THE OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD · Relate discussions to the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard and ... — Locate the light controls and test them. ... (OSHA) issued an updated

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PRESENTER'S GUIDE

"THE OSHA

FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD" Part of the "LABORATORY SAFETY SERIES" Quality Safety and Health Products, for Today...and Tomorrow



THE "LABORATORY SAFETY SERIES" This education program is part of a comprehensive series of programs addressing laboratory safety. This series includes the following twelve programs:

Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders in the Laboratory.

Preventing Contamination in the Laboratory.

Electrical Safety in the Laboratory.

Planning for Laboratory Emergencies.

Laboratory Ergonomics.

Flammables and Explosives in the Laboratory.

The OSHA Formaldehyde Standard.

Safe Handling of Laboratory Glassware.

Laboratory Hoods.

Material Safety Data Sheets in the Laboratory.

Orientation to Laboratory Safety.

Safety Showers and Eye Washes in the Laboratory.



TABLE OF CONTENTS Section

- INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM 1

— Structure and organization — Background — Objectives — Reviewing the program

- PREPARING FOR THE PRESENTATION 2

— Structuring the presentation — Setting up the class and classroom

- CONDUCTING THE SESSION 3

— The initial steps — Showing the program — Conducting the discussion — Concluding the presentation — "Wrapping up" the paperwork

- OUTLINE OF MAJOR POINTS IN THE PROGRAM 4

- ACCOMPANYING MATERIALS 5

— Scheduling and Attendance Form — Quiz — Training Certificate — Employee Training Log



INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM Structure and Organization Information in this program is presented in a definite order, so that employees will see the relationships between the various groups of information and can retain them more easily. The sections in this program include:

Health hazards associated with formaldehyde.

Testing for permissible exposure limits (PEL) and short-term exposure limits (STEL).

Labeling and Material Safety Data Sheets.

Hoods and other ventilating systems.

Using personal protective equipment.

Spill clean-up and decontamination procedures.

First aid for formaldehyde-related accidents.

Medical surveillance plans. Each of the sections gives an overview of important information in one topic area, providing employees with the basis for understanding the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard and what they should do to work safely with formaldehyde.



Background Many of the chemicals that laboratory workers come into contact with can be hazardous. Formaldehyde, which is commonly used in many laboratories, is no exception. Health problems from mishandling formaldehyde can be serious. They can range from the short-term discomfort associated with minor burns or skin irritation...to chronic effects from a lifetime of overexposure. In 1992, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an updated standard for working safely with materials that contain formaldehyde. Laboratory employees need to be aware of this standard and the rules and procedures that it establishes for working with formaldehyde.

Objectives To help employees recognize the hazards in working with formaldehyde, and how to handle it safely, this education and training program is designed to prevent basic information about the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard and the procedures it sets up for working safely with formaldehyde. Upon completion of the program, employees should:

Know the potential health hazards associated with overexposure to formaldehyde.

Understand the concepts of "permissible exposure limits" (PELs) and "short-term exposure limits" (STELs).

Know where to find information about formaldehyde content and exposure on a substance's container label and Material Safety Data Sheets.

Understand the roles of ventilation systems and personal protective equipment in working safely with formaldehyde.

Be able to follow proper spill clean-up and decontamination procedures in case of incidents involving formaldehyde.



Know what basic first aid is appropriate for different types of formaldehyde overexposure.

Be aware of the basic information regarding the "medical surveillance plan" in the Formaldehyde Standard.

Reviewing the Program As with any educational program, the "presenter" should go through the entire program at least once to become familiar with the content and make sure the program is consistent with company policy and directives. An "Outline of Major Program Points" section is included in this Presenter's Guide to help with this task and for general reference. As part of this review process, you should determine how you, as the presenter, will conduct your session. The use of materials such as handouts, charts, etc., that may be available to you needs to be well thought out and integrated into the overall program presentation.



PREPARING FOR THE PRESENTATION Structuring the Presentation In conducting this education session, you should proceed with a friendly and helpful attitude. Remember that the "trainees" are looking to your experience and knowledge to help them relate to the situations shown in the program. It is important to let the trainees interact with you and each other during the training session. Stimulating conversation within the group is one of the best things you, as the presenter of the program, can do to help everyone get as much as possible from the session. Be alert for comments that could help in this area in future sessions and make note of them. As the presenter, you also should:

Keep the session focused on the topic of the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard and working with formaldehyde.

