Material Safety Data Sheet
10% Neutral Buffered Formalin
POCD
SCIENTIFIC
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Section 1: IDENTIFICATION
10% NEUTRAL BUFFERED FORMALIN
Synonyms – NBF
Product Code – NBF10%, NBF500, NBF2.5, NBF5.
Recommended use – Histology laboratory fixative.
Point of Care Diagnostics t/a POCD Scientific
ABN: 93 067 939 824
Unit 14/76 Reserve Rd
Artarmon NSW 2064
1800 640 075 | 02 9437 1399
Australian Emergency Services: 000 (24 hours) Australian
Poisons Information Centre: 131 126 (24 hours)
Section 2: HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Classified as a Hazardous substance according to criteria of NOHSC.
Classified as a NON-Dangerous good according to the ADG Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by
Road and Rail.
R Phases
S Phases
R20/21/22 - Harmful by inhalation and contact with skin and if ingested.
R36/37/38 – Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
R43 - May cause sensitisation by skin contact.
R49 – May cause cancer by inhalation.
S1/2 - Keep locked up and out of reach of children.
S24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
S26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and contact a Doctor
or Poisons Information Centre.
S36/37 - Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves.
S45 - In case of accident or if you feel unwell, contact a Doctor or Poisons Information Centre
immediately.
S51 - Use only in well ventilated areas.
Section 3: COMPOSITION INFORMATION
Chemical Name
Water
Formalin (37% Formaldehyde)
Monosodium Phosphate
Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate
CAS Number
7732-18-5
50-00-0
7558-80-7
7558-79-4
Concentration
Remainder
10%
<1%
<1%
Section 4: FIRST AID MEASURES
Eye contact
Skin contact
Flush eyes continuously with running water for at least 15 minutes. Contact
Poisons Information Centre.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek
Date of issue: February, 2012
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Material Safety Data Sheet
Inhalation
Ingestion
First aid facilities
Advice to Doctor
10% Neutral Buffered Formalin
medical attention.
Remove patient to fresh air. Seek medical attention immediately. Apply artificial
respiration if patient is not breathing and seek urgent medical attention.
DO NOT induce vomiting. Contact Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for
advice.
Eye wash station, safety shower and First Aid kit.
Contact Poisons Information Centre and treat symptomatically.
Section 5: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
Suitable extinguishing media
Non-flammable product so, use suitable media for other material
involved in fire.
Not applicable
Breathing apparatus may be required as hazardous gases or vapours
can be emitted.
None allocated.
Hazards for combustion products
Special protective precautions and
equipment for fire fighters
Hazchem code
Section 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Emergency procedures
Clean up methods
Wear suitable protective clothing and breathing apparatus in the event of
vapours being produced. Ventilate area.
Dilute with water or absorb with paper towel or vermiculite, transfer to a
suitable container for waste disposal. Use water spray to reduce vapours if
required. Prevent run-off to drains and waterways.
Section 7: HANDLING AND STORAGE
Precautions for safe handling
Conditions of safe storage
Avoid contact with skin and eyes at all times. Avoid breathing vapours, by
using in well-ventilated areas. Use proper hygiene practices after use.
Keep container tightly closed and keep out of direct sunlight, in a wellventilated area.
Section 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
National exposure standards
Biological Limit Values
Engineering Controls
Personal Protective Equipment
Formaldehyde
3
TWA – 1ppm (1.2mg/m )
3
STEL – 2ppm (2.5mg/m )
Not available.
Use in a well-ventilated area or provide exhaust ventilation.
Safety glasses, gloves, lab coat.
Section 9: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance
Odour
pH
Vapour pressure
Vapour density
Boiling point
Melting point
Solubility
Specific gravity
Information for flammable materials
Clear, colourless liquid
Pungent
7.0
Not available
Not available
98⁰C
-8⁰C
Water soluble
1.09
Non-flammable
Section 10: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Chemical stability
Conditions to avoid
Date of issue: February, 2012
Product is stable under recommended conditions for use and
storage.
Not applicable
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Material Safety Data Sheet
10% Neutral Buffered Formalin
Incompatible materials
Hazardous decomposition products
Hazardous reactions
Oxidisers, acids and alkalis.
Smoke and fumes.
Polymerisation will not occur.
Section 11: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
HEALTH EFFECTS
Eye contact
Skin contact
Inhalation
Ingestion
May cause irritation in the form of redness, itching and watering.
May cause inflammation, itching, reddening and possible blistering.
Lung irritant if inhaled.
Gastrointestinal tract and throat may be. May also result in abdominal pain, vomiting and
bloody diarrhoea.
Section 12: ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Not available.
Section 13: DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Disposal methods and containers
Special precautions
Dispose of in accordance with local authority guidelines.
Provide adequate ventilation and protect skin and eyes.
Section 14: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Not classified as dangerous goods by the criteria of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.
UN Number
UN Proper shipping name
Class and subsidiary risk
Packing group
Special precautions
Hazchem code
None allocated
None allocated
None allocated
None allocated
None allocated
None allocated
Section 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION



Poison Schedule: S6
Category 2 Carcinogen.
Toxic, irritant.
Section 16: OTHER INFORMATION
Release Information
Date of preparation
Issue Number
13 February 2012
2
References
1.
2.
3.
4.
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous
rd
Substances (NOHSC:1008); Australian Government Publication Service: Canberra (2004), 3 Edition.
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, List of Designated Hazardous
nd
Substances (NOHSC:10005); Australian Government Publication Service: Canberra (1999), 2 Edition.
National Transport Commission Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and
th
Rail (ADG Code); Canprint: Canberra (2007), Volume 1, 7 Edition.
Standards Australia, Dangerous Goods Initial Emergency Response Guide: Australian
Handbook (SAA/SNZ HB76); Homebush (2004).
Copyright © 2012 Point of Care Diagnostics Australia Pty Ltd
Date of issue: February, 2012
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