Standard Operating Procedure
Paraformaldehyde
Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
Department:
Chemistry
Date SOP was written:
11/26/2012
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:
Principal Investigator:
11/27/2012
Richmond Sarpong
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:
Lab Phone:
Rebecca Murphy
510-643-2485
Office Phone:
510-643-6312
Emergency Contact:
Richmond Sarpong 626-644-2407
Location(s) covered by this SOP:
Latimer 834, 836, 837, 838, 839, 842, 844, 847, 849,
907
Type of SOP:
☐ Process
☒ Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Paraformaldehyde is the smallest polyoxymethylene, it is the polymerization product of formaldehyde with
a typical degree of polymerization of 8-100 units. It can be depolymerized to formaldehyde gas by dry
heating and to formaldehyde solution by water in the presence of an acid or heat. The resulting
formaldehyde gas from dry heating paraformaldehyde is flammable.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 30525-89-4
Class: Toxic, combustible, irritant
Molecular Formula: OH(CH2O)nH (n= 8 – 100)
Form (physical state): crystalline solid
Color: white
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Melting point: 120 ºC
Flash Point 70 ºC
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Acute Effects
Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant,
sensitizer, permeator). Non-corrosive for skin. Non-corrosive to the eyes. Non-corrosive for lungs. Severe
over-exposure can result in death. No listed Cal-OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
Chronic Effects
Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (sensitizer)
Mutagenic Effects
Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells. Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast. Mutagenic for mammalian
somatic cells. Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast. Classified possible teratogen for humans.
Developmental Toxicity
Classified reproductive system toxin. The substance may be toxic to kidneys, liver, central nervous
system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.
Repeated exposure to a highly toxic material may produce general deterioration of health by an
accumulation in one or many human organs.
Paraformaldehyde: ORAL (LD50): Acute: 800 mg/kg [Rat]. DUST (LC50): Acute: 1070mg/m 4 hours [Rat].
For information on toxicity of related product likely present, formaldehyde, see
https://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5217.html
Engineering Controls
NOTE: Lab-specific information on engineering controls may be included in the Protocol/Procedure
section.
Work with regulated carcinogens should be conducted in a fume hood unless other controls are
designated in the lab-specific Protocol/Procedure section. Sash height should be kept low to avoid
escaping fumes and provide a physical barrier. There must be a designated area for working with
carcinogens. This area must be appropriately labeled. The general procedures for working with regulated
carcinogens are given in the EH&S document Carcinogens (EHS):
http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/126-standard-operating-procedures-sop.html

All operations involving formaldehyde and dilutions should be carried out in a certified chemical
fume hood or a ducted Biosafety cabinet to keep airborne level below recommended exposure
limits.

Chemical fume hoods used as containment areas for particularly hazardous chemicals must have
a velocity of 150 cfm, averaged over the face of the hood and must be certified annually.
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
Laboratory rooms must be at negative pressure with respect to the corridors and external
environment. The laboratory/room door must be kept closed at all times.

Vacuum lines are to be protected by HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters or higher
efficiency scrubbers.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
NOTE: Lab-specific information on PPE selection may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
Respiratory Protection
NOTE: Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S.
This is a regulatory requirement.
Refer to 8 CCR 5144 for selection of respirators. A respiratory protection program that meets 8 CCR 5144
must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant use of a respirator.
Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:
 As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been
exhausted).
 When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a possibility that PEL will
be exceeded.
 Regulations require the use of a respirator.
 An employer requires the use of a respirator.
 There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the absence of
PEL)
 As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
Hand Protection
Handle with gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without
touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves
after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
NOTE: Lab-specific and chemical-specific information on glove selection may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section. Refer to glove selection from the link below:
For glove selection, go to: http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-glove-selection-andusage.html
Eye Protection
Tightly fitting safety goggles. Use face shield (8-inch minimum) when appropriate (not protected by fume
hood sash for example). Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate
government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU) or ANSI Z87.1.
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Skin and Body Protection
Long pants, closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes, cotton-based clothing/attire, and lab coat must be
worn for protecting against chemical hazards.
Hygiene Measures
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at
the end of workday.
First Aid Procedures
Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Immediately consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Take off contaminated clothing immediately. Wash off with soap and plenty of water for 15 minutes. Take
victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water using an eyewash station for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting
the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting unless directed otherwise by the SDS. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
NOTE: Lab-specific information on handling and storage may be included in the Protocol/Procedure
section.
Working alone
Certain extremely hazardous operations should not be performed if the PI or Lab Safety Contact(s) are
not present. Never work alone with extremely hazardous materials/operations. See the
Protocol/Procedure section below for specific prohibitions (if any) on working alone.
Storage
It is essential that all regulated carcinogens be stored separately from all chemicals with which they may
react. Ensure segregation of incompatible chemicals per guidance within EH&S guidelines. Also, follow
any substance-specific storage guidance provided in Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documentation. This is
particularly important for regulated carcinogens as human exposure must be avoided.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 911
NOTE: When working with regulated carcinogens it is important to take immediate steps to prevent
human contact with the spilled materials. Immediate action is required.
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Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent material.
Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal
protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear plastic
bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 911 and 510-642-9090 for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower
for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with
a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water from the
emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention.
Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Medical Emergency Dial 911
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911 or go to the nearest
emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a
call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health Center). After
hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8
hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the affected
area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane exposure, flush the
affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang
Health Center). After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures
must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
NOTE: Lab-specific information on decontamination/waste disposal may be included in the
Protocol/Procedure section.
Wearing proper PPE, please decontaminate equipment and bench tops using soap and water. Cleaning
materials should be disposed as hazardous waste.
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
Label Waste
Regulated carcinogens must be placed in a chemically compatible container with a sealed lid and
clearly labeled. Label all containers with the label provided at http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hm/279-newhazardous-waste-program-hwp.html. See the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste Management” for
general instructions on procedures for disposing of hazardous waste.
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Dispose of Waste
 Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months
 Call EH&S for questions
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
SDS can be accessed online at http://ucmsds.com
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Protocol/Procedure For Paraformaldehyde
CAS#: 30525-89-4
Preparation
Paraformaldehyde can be used as a reagent for organic reactions. All work with formaldehyde should be carried
out inside a fume hood
Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, eyewash, and safety shower before beginning work.
Lab-specific
Information
Given its toxicity, carcinogenic and corrosive nature, paraformaldehyde should be kept inside a fume hood at all
times to prevent exposure. As a Regulated Carcinogen, paraformaldehyde must be labeled as carcinogenic and
stored inside a secondary container, segregated along with other known carcinogens inside an approved
flammable cabinet. Paraformaldehyde is a source of formaldehyde and all precautions applying to formaldehyde
should be taken when using paraformaldehyde.
Procedure/Use
Scale
<1 mg up to
500 gm
Engineering
Controls/Equipment
Ave hood face velocity
should be 150 fpm and
no point less than 125
fpm
PPE (eye, face, gloves,
clothing)
Eye protection: safety
glasses with side shields or
tightly fitting safety goggles
Face protection:
Gloves: Nitrile gloves. For
extended or heavy use,
recommend double-gloving
using nitrile gloves.
Clothing: Flameresistant lab coat
Notes
Initials of
individuals using
this procedure
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Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
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Procedure Steps and Special
Precautions for this Procedure
Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work with paraformaldehyde designated personnel must provide training to
his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with this substance, work
area decontamination, and emergency procedures.

The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a
copy of the SDS provided by the manufacturer.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
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