Relate discussions to the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard and how to work safely with materials containing formaldehyde.

Prevent any one person or small group of employees in the session from doing all the talking.

Get everyone involved. Ask questions of those who don't participate voluntarily.

Clarify comments by relating them to the key points in the program.



Use the "Outline of Major Program Points" section in this guide, as well as the information included in the quiz, as the basis for answering any questions. If you don't know the answer, say so. Tragic results may occur should you provide incorrect or inaccurate information. Remember, this is a positive program on working safely with formaldehyde. Make sure your attitude and words reflect this and that the emphasis is always on providing the information needed by the attendees to improve their ability to work safely in their laboratories.

Setting Up the Class and Classroom Remember, there are a number of things that must be done to "set up" the class as well as the classroom. These fall into several groups of activities, and include:

Scheduling and Notification — Use the enclosed form to schedule employees into

the session. — Make sure that the session is scheduled so that it fits

into your attendees' work day. — Send out notification of the session well in advance,

to give people enough time to incorporate it into their schedule for that day.

— If possible, post a notification on bulletin boards in the affected employees' areas.

The Classroom — Schedule the room well in advance. — Make sure the room can accommodate the expected

number of attendees. — Check it again on the day of the program to make

sure there is no conflict. — Make sure the room can be darkened, and won't

create a glare on the television screen.



— Locate the light controls and test them. — Make sure the power for the videotape or DVD player

you are using operates separately from the room light.

— See if you can control the room temperature. — Know where the closest restrooms are. — Assure that the room is free from distracting noises. — Make sure emergency exits are marked and known

to the attendees.

Seating — Make sure everyone can see the screen from their

seat. — Make sure everyone can hear the videotape/DVD

and you (when you speak). — Check to see that seating is such that writing can be

done easily. — Make sure the seating arrangement allows eye

contact between attendees, and between you and attendees.

Equipment and Materials — Make sure the videotape or DVD player, monitor, and

all appropriate cables and extension cords are available.

— Make sure a stand or table is available and is of appropriate height for all attendees to easily see the monitor.

— If you plan on using a chartpad, blackboard, or other writing board, make sure it is available, easy to see, and you have the proper writing implements.

— Make sure you have 6" x 8" index cards or other materials to be used as "name tents" for attendees.

— Make sure you have made up a sufficient number of copies of the quiz, as well as any other handouts you are using.



"Final Check" — Make sure equipment is in the room prior to the

scheduled session. — Make sure you have the right program, (look inside

the three-ring binder). — Check to see that the room is set up properly. — Check equipment prior to the presentation to assure

that it works. — Make sure extension cords, etc. are "taped down", if

need be, to avoid tripping. — If you are using the videotape version of the

program, run the "leader" to the point where the program begins.



CONDUCTING THE SESSION The Initial Steps In conducting the session remember the positive nature of this presentation. Everyone is attending in order to learn more about the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard and how to work safely with materials containing formaldehyde. Initially, you need to:

Introduce yourself as the session leader.

State the title of the program, "The OSHA Formaldehyde Standard" and the purpose of the session (to learn about how to work safely with substances containing formaldehyde).

Inform the attendees when there will be breaks (if you plan them) the location of exits and restrooms and if water, coffee, or other refreshments will be available.

Make sure all of the attendees have "signed in" on your scheduling and attendance sheet. Remember, it is very important to document peoples' attendance at the session.

Once this housekeeping is done, it is time to move to the "meat" of the session. First, the attendees need to be informed about the objectives of the session (this is where you can use a flip chart or board to list the objectives, which should be done prior to the class starting). This listing should be preceded with some introductory remarks. Your own words are always best, but the remarks should include information such as the following paragraphs:

"Many of the chemicals we come into contact with can be dangerous. Formaldehyde, something we find throughout many of our laboratories, is no exception. When we are around it we need to be careful."



"Health problems from mishandling formaldehyde can be serious. They range from the short-term discomfort of minor burns or skin irritation to chronic effects from a lifetime of overexposure." "In 1992, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an updated standard for working safely with materials that contain formaldehyde. We need to be familiar with the standard and the rules and procedures it sets forth."

"The program we are going to watch today will give us a good overview of the standard and how to work safely with materials containing formaldehyde. To make this the most productive session possible we need to look at what we want to accomplish here today (verbally reference the 'Objectives' list from the first section in this guide, or point to the blackboard or chart where you have written them down)."

