Formaldehyde Training for Operating Room Personnel
Formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant and deodorizer in hospital operating rooms. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employees who are exposed to formaldehyde concentrations of 0.1 parts per million or greater to receive training when they're first hired.
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Formaldehyde training includes a description of the symptoms people experience when exposed to formaldehyde, along with information about health hazards related to exposure. Employees learn where formaldehyde is used, and how to follow safe work practices. People in training also learn about personal protective clothing and equipment and its limitations, along with information about how to treat spills and report exposure.
Training Providers
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Employers often formaldehyde to employees to address the specific situations that employees face at their jobs. Employers contract with companies that offer the training program online or on a DVD. In 2010 the cost for this program was about $25 to $35. A basic course takes less than 20 minutes to complete and offers no certification.
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Material Safety Data Sheets
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Employers are also required to make Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) available to any employee who works with formaldehyde. The MSDSs contain information about health effects and safety precautions that employees should take.
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References
- University of Iowa: Environmental Health and Safety - Formaldehyde Awareness Training Booklet
- OSHA Fact Sheet: What Is Formaldehyde?
- OSHA Publications: Training Requirements In OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines
- American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees: Formaldehyde
- COLA: Formaldehyde Safety
Resources
- Photo Credit surgery and surgeon's work: a hard case operation image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
