Formaldehyde/Formalin
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE TEMPLATE
Type of SOP:
Process
Hazardous Chemical
Hazard Class
To customize this SOP, add lab-specific information to the sections below marked in RED, as
applicable. Completion of the last section (“Lab-Specific Information”) is required. Also, any of the
content below may be amended with lab-specific information to enhance worker safety as desired.
1.
HAZARD OVERVIEW
In laboratories, formaldehyde is most commonly present as a dissolved gas in a water/methanol
based solution called formalin. Formaldehyde solutions are used primarily for fixing tissues and
organs, and as a preservative and disinfectant in embalming fluids, gels and surface packs.
Analytical or synthetic chemistry labs use formaldehyde as a reagent.
Formaldehyde is an upper respiratory tract and eye irritant. It is highly volatile and inhalation is
therefore a major route of exposure. Above 0.1ppm it can irritate the nose, throat and lungs, but its
odor threshold is higher – about 1 ppm. Therefore, lack of odor cannot be used as an indicator of
safety. Above 25 ppm it can cause severe injury, including pulmonary edema (water in the lungs).
Contact with the skin can cause mild to severe irritation that can worsen with increase exposures
(sensitivity). It is a recognized human carcinogen. Concentrated solutions are flammable. Weaker
solutions can be combustible.
Due to its carcinogenicity and toxicity, formaldehyde use is specifically regulated by Cal-OSHA. It
has a very low Permissible Exposure Limits by inhalation which cannot legally be exceeded in the
workplace:
 8 hr Time-weighted Average Exposure:
0.75 ppm
 15 Minute Exposure Limit :
2 ppm
 Action Level:
0.5 ppm
If formaldehyde solutions are always used in a properly functioning/certified fume hood, these limits
should not exceeded. EH&S does period representative quantitative monitoring of formaldehyde air
concentrations to verify that exposures are below these thresholds.
2.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
See the PPE information under Sec. II of the UCSB Chemical Hygiene Plan regarding:
 the UC PPE Policy and policy summary (what PPE is needed and when/where to use)
 obtaining your free lab coat and safety eyewear via use of the Laboratory Hazard Assessment
Tool
 glove selection criteria
 respirator use, etc.
Template rev. 11/14
Hand Protection
Medium or heavyweight nitrile, neoprene, natural rubber or PVC gloves can be used. Consult with
your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are compatible with
the chemical and usage.
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf or
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
Additional PPE may be required if procedures or processes present additional risk. It is the
responsibility of the PI to ensure that any additional PPE requirements are identified and
communicated to research staff. Contact EH&S for consultation.
3.
ENGINEERING/VENTILATION CONTROLS
Formaldehyde solutions should always be used in an annually certified laboratory chemical fume
hood with the sash at the certified position or lower. The hood flow alarm should be checked to be
operating correctly prior to using the hood.
For further information see the following pages in Sec. II of the UCSB Chemical Hygiene Plan:
 UCSB Fume Hood Usage Guide
 Criteria for Implementing Engineering Controls
4.
SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Wash thoroughly after handling. Store in a tightly closed, labeled container and in a cool, dry wellventilated area. Segregate from incompatible materials. Repackaged containers must be labeled
clearly. Follow any substance-specific storage guidance provided in Safety Data Sheet
documentation.
Use small quantities whenever possible. Monitor your inventory closely to assure that you have tight
control over your material.
5.
SPILL AND INCIDENT PROCEDURES
See directions under the “Chemical Incident” and “Medical Emergency” tabs of the UCSB Emergency
Information Flipchart – should already be posted in all labs. For chemical-specific first-aid
information, see the Safety Data Sheet.
.
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Template Rev. 11/14
6.
DECONTAMINATION
Wear proper PPE, decontaminate equipment and bench tops using soap and water. Dispose of all
used contaminated disposables as hazardous waste.
7.
WASTE DISPOSAL
See “Chemical Waste Disposal” in Sec. II of the UCSB Chemical Hygiene Plan.
8.
PRIOR APPROVAL/REVIEW REQUIRED
As they deem necessary, the PI/supervisor should insert here any prior approval or review needed
before an individual can do the operation.
9.
DESIGNATED AREA
Work should be completed in a laboratory fume hood designated for Formaldehyde.
As they deem necessary, the PI/supervisor should insert here any additional information about
whether a special use-area is designated for this material/process
10.
SAFETY DATA SHEETS
Found online at: http://ehs.ucsb.edu/labsafety/msds
11. LAB-SPECIFIC INFORMATION (required) (Examples of appropriate content)
Add appropriate lab-specific information here describing how this material(s) is generally used. E.g.,
name of protocol, typical frequency done, quantities used, temperature and any additional safety
measures, etc.
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Template Rev. 11/14