UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Paraformaldehyde (PFA)
Please fill out the form completely.
Insure all users have access to this SOP.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
Enter text.
Department:
Date SOP was written:
Enter date.
This lab specific SOP has been reviewed and approved by:
Principal Investigator Name:
Enter text.
Principal Investigator Signature
Lab Manager/Supervisor:
Type of SOP:
☐ Process
Enter text.
☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Paraformaldehyde (PFA) is the smallest polyoxymethylene, the polymerization product of formaldehyde with
a typical degree of polymerization of 8–10 units. Paraformaldehyde commonly has a slight odor of
formaldehyde due to decomposition. Paraformaldehyde can be depolymerized to evolve formaldehyde gas
upon dry heating and in the presence of a base or heat in a water mixture. The very pure formaldehyde
solutions obtained in this way are used as a fixative for microscopy and histology. Formaldehyde, commonly
used as a fixative and as nucleic acid denaturant, is a regulated carcinogen.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 30525-89-4
Class: Carcinogen and flammable solid
Molecular Formula: OH(CH2O)nH (n = 8 - 100)
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: White crystalline
Boiling point: no data available
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Paraformaldehyde (PFA)
1
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Carcinogen. May cause sensitization by skin contact. Risk of serious damage to the eyes. Harmful by
inhalation and oral ingestion. Irritating to respiratory tract and skin. Flammable.
Engineering Controls
Work with this chemical in a certified ducted fume hood. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be
equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)
Hand Protection
Handle with nitrile or chloroprene 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: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with Paraformaldehyde.
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
OR
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
OR
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection
ANSI approved safety glasses or goggles.
Skin and Body Protection
Flame resistant/cotton lab coats should be worn. These laboratory coats must be appropriately sized for the
individual and be buttoned to their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of a sufficient length to
prevent skin exposure while wearing gloves. Full length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times
by all individuals that are occupying the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should
not be exposed.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Consult a physician.
Paraformaldehyde (PFA)
2
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
In case of skin contact
Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing. Take victim
immediately to hospital.
In case of eye contact
Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids and removing contact
lenses. Consult a physician. Continue rinsing eyes during transport to the hospital.
If swallowed
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT induce
vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth with water.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Conditions for safe storage: Store in secondary containment with Carcinogen label on the primary
container, secondary containment and the storage location. Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool, and
well-ventilated place.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist 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 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no
further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-4761300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Paraformaldehyde (PFA)
3
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-8857580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
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. Page the needle stick
nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as
hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/7241-DSY/msds.html
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
Enter the experimental purpose
Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Paraformaldehyde (PFA)
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)