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Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) - Table of Contents • Part Number: 1910 • Part Title: Occupational Safety and Health Standards • Subpart: Z • Subpart Title: Toxic and Hazardous Substances • Standard Number: 1910.1048 • Title: Formaldehyde. • Appendix: A , B , C , D , E

1910.1048(a) Scope and application. This standard applies to all occupational exposures to formaldehyde, i.e. from formaldehyde gas, its solutions, and materials that release formaldehyde. 1910.1048(b) Definitions. For purposes of this standard, the fol lowing definitions shall apply: "Action level" means a concentration of 0.5 part fo rmaldehyde per million parts of air (0.5 ppm) calcu lated as an eight (8)-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration. "Assistant Secretary" means the Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Ad ministration, U.S. Department of Labor, or designee. "Authorized Person" means any person required by wo rk duties to be present in regulated areas, or auth orized to do so by the employer, by this section, or by the OSH Act of 197 0. "Director" means the Director of the National Insti tute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Depar tment of Health and Human Services, or designee. "Emergency" is any occurrence, such as but not limi ted to equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment that results in an uncontrolled release o f a significant amount of formaldehyde. "Employee exposure" means the exposure to airborne formaldehyde which would occur without corrections for protection provided by any respirator that is in use. "Formaldehyde" means the chemical substance, HCHO, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry No. 50-00-0. 1910.1048(c) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) - 1910.1048(c)(1) TWA: The employer shall assure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of formaldehyd e which exceeds 0.75 parts formaldehyde per million parts of air (0 .75 ppm) as an 8-hour TWA. 1910.1048(c)(2) Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): The employer shal l assure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of formaldehyde which exceeds two parts formaldehyde p er million parts of air (2 ppm) as a 15-minute STEL . 1910.1048(d) Exposure monitoring - 1910.1048(d)(1) General. 1910.1048(d)(1)(i) Each employer who has a workplace covered by this s tandard shall monitor employees to determine their exposure to formaldehyde. 1910.1048(d)(1)(ii) Exception. Where the employer documents, using obje ctive data, that the presence of formaldehyde or fo rmaldehyde-releasing products in the workplace cannot result in airborne concentrations of formaldehyde that would cause an y employee to be All DOL OSHA Advanced Search

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...exposed at or above the action level or the STEL un der foreseeable conditions of use, the employer wil l not be required to measure employee exposure to formaldehyde. 1910.1048(d)(1)(iii) When an employee's exposure is determined from repr esentative sampling, the measurements used shall be representative of the employee's full shift or short-term exposure to formaldehyde, as appropriate. 1910.1048(d)(1)(iv) Representative samples for each job classification in each work area shall be taken for each shift unl ess the employer can document with objective data that exposure levels f or a given job classification are equivalent for di fferent work shifts. 1910.1048(d)(2) Initial monitoring. The employer shall identify all employees who may be exposed at or above the actio n level or at or above the STEL and accurately determine the exposure of e ach employee so identified. 1910.1048(d)(2)(i) Unless the employer chooses to measure the exposure of each employee potentially exposed to formaldehy de, the employer shall develop a representative sampling strategy an d measure sufficient exposures within each job clas sification for each workshift to correctly characterize and not underes timate the exposure of any employee within each exp osure group. 1910.1048(d)(2)(ii) The initial monitoring process shall be repeated ea ch time there is a change in production, equipment, process, personnel, or control measures which may result in new or additio nal exposure to formaldehyde. 1910.1048(d)(2)(iii) If the employer receives reports of signs or sympto ms of respiratory or dermal conditions associated w ith formaldehyde exposure, the employer shall promptly monitor the a ffected employee's exposure. 1910.1048(d)(3) Periodic monitoring. 1910.1048(d)(3)(i) The employer shall periodically measure and accurat ely determine exposure to formaldehyde for employee s shown by the initial monitoring to be exposed at or above the ac tion level or at or above the STEL. 1910.1048(d)(3)(ii) If the last monitoring results reveal employee expo sure at or above the action level, the employer sha ll repeat monitoring of the employees at least every 6 months. 1910.1048(d)(3)(iii) If the last monitoring results reveal employee expo sure at or above the STEL, the employer shall repea t monitoring of the employees at least once a year under worst conditio ns. 1910.1048(d)(4) Termination of monitoring. The employer may discont inue periodic monitoring for employees if results f rom two consecutive sampling periods taken at least 7 days apart show t hat employee exposure is below the action level and the STEL. The results must be statistically representative and consistent with the employer's knowledge of the job and work operation. 1910.1048(d)(5) Accuracy of monitoring. Monitoring shall be accurat e, at the 95 percent confidence level, to within pl us or minus 25 percent for airborne concentrations of formaldehyde at the TWA and the STEL and to within plus or minus 35 percent for airborne concentrations of formaldehyde at the action level. 1910.1048(d)(6) Employee notification of monitoring results . The employer must, within 15 working days after t he receipt of the results of any monitoring performed under this section, not ify each affected employee of these results either individually in writing or by posting the results in an appropriate location t hat is accessible to employees. If employee exposur e is above the PEL, affected employees shall be provided with a descrip tion of the corrective actions being taken by the e mployer to decrease exposure. 1910.1048(d)(7) Observation of monitoring. 1910.1048(d)(7)(i) The employer shall provide affected employees or th eir designated representatives an opportunity to ob serve any monitoring of employee exposure to formaldehyde required by th is standard. 