Once the objectives have been provided, you are ready to show the program. However, you do need to let the attendees know that they will be taking a quiz at the end of the session (if you are using it). It needs to be emphasized that they are not being "graded", but that the quiz is being used to see if the session is effectively transmitting information to them in a way they will remember.

Showing the Program At this point, you need to introduce the title of the program once again, "The OSHA Formaldehyde Standard", darken the lights if necessary, and begin the showing of the program.



Conducting the Discussion After the program has been shown, it is time for the group discussion on the information contained in the session. Care must be taken to make sure that the discussion is kept to the general topic of the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard and working safely with materials containing formaldehyde. There are several ways to conduct this discussion. These include:

Calling for questions from the attendees and using these questions as the basis for the discussion.

"Leading" the discussion through the points covered in the program using statements such as:

— "One of the things we learned from the program is that there are a number of health hazards associated with overexposure to formaldehyde, which can have both short and long-term effects. What are some of the adverse health effects that can be experienced if there is too much exposure to formaldehyde?"

— "There is an interesting section in the program dealing with "permissible exposure limits" (PELs) and "short-term exposure limits" (STELs). Who can define these two exposure limits for us?"

You should use the discussion format that you are most comfortable with. The "Outline of Major Program Points" section in this guide, and the questions and answers in the master copies of the quiz can also be very useful as a basis for discussion. Remember, you have allocated a limited amount of time in which this discussion can take place. It is important to blend the attendees' questions and areas of obvious interest with the objective of trying to touch on each major area within the session in the discussion. By touching on each area, the attendees are much more likely to retain the information presented in the session.



Concluding the Presentation Once discussion has concluded, whether naturally or you have had to bring the discussion to a close in order to complete the session within the time allowed, it is time to give the quiz (if you are using it). Again, remind the attendees that the quiz is only meant to help determine how effective the presentation of the information is, and that they will not be graded on it. Let them know that they have approximately five minutes to complete the quiz. At the end of the five minute period, remind the attendees to date and sign their quizzes, and then collect them. The attendees should be thanked for attending the session and reminded of any other sessions in the educational program that they may be attending. They can then be dismissed to return to their normal activities. *(An alternative to this approach is to give the quiz immediately after showing the program, then use a review of the quiz as a basis for your group discussion.)

"Wrapping Up" the Paperwork Before much time has passed, and the subject matter is fresh in your mind, several areas of "paperwork" must be completed. First, check to make sure that all attendees signed the scheduling and attendance form. Next, make sure that you have a quiz from every attendee, dated and signed. Also, depending upon what you have decided to do, a copy of the attendance sheet and the quiz for each attendee should be either filed in your files, or turned over to the attendee's department manager (or the personnel office) so that this paperwork can be included in their personnel file. The attendees' training logs should also be updated, and each attendee should be given a filled out and signed training certificate, signifying that they have successfully completed the course.



OUTLINE OF MAJOR PROGRAM POINTS The following outline summarizes the major points of information presented in the program. The outline can be used to review the program before conducting a classroom session, as well as in preparing to lead a class discussion about the program.

Many of the chemicals we come into contact with can be

hazardous. — Formaldehyde is no exception.

Health problems that are caused by mishandling

formaldehyde can be serious. — Short-term discomfort of minor burns/skin irritation. — Chronic effects from a lifetime of overexposure.

In 1992, the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) issued an updated standard for

working with materials containing formaldehyde. — It includes a list of health problems associated with

overexposure.

External contact with formaldehyde can cause short-term

irritation to: — Skin. — Eyes. — Mucous membranes.

Inhalation of formaldehyde gas or vapors can induce: — Coughing. — Nausea. — Violent vomiting. — Diarrhea. — Laryngitis.



Breathing in high concentrations of formaldehyde can

even result in: — Convulsions. — Coma. — Death.

There are also long-term exposure affects from high

levels of formaldehyde exposure. — Symptoms may not appear immediately. — But exposure can cause serious problems over time. — Formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen, mutagen

and teratogen (cancer causers). — Formaldehyde is also a chronic toxin.

If you feel you are developing symptoms of overexposure,

contact your supervisor immediately.

One way to protect workers from problems is to monitor

formaldehyde exposure. Your company may: — Test the air in your immediate work area. — Do "individual" sampling.

Test results are compared to OSHA's "permissible

exposure limit" (PEL) for formaldehyde: — Set at 0.75 parts per million (ppm). — Calculated for an 8-hour "time-weighted average".

