SAFE WORK PROCEDURE
Use this form to document Safe Work Procedures for hazardous activities and processes. The information in your
Safe Work Procedure (SWP) should be supported by a risk assessment.
Faculty/School:
Science/Biological Sciences
Initial Issue Date: 21/5/14
Next Review Date: 21/5/15
SWP Reference Number:
Version: draft 1
SWP Title:
Use of Formalin in the field
Prepared by:
Michael Joseph
Ross Coleman
Responsible supervisor/s:
Asoc. Prof. Ross Coleman
Bobby Tamayo
Version Issue Date: 21/5/14
List the Hazards and risk controls as per risk assessment
Associated risk
assessment
reference:
Use of formalin in the
Field RA
Hazards
Harmful by
inhalation, in
contact with skin
and if swallowed.
Risk controls
Substitution – consider whether ethanol is a safer alternative, or if ethanol can
be used in the field and samples can be transferred to formalin in the lab.
Minimisation – Use minimal quantities.
Engineering – Never transport in a “one box” vehicle like the Subaru Any spills
will expose driver and passenger to dangerous fumes. Use vehicles with
separate transport area like Hi Lux ute or vehicle with trailer
PPE - Wear splash-proof goggles and rubber or PVC gloves. Where an
inhalation risk exists, wear: a Formaldehyde respirator. In a laboratory
situation, wear: a laboratory coat.
Use in a well ventilated area. Do not have people without PPE near by.
List resources required including personal protective clothing, chemicals and equipment needed
Splash-proof goggles and rubber or PVC gloves.
Where an inhalation risk exists, wear: a Formaldehyde respirator.
In a laboratory situation, wear: a laboratory coat.
Carry a large 15-20L drum of water for dilution of any spills
List step by step instructions or order for undertaking the task
Task will vary according to location, numbers and types of specimens being preserved in the field. This is intended as general
guidance and needs to be tailored to each situation.
1.
2.
Maximal volume per container for field use is 100 ml (UC Davis)
Formailn is soluble in water so spillage (environmental hazard) is countered by washing with copious fresh water (take
a spill kit being 25 l fresh water?)
All other standard procedures apply (gloves, eye protection). Since fume cupboards are not possible outside, one may need to
mandate the availability of respirators/filters if there is little air movement
List emergency shutdown procedures
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SAFE WORK PROCEDURE
List Emergency procedures for how to deal with fires, spills or exposure to hazardous substances
EYE: Hold eyelids apart and flush eye continuously with running water (there are eye wash hoses located in the
sediment and sorting labs). Continue flushing until advised by the Poisons Information Centre (Poisons Hotline 13
11 26), or for at least 15 minutes.
INHALATION: Leave area of exposure immediately. If other than minor symptoms occur seek urgent medical
attention. If assisting a victim wear a face- mask to avoid inhalation. If the victim is not breathing apply artificial
respiration and seek URGENT medical advice (dial 0-000).
SKIN: Gently flush affected areas with water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
INGESTION: For advice contact the Poisons Information Centre (Poisons Hotline 13 11 26) or a doctor (University
Health Service: Holme x14095; Wentworth x13484). If swallowed, DO NOT induce vomiting.
Submit RiskWare report.
List Clean up and waste disposal requirements
Large volumes of fresh water.
Chemical spill kit – for laboratories.
Allow to ventilate
List references used in the development of this SWP, e.g. codes of practice



WHS Act 2011
WHS Regulations 2011
MDSD ChemAlertII
List competency required – qualifications, certificates, licensing, training - e.g. course or instruction:
Staff approved to assess competence for this SWP
SWP Sign off sheet
SWP name and version:
In signing this section the assessor agrees that the following persons are competent in following this
SWP.
Name
Signature
Date
Competent
Name
Assessor/Authoriser
of
Assessor/Authoriser
signature
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SAFE WORK PROCEDURE
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