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...1910.1048(d)(7)(ii) When observation of the monitoring of employee expo sure to formaldehyde requires entry into an area wh ere the use of protective clothing or equipment is required, the e mployer shall provide the clothing and equipment to the observer, require the observer to use such clothing and equipment, an d assure that the observer complies with all other applicable safety and health procedures. 1910.1048(e) Regulated areas. 1910.1048(e)(1) The employer shall establish regulated areas where the concentration of airborne formaldehyde exceeds either the TWA or the STEL and post all entrances and accessways with sig ns bearing the following information: DANGER FORMALDEHYDE IRRITANT AND POTENTIAL CANCER HAZARD AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY 1910.1048(e)(2) The employer shall limit access to regulated areas to authorized persons who have been trained to reco gnize the hazards of formaldehyde. 1910.1048(e)(3) An employer at a multiemployer worksite who establi shes a regulated area shall communicate the access restrictions and locations of these areas to other employers with wo rk operations at that worksite. 1910.1048(f) Methods of compliance - 1910.1048(f)(1) Engineering controls and work practices. The employ er shall institute engineering and work practice co ntrols to reduce and maintain employee exposures to formaldehyde at or b elow the TWA and the STEL. 1910.1048(f)(2) Exception. Whenever the employer has established th at feasible engineering and work practice controls cannot reduce employee exposure to or below either of the PELs, t he employer shall apply these controls to reduce em ployee exposures to the extent feasible and shall supplement them with respirators which satisfy this standard. 1910.1048(g) Respiratory protection. 1910.1048(g)(1) General.

For employees who use respirators required by this section, the employer must provide each employee a n appropriate respirator that complies with the requi rements of this paragraph. Respirators must be used during: 1910.1048(g)(1)(i) Periods necessary to install or implement feasible engineering and work-practice controls. 1910.1048(g)(1)(ii) Work operations, such as maintenance and repair act ivities or vessel cleaning, for which the employer establishes that engineering and work-practice controls are not feas ible. 1910.1048(g)(1)(iii) Work operations for which feasible engineering and work- practice controls are not yet sufficient to r educe employee exposure to or below the PELs. 1910.1048(g)(1)(iv) Emergencies. 1910.1048(g)(2) Respirator program. 1910.1048(g)(2)(i) The employer must implement a respiratory protectio n program in accordance with § 1910.134(b) through (d) (except (d)(1) (iii), (d)(3)(iii)(b)(1), and (2)), and (f) through (m), which covers each employee required by this s ection to use a respirator. 