To determine an area's exposure levels you: — Measure the amount of formaldehyde in the area

(this establishes "concentration"). — Multiply the level of concentration by the "sample

duration" in minutes. — Divide the result by 480 minutes (8 hours).



If the exposure levels exceed the PEL, you will need to

take special precautions.

OSHA has also set a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for

formaldehyde. It: — Is based on an exposure of 15 minutes. — Can not exceed 2 ppm.

It is important to pay attention to formaldehyde exposure

limits for your safety.

The Formaldehyde Standard also contains employee

training requirements. — Employees exposed to formaldehyde levels of 0.1

ppm or higher must receive annual training. — The training must include information about where

formaldehyde is used in the workplace. — It also must address how to limit exposure.

Container labels provide important information on

formaldehyde hazards. — For mixtures/solutions with more than 0.1%

formaldehyde the label must indicate that formaldehyde is "present."

— Physical and health hazard information must be available or readers must be pointed to Material Safety Data Sheets.

— Labeling guidelines also apply to materials capable of releasing formaldehyde at concentrations of 0.1 ppm or higher.



Special warnings must be given on labels of mixtures/

solutions with more than 0.5% formaldehyde, or that are

capable of releasing 0.5 ppm. Warnings must state that

the material has the potential to cause: — Sensitization of the skin and respiratory system. — Eye and throat irritation. — Acute toxicity. — Cancer. — If the information cannot fit on the label, readers must

be directed to other resources, such as an MSDS.

The most basic way to guard against hazardous levels of

formaldehyde is by using personal protective equipment.

Gloves are very important personal protective equipment. — They must be impervious to formaldehyde solutions

of 1% or more.

Eye and face protection is also important when working

with formaldehyde. — Splash-resistant goggles must be used for solutions

of more than 1% formaldehyde. — Face shields may also be required (but cannot be

used as a substitute for goggles).

Respiratory protection may also be necessary. — This usually means an air-purifying respirator.

If you need a respirator your employer will put you

through their respiratory protection program, which will

include: — Proper respirator selection. — Training. — Fit testing. — Use of filter cartridges.



Protective clothing is also important when you are

working with formaldehyde. — It helps shield against liquid splashes. — It must be impervious to water (when working with

formaldehyde solutions). — If your clothing becomes contaminated, you must

dispose of it appropriately.

Proper work practices are also key to working with

formaldehyde safely. — Use personal protective equipment as required. — Follow your facility's recommended procedures.

Maintaining proper ventilation is one of the most

important safe work practices. — Use lab hoods and other devices. — Keep formaldehyde out of your breathing zone.

We also should be prepared in case accidents occur

involving formaldehyde. — It is important to minimize the effects of any mishaps.

For small spills: — Soak up formaldehyde with absorbent material. — Place waste in properly labeled and sealed

containers.

Do not attempt to handle large formaldehyde spills. — Formaldehyde is toxic and can cause

unconsciousness. — Alert other personnel. — Vacate the laboratory immediately. — Call for assistance.

Quick action when coming into contact with formaldehyde

is very important.



For skin contact: — Remove any contaminated clothing. — Wash the affected area with soap and large amounts

of water (15 to 20 minutes). — Remove all clothing and use a safety shower if

needed (also for 15 to 20 minutes). — Get medical attention.

If formaldehyde splashes into your eyes, flushing with

water is the best treatment. — Locate the closest eye wash station. — Wash your eyes with large amounts of water (for at

least 15 minutes). — Get medical attention.

If formaldehyde is accidentally ingested, several

approaches can be taken. You can: — Help the body to absorb it by drinking water. — Dilute the formaldehyde with milk. — Deactivate it with "activated charcoal".

Always keep victims warm and calm. — Get medical attention immediately.

If vomiting occurs after ingestion: — Keep the victim's head lower than their hips (this

facilitates breathing and guards against lung congestion).

If formaldehyde gas is inhaled: — Remove the victim from the exposure area and get

them fresh air. — Call for an ambulance. — Keep the victim warm and calm.



Be careful when responding to any formaldehyde-related

accident. — Don't enter areas with high concentrations of

formaldehyde. — Wait for rescuers with appropriate respiratory

protection.

Part of the Formaldehyde Standard sets up a "medical

surveillance plan". — It is designed to insure safety of employees who

have contact with formaldehyde. — Workers adversely affected by formaldehyde are

given temporary work assignments (with reduced potential exposure).

— An evaluation is then performed as to whether the affected employee can return to their old position.

