Formaldehyde Awareness

What is covered and why it matters

The standard covers exposure to formaldehyde from the gas, its solutions (such as formalin), and materials that release formaldehyde.

Hazards that must be addressed

Your employer must train you when you are first assigned, whenever a new formaldehyde exposure is introduced into your work area, and at least annually. The one exception: training is not required where the employer can show, using objective data, that employees are not exposed to formaldehyde at or above 0.1 ppm.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1048(a) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(m)(1)(ii) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(n)(2) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(n)(1)

Three numbers and your results

Your exposure is measured as what you would breathe without credit for any respirator you are wearing.

Your results

• You must be told your monitoring results within 15 working days after your employer receives them, in writing or by posting where you can see them.
• If you are above the PEL, you must also get a description of the corrective actions being taken.
• You or your representative get an opportunity to observe the monitoring.
• If workers report signs or symptoms of respiratory or skin conditions linked to formaldehyde, the employer must promptly monitor the affected employee's exposure.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1048(c)(1) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(c)(2) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(b) "Action level" · 29 CFR 1910.1048(b) "Employee exposure" · 29 CFR 1910.1048(d)(2)(iii) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(d)(6) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(d)(7)(i) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(d)(3)(i) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(l)(1)(i)

The DANGER sign means authorized people only

Where airborne formaldehyde exceeds the TWA or the STEL, the employer must set up a regulated area and post all entrances and access ways with a sign that reads:

Only authorized persons who have been trained to recognize formaldehyde's hazards may enter.

Controls first, then respirators

The employer must use engineering and work practice controls to keep exposure at or below the TWA and the STEL. If feasible controls cannot get there, they are used as far as feasible and respirators are added. Respirators must be used during:

• Time needed to install or implement feasible controls
• Work such as maintenance, repair or vessel cleaning where controls are not feasible
• Work where feasible controls are not yet sufficient
• Emergencies

Chemical cartridges or canisters without an approved end-of-service-life indicator are replaced on the employer's schedule under 1910.134 or at the end of the workshift, whichever comes first.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1048(e)(1)(i) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(e)(2) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(f)(1) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(f)(2) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(g)(1)(i) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(g)(1)(ii) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(g)(1)(iii) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(g)(2)(ii) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(g)(1)

Protective clothing and equipment

When protective clothing and equipment are provided, your employer provides them at no cost to you and must make sure you wear them.

• Liquids with 1 percent or more formaldehyde: all eye and skin contact must be prevented, using chemical protective clothing made of material impervious to formaldehyde, plus goggles, face shields and other PPE as the job requires.
• Face shield? Chemical safety goggles are also required if formaldehyde could reach your eyes.
• Full body protection for entry where concentrations exceed 100 ppm and for emergency reentry where the concentration is unknown.
• Contaminated clothing and equipment are cleaned or laundered before reuse.
• Do not take it home. No employee may take home equipment or clothing contaminated with formaldehyde.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1048(h) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(h)(1)(i) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(h)(1)(iii) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(h)(1)(iv) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(h)(2)(i) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(h)(2)(iv)

Drench showers and eyewash

If you change from work clothing into protective clothing to prevent skin contact, the employer must provide change rooms.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1048(i)(1) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(i)(2) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(i)(3)

Find leaks, clean spills safely

• Where formaldehyde liquids or gas are used, the employer runs a program to detect leaks and spills, including regular visual inspections.
• Leaks are repaired and spills cleaned promptly, by employees who wear suitable protective equipment and are trained in cleanup and decontamination.
• Contaminated waste and debris go into sealed containers labeled with formaldehyde's presence and hazards.

Emergencies

An emergency is an occurrence such as equipment failure, a ruptured container or failed control equipment that results in an uncontrolled release of a significant amount of formaldehyde. Where an emergency involving formaldehyde is possible, your employer must adopt procedures to minimize injury and loss of life, and your training must review your specific duties in an emergency.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1048(j) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(j)(3) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(j)(4) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(k) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(b) "Emergency" · 29 CFR 1910.1048(n)(3)(vii)

Report symptoms; know your medical rights

Your training must tell you to immediately report to your employer any adverse signs or symptoms you suspect come from formaldehyde exposure.

Who gets medical surveillance

• Employees exposed at or above the action level or above the STEL
• Employees who develop signs and symptoms of overexposure
• All employees exposed in an emergency

How it works

• A medical disease questionnaire is made available before assignment to a job at or above the action level or above the STEL, and annually after that.
• All medical procedures are done by or under a licensed physician, without cost to you, without loss of pay, at a reasonable time and place.
• You get a copy of the physician's written opinion within 15 days of the employer receiving it.
• If you report symptoms and a two-week evaluation period follows, your earnings, seniority and benefits may not be altered during that period because of your report.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.1048(n)(3)(ii)(B) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(l)(1)(i) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(l)(1)(ii) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(l)(2) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(l)(3) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(l)(7)(iii) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(l)(8)(ii) · 29 CFR 1910.1048(l)(3)(i)