Here's a typical set of requirements for using formalin at a university or large company:
https://www.ehs.washington.edu/system/files/resources/Formaldehydeguidelines.pdf
IV. ENGINEERING CONTROLS
1. Work with concentrated (greater than 4% formaldehyde/paraformaldehyde) solutions only in a properly operating and certified chemical fume hood, exhausted BSC, glove box or other approved containment that does not exhaust into the room. Do not use laminar flow hoods or cabinets. Consider the procedures being performed when selecting a containment device.
2. Safety shower and emergency eyewash must be easily accessible within the immediate work environment in areas where formaldehyde is used.
3. Laboratory rooms must be at negative pressure with respect to the corridors and external environment. Doors to the room must be kept closed at all times.
V. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
1. Wear two pairs of disposable nitrile exam gloves or one pair of non-disposable nitrile or
butyl gloves (minimum 10 mil thickness) when there is a significant risk of contact:
• Handling 37% or greater concentration of formaldehyde alone or mixed with phenol
• Preparing chemical
• Handling specimens fixed in formaldehyde
• Extended handling periods
• Cleaning up spills
• Immersion of the hands is anticipated
2. Wear at least one pair of disposable nitrile exam gloves when handling paraformaldehyde
or formalin solutions containing less than 37%formaldehyde.
3. Change gloves after each use, or when torn, punctured, or contaminated.
4. Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles.
5. Wear a lab coat or equivalent.
6. If splash/spatter possible, wear face protection, such as a face shield, and a chemical resistant apron with sleeves.
7. If ventilation and other control methods are not effective or feasible, respiratory protection (requires enrollment in UW’s respirator program) may be required. Airborne formaldehyde may be present when work is done outside of approved containment. Surgical masks or dust masks do not provide protection.
VI. FORMALDEHYDE SAFE USE PRACTICES
1. Preparation of formaldehyde solutions must be performed in a chemical fume hood, exhausted BSC, glove box or other approved containment.
2. Perform preparations over plastic backed absorbent pads. Dispose of pads after completion of tasks.
3. Handle paraformaldehyde powder (and, preferably, granules or flakes) only in a chemical fume hood or other approved containment.
4. If weighing paraformaldehyde solid and the balance cannot be located in a fume hood or BSC, use the following method: Weigh an empty container and lid, take to the hood and add solid to the container and cover with the lid, return to the balance to weigh the solid added to the covered container.
5. Work within a fume hood whenever possible, especially when:• Mixing or transferring solutions• Working with high concentrations or large volumes in open containers• Aerosolizing solutions• Heating solutions• Working with solutions under pressure• Spreading solutions over a large surface area
6. Dilute solutions (1 - 4% formaldehyde) in small quantities may be used outside of a fume hood as long as the process has been monitored by EH&S and airborne formaldehyde levels are determined to be below the action level of 0.5 ppm.
7. Transport formaldehyde-containing chemicals only in labeled, leak/spill-proof, nonbreakable secondary containers.
8. Utilize safe sharps procedures. Dispose of sharps in a sharps container. The sharps container must be in the immediate vicinity of work. Needle locking syringes or disposable syringe needle units are recommended and should be disposed of promptly after use. Remove blades from scalpels with a scalpel blade remover.
9. Dispose of unused excess chemical as a hazardous waste in an appropriate waste container.
10. Double bag all used or contaminated (not grossly contaminated) disposable items, such as gloves, paper towels and absorbent pads, in plastic bags. Label as non-hazardous waste before disposing in the trash. Place grossly contaminated items in double bags for hazardous waste pickup.
11. After work is complete, wipe down area with detergent and water solution.
12. Wash hands with soap and water upon completion of tasks.