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...1910.1048(g)(2)(ii) When employees use air-purifying respirators with c hemical cartridges or canisters that do not contain end-of-service-life indicators approved by the National Institute for O ccupational Safety and Health, employers must repla ce these cartridges or canisters as specified by paragraphs (d)(3)(iii)(B) (1) and (B)(2) of 29 CFR 1910.134, or at the end of the workshift, whichever condition occurs first. 1910.1048(g)(2)(ii)(A) Replace the cartridge after three (3) hours of use or at the end of the workshift, whichever occurs fi rst, unless the cartridge contains a NIOSH-approved end-of-service-life indic ator (ESLI) to show when breakthrough occurs. 1910.1048(g)(2)(ii)(B) Unless the canister contains a NIOSH-approved ESLI to show when breakthrough occurs, replace canisters used in atmospheres up to 7.5 ppm (10xPEL) every four (4) h ours and industrial-sized canisters used in atmosph eres up to 75 ppm (100xPEL) every two (2) hours, or at the end of the workshift, whichever occurs first. 1910.1048(g)(3) Respirator selection. 1910.1048(g)(3)(i) Employers must: 1910.1048(g)(3)(i)(A) Select, and provide to employees, the appropriate r espirators specified in paragraph (d)(3)(i)(A) of 2 9 CFR 1910.134. 1910.1048(g)(3)(i)(B) Equip each air-purifying, full facepiece respirator with a canister or cartridge approved for protecti on against formaldehyde. 1910.1048(g)(3)(i)(C) For escape, provide employees with one of the follo wing respirator options: A self-contained breathing apparatus operated in the demand or pressure-demand mode; or a full facep iece respirator having a chin-style, or a front-or back-mounted industrial-size, canister or cartridge approved for protection against formaldehyde. 1910.1048(g)(3)(ii) Employers may substitute an air-purifying, half mas k respirator for an air-purifying, full facepiece r espirator when they equip the half mask respirator with a cartridge approved for protection against formaldehyde and provide the affected employee with effective gas-proof goggles. 1910.1048(g)(3)(iii) Employers must provide employees who have difficult y using negative pressure respirators with powered air-purifying respirators permitted for use under paragraph (g)(3 )(i)(A) of this standard and that affords adequate protection against formaldehyde exposures. 1910.1048(h) Protective equipment and clothing. Employers shall comply with the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.132 and 2 9 CFR 1910.133. When protective equipment or clothing is provided u nder these provisions, the employer shall provide t hese protective devices at no cost to the employee and assure that the empl oyee wears them. 1910.1048(h)(1) Selection. The employer shall select protective clo thing and equipment based upon the form of formalde hyde to be encountered, the conditions of use, and the hazard to be prevented. 1910.1048(h)(1)(i) All contact of the eyes and skin with liquids conta ining 1 percent or more formaldehyde shall be preve nted by the use of chemical protective clothing made of material imper vious to formaldehyde and the use of other personal protective equipment, such as goggles and face shields, as appropriate to the operation. 1910.1048(h)(1)(ii) Contact with irritating or sensitizing materials sh all be prevented to the extent necessary to elimina te the hazard. 1910.1048(h)(1)(iii) Where a face shield is worn, chemical safety goggle s are also required if there is a danger of formald ehyde reaching the area of the eye. 1910.1048(h)(1)(iv) Full body protection shall be worn for entry into a reas where concentrations exceed 100 ppm and for em ergency reentry into 

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...areas of unknown concentration. 1910.1048(h)(2) Maintenance of protective equipment and clothing. 1910.1048(h)(2)(i) The employer shall assure that protective equipment and clothing that has become contaminated with for maldehyde is cleaned or laundered before its reuse. 1910.1048(h)(2)(ii) When ventilating formaldehyde-contaminated clothing and equipment, the employer shall establish a stor age area so that employee exposure is minimized. Containers for cont aminated clothing and equipment and storage areas s hall have labels and signs containing the following information: DANGER FORMALDEHYDE-CONTAMINATED [CLOTHING] EQUIPMENT

