Clinical Formaldehyde Standard

Permissible exposure limit

What is PEL?

Short-term exposure limit

What is STEL?

Inhalation, skin/eye contact

In funeral service, what are especially important exposure routes for formaldehyde?

0.5 ppm / 8 hours

What is the maximum action level for formaldehyde?

0.75 ppm / 8 hours

What is the maximum PEL for formaldehyde?

2 ppm / 15 min

What is the maximum STEL for formaldehyde?

Every 6 months

When monitoring shows exposure at or above the maximum action level, monitoring is generally required at least how often?

Annually

When monitoring shows exposure at or above the maximum STEL, monitoring is generally required at least how often?

8-hour TWA monitoring

Evaluates average airborne exposure over the work shift.

15-minute STEL monitoring

Evaluates short periods when exposure may be highest.

Ventilation

What is one of the most important controls in a funeral preparation room?

Local exhaust ventilation

Captures contaminated air as near as practical to the point where formaldehyde is generated.

General mechanical ventilation

Introduces and circulates air to dilute airborne contaminants.

Respirator

Students should never independently select or wear this as a substitute for inadequate ventilation.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Contains hazard and safe-handling information for a chemical product.

Time Weighted Average

What is TWA?

HCHO

What is the chemical formula for formaldehyde?

Regulated area

An area where formaldehyde exposure exceeds the PEL or STEL and access is restricted.

Medical surveillance

Health monitoring required by the standard under specified exposure or symptom conditions.

0.1 ppm

Training threshold unless objective data demonstrate exposure below this level.

0.1% solution

Percentage of solution strength for eyewash trigger when eye splash is possible.

1% solution

Percentage of solution strength for quick-drench shower trigger when skin splash is possible.