides,
Acid chlorides.
Histosol
6l
Flammable. Harmful if
swallowed. Do not breathe
fumes. Avoid contact
with the skin. If swallowed, do
not induce vomiting. Seek
medical
advice immediately and show
container or label
G1
1
Solvent Naphtha, Light Aromatic:
Oxidizing agents.
HEALTH EFFECTS / PREVENTATIVE & CONTROL MEASURES
Hazard
Existing Controls
Additional Controls
Formaldehyde:
Tissue samples washed prior to
being brought into lab.
PPE – lab coat, eye protection and
gloves
Good Laboratory Practice
Use personal protective equipment
as required
Use in a fume hood. Ensure no
sources of ignition are nearby.
Use personal protective equipment
as required.
Dispose of contents/containers to an
approved waste disposal plant.
Use personal protective equipment
as required. Not expected to wear
personal respirator during normal
work.
Dispose of contents/containers to an
approved waste disposal plant.
Wear personal respirator if vapour
concentration becomes high.
H314 - Causes severe skin burns and
eye damage
H317 - May cause an allergic skin
reaction
H370 - Causes damage to organs
H311 - Toxic in contact with skin
H331 - Toxic if inhaled
H301 - Toxic if swallowed
H351 - Suspected of causing cancer
H226 - Flammable liquid and vapor
Ethanol:
H336 - May cause drowsiness or
dizziness
H319 - Causes serious eye irritation
H225 - Highly flammable liquid and
vapor
EUH066 - Repeated exposure may
cause skin dryness or cracking
Histosol:
H302 - Harmful if swallowed
H304 - May be fatal if swallowed
and enters airways.
H340 - May cause genetic defects.
H350 - May cause cancer.
P233 - Keep container tightly closed.
P301+P310 - IF SWALLOWED:
Immediately call a POISON CENTRE
or
doctor/physician .
P331 - Do NOT induce vomiting.
Histo-Clear:
DANGER H226 - Flammable liquid
and vapor.
H304 - May be fatal if swallowed
and enters airways.
H315 - Causes skin irritation.
H317 - May cause an allergic skin
reaction.
H410 - Very toxic to aquatic life with
long lasting effects.
P273 - Avoid release to the
environment.
2
Signature / Date
Health Effects

Level of exposure

Type of exposure

Duration of exposure

Amount of substance


to be used
Amount of disposal
How will it be disposed of
P280 - Wear protective
gloves/protective clothing/eye
protection/face
protection.
P301+P310 - IF SWALLOWED:
Immediately call a POISON CENTER
or
doctor/physician .
P331 - Do NOT induce vomiting.
P302+P352 - IF ON SKIN: Wash with
plenty of soap and water.
P333+P313 - IF SKIN irritation or rash
occurs: Get medical
advice/attention.
P501 - Dispose of
contents/containers to an approved
waste disposal
plant.
Histomount:
e.g. Ventilation, suitable work equipment, PPE, respirator, etc
Does user require health surveillance
Yes
No
Has this health surveillance been organized through Occupational Health?
Yes
No
MONITORING OF EXPOSURE
Air sampling in the breathing zone – is it required
and if so has it been carried out
Potential for skin absorption – has skin been
checked?
Is it a biological agent?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
If yes, what is the classification?
Note: If this applies, make reference to COSHH Reg 6 (69) and comply with the
requirements stated in the Code of Practice
If any substance(s) are extremely flammable, state
Can a less dangerous / hazardous substance or process
be used?
Do any substances have workplace exposure limits?
Yes
No
Yes
No
TWA (8 hrs)
STEL (15 mins)
2ppm
50ppm
2ppm
50ppm
If so, please give details below:
Substance
Formaldehyde
Histosol
3
lowest flash point
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Personal Protective Equipment
Type
Specification
Supplier
Notes
First Aid Action
Contact Area
Swallowed
Contact with skin
Contact with eyes
Inhaled
Action Required
Formaldehyde: Do NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Histosol: Do not induce vomiting. If swallowed and the person is conscious, immediately give large amounts of water. Get medical attention.
Histo-clear: Do not induce vomiting. If swallowed and the person is conscious, immediately give large amounts of water. Get medical attention.
Formaldehyde: Wash off with soap and plenty of water. Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
Histosol: Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get
medical attention. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Histo-clear: Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get
medical attention. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Formaldehyde: Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Histosol: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical
attention immediately.
Histo-clear: Remove contact lenses at once. Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes, lifting lower and upper
eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.
Formaldehyde: Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration, using pocket mask. Consult a physician.
Histosol: Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Call a physician.
Histo-clear: Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Call a physician.
Spillage or Accidental Release
Fire Precautions
Specify how you would deal with spillage or accidental release
Specify actions to be taken in the event of a fire involving these substances
Suitable extinguishing media
Formaldehyde - Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner
or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations . Keep in
suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Histosol - Isolate hazard area and deny entry. Keep ignition sources out of area and shut off all
ignition sources. Absorb spill with inert
material (e.g. dry sand or earth) then place in a chemical waste container.
Histo-clear - Eliminate source of ignition. Ventilate area. Cover with absorbent material (soda
ash) to confine spill and sweep or shovel into container. Close container tightly.
Formaldehyde: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Histosol:
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Formaldehyde: Carbon oxides
Histosol: Combustion may produce oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur.
Advice for firefighters
Formaldehyde: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
Histosol: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting.
4
Further information
Formaldehyde: Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
Histosol:
SIGNATURE
Assessment completed by (PRINT NAME)
Dr. Theodore B. Henry
Signature
Date
15 October 2014
RE-ASSESSMENT
Date for re-assessment
Review date
Reviewed by (PRINT NAME)
Signature
5