AVOID INHALATION AND SKIN CONTACT 1910.1048(h)(2)(iii) The employer shall assure that only persons trained to recognize the hazards of formaldehyde remove th e contaminated material from the storage area for purposes of clea ning, laundering, or disposal. 1910.1048(h)(2)(iv) The employer shall assure that no employee takes ho me equipment or clothing that is contaminated with formaldehyde. 1910.1048(h)(2)(v) The employer shall repair or replace all required p rotective clothing and equipment for each affected employee as necessary to assure its effectiveness. 1910.1048(h)(2)(vi) The employer shall inform any person who launders, cleans, or repairs such clothing or equipment of fo rmaldehyde's potentially harmful effects and of procedures to sa fely handle the clothing and equipment. 1910.1048(i) Hygiene protection. 1910.1048(i)(1) The employer shall provide change rooms, as describ ed in 29 CFR 1910.141 for employees who are require d to change from work clothing into protective clothing to prevent s kin contact with formaldehyde. 1910.1048(i)(2) If employees' skin may become splashed with solutio ns containing 1 percent or greater formaldehyde, fo r example, because of equipment failure or improper work practices, the e mployer shall provide conveniently located quick dr ench showers and assure that affected employees use these facilities immediately. 1910.1048(i)(3) If there is any possibility that an employee's eyes may be splashed with solutions containing 0.1 perc ent or greater formaldehyde, the employer shall provide acceptable eyewash facilities within the immediate work area for emergency use. 1910.1048(j) Housekeeping. For operations involving formaldehyde liquids or gas, the employer shall conduct a progr am to detect leaks and spills, including regular visual inspections. 1910.1048(j)(1) Preventative maintenance of equipment, including su rveys for leaks, shall be undertaken at regular int ervals. 1910.1048(j)(2) In work areas where spillage may occur, the employe r shall make provisions to contain the spill, to de contaminate the work area, and to dispose of the waste. 1910.1048(j)(3) The employer shall assure that all leaks are repair ed and spills are cleaned promptly by employees wea ring suitable protective equipment and trained in proper methods for cleanup and decontamination. 1910.1048(j)(4) 

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...Formaldehyde-contaminated waste and debris resultin g from leaks or spills shall be placed for disposal in sealed containers bearing a label warning of formaldehyde's presence and of the hazards associated with formaldehyde. 1910.1048(k) Emergencies. For each workplace where there is the possibility of an emergency involving formaldehyde, the employer shall assure appropriate procedures are adopted to minimi ze injury and loss of life. Appropriate procedures shall be implemented in the event of an emergency. 1910.1048(l) Medical surveillance - 1910.1048(l)(1) Employees covered. 1910.1048(l)(1)(i) The employer shall institute medical surveillance p rograms for all employees exposed to formaldehyde a t concentrations at or exceeding the action level or exceeding the STEL. 1910.1048(l)(1)(ii) The employer shall make medical surveillance availa ble for employees who develop signs and symptoms of overexposure to formaldehyde and for all employees exposed to forma ldehyde in emergencies. When determining whether an employee may be experiencing signs and symptoms of possible over exposure to formaldehyde, the employer may rely on the evidence that signs and symptoms associated with formaldehyde exp osure will occur only in exceptional circumstances when airborne exposure is less than 0.1 ppm and when formaldehyde is present in material in concentrations less than 0.1 percent. 1910.1048(l)(2) Examination by a physician. All medical procedures, including administration of medical disease questi onnaires, shall be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician and shall be provided without cost to th e employee, without loss of pay, and at a reasonable time and place. 1910.1048(l)(3) Medical disease questionnaire. The employer shall m ake the following medical surveillance available to employees prior to assignment to a job where formaldehyde exposure is at or above the action level or above the STEL and annually thereafter. The employer shall also make the following medical surveillance available promptly upon determining th at an employee is experiencing signs and symptoms indicative of possi ble overexposure to formaldehyde. 1910.1048(l)(3)(i) Administration of a medical disease questionnaire, such as in Appendix D, which is designed to elicit information on work history, smoking history, any evidence of eye, nose , or throat irritation; chronic airway problems or hyperreactive airway disease: allergic skin conditions or dermatitis; an d upper or lower respiratory problems. 1910.1048(l)(3)(ii) A determination by the physician, based on evaluati on of the medical disease questionnaire, of whether a medical examination is necessary for employees not required to wear res pirators to reduce exposure to formaldehyde. 1910.1048(l)(4) Medical examinations. Medical examinations shall be given to any employee who the physician feels, bas ed on information in the medical disease questionnaire, may be at increa sed risk from exposure to formaldehyde and at the t ime of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter to all employees required to wear a respirator to reduce e xposure to formaldehyde. The medical examination shall include : 1910.1048(l)(4)(i) A physical examination with emphasis on evidence of irritation or sensitization of the skin and respir atory system, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes. 1910.1048(l)(4)(ii) Laboratory examinations for respirator wearers cons isting of baseline and annual pulmonary function te sts. As a minimum, these tests shall consist of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV( 1)), and forced expiratory flow (FEF). 1910.1048(l)(4)(iii) Any other test which the examining physician deems necessary to complete the written opinion. 1910.1048(l)(4)(iv) Counseling of employees having medical conditions t hat would be directly or indirectly aggravated by e xposure to formaldehyde on the increased risk of impairment of their health. 1910.1048(l)(5) 