— Other work assignment options may also be considered.

If you have questions about formaldehyde exposure be

sure to see your supervisor.

* * * SUMMARY * * *

You can work safely with formaldehyde by following the

appropriate work practices.

Be aware of materials that contain formaldehyde.

Use personal protective equipment.

Be prepared in case of a spill or accident.



ACCOMPANYING MATERIALS In order to assist you in conducting your session on laboratory safety, we have provided some materials that can be used with this program. These materials have been furnished in "master" form. This will enable you to make as many copies of these forms as you need. If you have colored paper available to you, it is often useful to put each form on a different color. This enables you to easily differentiate between the materials. The materials enclosed with this guide include:

Scheduling and Attendance Form This form is provided so you can easily schedule your attendees into each session of the program. It is important that you have each attendee sign in on the appropriate form, documenting their attendance at the session. Typically, a copy of this form is filed in the employee's personnel file.

Quiz The quiz is normally given after viewing the program. However, if you want an indication of the "increase" in the attendees' knowledge of the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard and what they should do to work safely with formaldehyde, you can give the quiz both before and after the videotape is shown. You can also use the quiz as the basis for class discussion. If you have decided to give the quiz both before and after the attendees view the program, it is often interesting to have the attendees compare their "before" and "after" answers as part of the session. Typically, the quiz is filed in the employee's personnel file.



Training Certificate This form allows you to give each employee their own "certificate of completion" showing that they have attended the course and taken the quiz. Space is provided to insert the employee's name, the course instructor and the date of completion.

Employee Training Log This log helps you to keep track of when each employee has taken this course, as well as associated courses or training. Space is provided to list pertinent data about the employee, as well as information such as the date the course was taken, and the instructor conducting the course. A copy of this form should be kept in each employee's training or personnel file.



QUIZ

"THE OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD"

Name: Date: 1. True or False... Formaldehyde can cause both short and long-term

health problems? True False

2. Which of the following are potential health effects of inhaling

formaldehyde gas? Coughing. Nausea. Diarrhea. All of the above.

3. Formaldehyde is classified as which of the following?

Suspected carcinogen. Suspected mutagen. Suspected teratogen. All of the above.

4. True or False... A PEL is a substance's "permissible exposure limit"?

True False

5. True or False... A material's container label will not have information

concerning the presence of formaldehyde? True False



6. True or False... Labels for substances containing more than 0.5% of formaldehyde must specifically state that formaldehyde is a "potential cancer hazard"?

True False

7. True or False... If someone swallows formaldehyde you should induce

vomiting immediately? True False



QUIZ

"THE OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD"

PRESENTER'S COPY...WITH ANSWERS 1. True or False... Formaldehyde can cause both short and long-term

health problems? X True False

2. Which of the following are potential health effects of inhaling

formaldehyde gas? Coughing. Nausea. Diarrhea. X All of the above.

3. Formaldehyde is classified as which of the following?

Suspected carcinogen. Suspected mutagen. Suspected teratogen. X All of the above.

4. True or False... A PEL is a substance's "permissible exposure limit"?

X True False



5. True or False... A material's container label will not have information

concerning the presence of formaldehyde? True X False

6. True or False... Labels for substances containing more than 0.5% of

formaldehyde must specifically state that formaldehyde is a "potential cancer hazard"?

X True False

7. True or False... If someone swallows formaldehyde you should induce

vomiting immediately? True X False



SCHEDULING AND ATTENDANCE FORM TRAINING SESSION SCHEDULE

ATTENDEE DATE

TIME

SIGNATURE



EMPLOYEE TRAINING LOG

" THE OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD " Employee: Employee #: Social Security #: Department: Date of Next Required Training:

DATE

TYPE OF TRAINING

OR COURSE DESCRIPTION

LOCATION OF COURSE MATERIALS

INSTRUCTOR'S NAME AND ADDRESS

CERTIFICATION OF TRAINING AND TESTING (Instructor's Signature)



TRAINING CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that ___________________________________________________________ (Employee Name)

has completed the laboratory safety course " THE OSHA

FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD" and has been tested on the contents

of the course, as required.

This training, as well as the associated testing was conducted by

___________________________________ and was (Instructor Name)

completed on ___________. (Date)

Documents

THE OSHA FORMALDEHYDE STANDARD · Relate discussions to the OSHA Formaldehyde Standard and ... — Locate the light controls and test them. ... (OSHA) issued an updated