Standard Operating Procedures:

Formulin Solutions, Formulin Fixed Tissue Specimens

#1. Process:

Formalin fixation of tissue specimens

#2. Hazardous chemicals/Class of Hazardous Chemicals:

Formalin & Formaldehyde gas, Class: Carcinogen.

#3. Personal Protective Equipment:

a) Double latex gloves, lab coats, and eye protection (goggles) are to be worn during the preparation of formalin solutions, and the handling of fixed tissue specimens.

b) respirator use (optional, work area was monitored by EHS, levels were well below limits)

#4. Engineering/Ventilation Controls:

A standard fume hood with a minimum of flow rate of 100 cubic feet per minute will be used for all mixing of formalin solutions, and for preliminary washing steps of fixed tissue specimens.

#5. Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements:

a) Concentrated formalin solutions are stored in a protective box. Ten percent solutions are stored in a labeled carboy.

b) Concentrated solutions of formalin are used in a standard fume hood. There is no restricted access to areas in which formalin is used.

c) Formalin solutions are transported in a protective box.

#6. Spill and Accident Procedures:

Minor spills of formalin solution are cleaned up by lab personnel using absorbent materials to contain the spill, followed by cleaning with a dilute bleach solution. Larger spills are to be handled by EH&S (call 534-3660). In both cases evacuate other personnel from the area of the spill.

#7. Waste Disposal:

Standard procedures for hazardous waste disposal of formalin are to be followed at all times. Standard Hazardous Waste tags are to be used for all containers in which formalin waste is stored. These must be filled out completely, including the pH of the solution.

#8. Approval Required:

General approval of P.I. is required (i.e. each person must be approved prior to use of formulin solutions in the laboratory.)

#9. Decontamination:

Dilute bleach solutions (5% Sodium Hypochlorite) are used to clean contaminated surfaces etc.

#10. Designated Area(s):

Fume hoods in MTF 331 and 332 are approved for mixing formalin solutions. Sinks in MTF 331 and 332 are approved for washing formalin fixed tissue specimens. The West bench area is approved for the dissection and handling of washed fixed tissue speciments.