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...Examinations for employees exposed in an emergency. The employer shall make medical examinations avail able as soon as possible to all employees who have been exposed to formaldehyde in an emergency. 1910.1048(l)(5)(i) The examination shall include a medical and work hi story with emphasis on any evidence of upper or low er respiratory problems, allergic conditions, skin reaction or hyp ersensitivity, and any evidence of eye, nose, or th roat irritation. 1910.1048(l)(5)(ii) Other examinations shall consist of those elements considered appropriate by the examining physician. 1910.1048(l)(6) Information provided to the physician. The employer shall provide the following information to the exa mining physician: 1910.1048(l)(6)(i) A copy of this standard and Appendix A, C, D, and E ; 1910.1048(l)(6)(ii) A description of the affected employee's job duties as they relate to the employee's exposure to forma ldehyde; 1910.1048(l)(6)(iii) The representative exposure level for the employee' s job assignment; 1910.1048(l)(6)(iv) Information concerning any personal protective equi pment and respiratory protection used or to be used by the employee; and 1910.1048(l)(6)(v) Information from previous medical examinations of t he affected employee within the control of the empl oyer. 1910.1048(l)(6)(vi) In the event of a nonroutine examination because of an emergency, the employer shall provide to the ph ysician as soon as possible: a description of how the emergency occurr ed and the exposure the victim may have received. 1910.1048(l)(7) Physician's written opinion. 1910.1048(l)(7)(i) For each examination required under this standard, the employer shall obtain a written opinion from th e examining physician. This written opinion shall contain the results of t he medical examination except that it shall not rev eal specific findings or diagnoses unrelated to occupational exposure to for maldehyde. The written opinion shall include: 1910.1048(l)(7)(i)(A) The physician's opinion as to whether the employee has any medical condition that would place the empl oyee at an increased risk of material impairment of health from exposure to formaldehyde; 1910.1048(l)(7)(i)(B) Any recommended limitations on the employee's expos ure or changes in the use of personal protective eq uipment, including respirators; 1910.1048(l)(7)(i)(C) A statement that the employee has been informed by the physician of any medical conditions which would be aggravated by exposure to formaldehyde, whether these conditions may have resulted from past formaldehyde exposure o r from exposure in an emergency, and whether there is a need for furth er examination or treatment. 1910.1048(l)(7)(ii) The employer shall provide for retention of the res ults of the medical examination and tests conducted by the physician. 1910.1048(l)(7)(iii) The employer shall provide a copy of the physician' s written opinion to the affected employee within 1 5 days of its receipt. 1910.1048(l)(8) Medical removal. 1910.1048(l)(8)(i) 

