1. Formaldehyde training is required for anyone exposed above 0.1 ppm for an 8-hour period.
2. All work with concentrated formalin solutions must be done in a chemical fume hood. If work tasks cannot be done in a fume hood or other engineering control , EH&S must be contacted to assure that hazardous exposures to faculty, staff and students are prevented. Recommendations for protocol modification or protective equipment will be made based on air sampling results.
3. Formaldehyde exposures can occur while dissecting or working with tissue specimens perfused with or fixed in formaldehyde. Chemical exposures can be minimized by working in a ventilated device. Eliminating puddles of formaldehyde in the specimen by rinsing or blotting the excess with paper towels can also reduce evaporation and exposure.
4. Gloves must be worn whenever tissues preserved in or fixed with formaldehyde are handled.
While latex gloves provide some protection against formaldehyde, butyl or nitrile gloves are recommended and should be used when contact is anticipated.
5. Formaldehyde splashed in the eye can cause irreversible damage to the cornea. Safety glasses with side shields, face shields or splash goggles must always be worn when working with formaldehyde.