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Water for Histotechs

By Dan Scungio, MT(ASCP), SLS

Before I became a Laboratory Safety Officer, I was a Clinical Lab Manager. Before that, I was a Medical Technologist working several different shifts in just about all areas of the clinical lab - chemistry, hematology, serology, microbiology, urinalysis, and blood bank. I was trained and aware of chemical hygiene and chemical safety, but there was one chemical to which I was rarely exposed (pun intended); formaldehyde. In my current role, I have learned much about that dangerous chemical, and I make it my duty to help those who use it to treat it with the respect it is due.

In June of this year, the National Institute of Health (NIH) released its twelfth Report on Carcinogens which added formaldehyde to its list of known carcinogens. Previously, the chemical was listed as a suspected carcinogen. The report stated that there is now enough evidence from human studies to show that higher exposure to formaldehyde increases the risk of developing certain cancers. If you work with formaldehyde, that alone should make you want to limit your exposure to it by using proper engineering and work practice controls.

Formaldehyde, besides being a carcinogen, has many other health risks associated with it. Skin contact can cause burning or dermatitis. Eye contact can cause eye irritation or blindness. Vapor exposure can cause coughing, chest pain, or respiratory distress, and very large exposures can cause death. Despite that, I am surprised to see people treating formaldehyde and formalin as if it were harmless water. At many sites I have seen dangerous practices by Histology Techs, Pathologists, and Operating Room staff.  Containers being left open, staff pouring with no face protection, and handling of specimens with no gloves are just a few of the actions I have witnessed.

So how do you get your staff to understand the dangers of formaldehyde use? Complacency may be an issue (again, the old argument about how they have been handling it for many years with no ill effects). Whether you work with seasoned techs or with newer staff, education is the key. Did you know that OSHA requires annual formaldehyde training for those who work with the chemical and are exposed to it at a rate of 0.1ppm or greater? When you look at your vapor badge monitor records, you may see that this applies to more people than you realized.

The OSHA-required training is specific, and must include certain items which help ensure proper staff knowledge in order to safely use formaldehyde. Knowledge of the formaldehyde standard and the chemical MSDS must be taught. There must be a description of the medical surveillance program including information on formaldehyde exposure effects. The training should also include instructions for safe work practices and information on exposure follow-up procedures. Spill training should also be covered. 

Again, this training is for any employee who is exposed at a rate greater than 0.1ppm. Those employees who need training have to have it at least annually or whenever a new exposure to formaldehyde is introduced into the work area.

Finding the training may be difficult. However, The Safety Lady® and I have been working on a training module that will meet the OSHA requirements. Look for the offering on the Product Gallery page of this website in January.

Most importantly, teach your Histology staff that just because formaldehyde or formalin looks clear, it most certainly is NOT water. It is a dangerous chemical that can cause many severe problems if not handled correctly, and it should always be treated with respect. Knowing how to handle formaldehyde, and knowing how to clean it up if it is spilled is knowledge that will go a long way toward keeping your staff safe and happy during this season and always. Happy Holidays!