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...The provisions of paragraph (l)(8) apply when an em ployee reports significant irritation of the mucosa of the eyes or of the upper airways, respiratory sensitization, dermal ir ritation, or dermal sensitization attributed to wor kplace formaldehyde exposure. Medical removal provisions do not apply i n the case of dermal irritation or dermal sensitiza tion when the product suspected of causing the dermal condition contains less than 0.05 percent formaldehyde. 1910.1048(l)(8)(ii) An employee's report of signs or symptoms of possib le overexposure to formaldehyde shall be evaluated by a physician selected by the employer pursuant to paragraph (l)( 3). If the physician determines that a medical exam ination is not necessary under paragraph (l)(3)(ii), there shall be a two-we ek evaluation and remediation period to permit the employer to ascertain whether the signs or symptoms subside untreated or with the use of creams, gloves, first aid treatment or personal protective equipment. Industrial hygiene measures that limit t he employee's exposure to formaldehyde may also be implemented during this period. The employee shall be referred immedia tely to a physician prior to expiration of the two- week period if the signs or symptoms worsen. Earnings, seniority and benefits m ay not be altered during the two-week period by vir tue of the report. 1910.1048(l)(8)(iii) If the signs or symptoms have not subsided or been remedied by the end of the two-week period, or earl ier if signs or symptoms warrant, the employee shall be examined by a physician selected by the employer. The physicia n shall presume, absent contrary evidence, that observed dermal irri tation or dermal sensitization are not attributable to formaldehyde when products to which the affected employee is exposed contain less than 0.1 percent formaldehyde. 1910.1048(l)(8)(iv) Medical examinations shall be conducted in complian ce with the requirements of paragraph (l)(5)(i) and (ii). Additional guidelines for conducting medical exams are contain ed in Appendix C. 1910.1048(l)(8)(v) If the physician finds that significant irritation of the mucosa of the eyes or of the upper airways, respiratory sensitization, dermal irritation, or dermal sensitization result f rom workplace formaldehyde exposure and recommends restrictions or removal, the employer shall promptly comply with th e restrictions or recommendation of removal. In the event of a recommendation of removal, the employer shall remov e the affected employee from the current formaldehy de exposure and if possible, transfer the employee to work having no o r significantly less exposure to formaldehyde. 1910.1048(l)(8)(vi) When an employee is removed pursuant to paragraph ( l)(8)(v), the employer shall transfer the employee to comparable work for which the employee is qualified or can be train ed in a short period (up to 6 months), where the fo rmaldehyde exposures are as low as possible, but not higher than the act ion level. The employer shall maintain the employee 's current earnings, seniority, and other benefits. If there is no such work available, the employer shall maintain the emp loyee's current earnings, seniority and other benefits until such work become s available, until the employee is determined to be unable to return to workplace formaldehyde exposure, until the employee is determined to be able to return to the original job status, or for six months, whichever comes first. 1910.1048(l)(8)(vii) The employer shall arrange for a follow-up medical examination to take place within six months after t he employee is removed pursuant to this paragraph. This examination shall determine if the employee can return to the origina l job status, or if the removal is to be permanent. The physician shall mak e a decision within six months of the date the empl oyee was removed as to whether the employee can be returned to the orig inal job status, or if the removal is to be permane nt. 1910.1048(l)(8)(viii) An employer's obligation to provide earnings, senio rity and other benefits to a removed employee may b e reduced to the extent that the employee receives compensation for earnings lost during the period of removal either f rom a publicly or employer-funded compensation program or from employ ment with another employer made possible by virtue of the employee's removal. 1910.1048(l)(8)(ix) In making determinations of the formaldehyde conten t of materials under this paragraph the employer ma y rely on objective data. 1910.1048(l)(9) Multiple physician review. 1910.1048(l)(9)(i) After the employer selects the initial physician wh o conducts any medical examination or consultation to determine whether medical removal or restriction is appropriate, the employee may designate a second physician to review any findings, determinations or recommendations of the initial ph ysician and to conduct such examinations, consultat ions,and laboratory tests as the second physician deems necessary and a ppropriate to evaluate the effects of formaldehyde exposure and to facilitate this review. 1910.1048(l)(9)(ii) The employer shall promptly notify an employee of t he right to seek a second medical opinion after eac h occasion that an initial physician conducts a medical examination or consultation for the purpose of medical removal or restriction. 1910.1048(l)(9)(iii) 

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...The employer may condition its participation in, an d payment for, the multiple physician review mechan ism upon the employee doing the following within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the notification of the right to seek a second medical opinion, or receipt of the initial physician's written opinion, whichever is later; 1910.1048(l)(9)(iii)(A) The employee informs the employer of the intention to seek a second medical opinion, and 1910.1048(l)(9)(iii)(B) The employee initiates steps to make an appointment with a second physician. 1910.1048(l)(9)(iv) If the findings, determinations or recommendations of the second physician differ from those of the in itial physician, then the employer and the employee shall assure that efforts are made for the two physicians to resolve the dis agreement. If the two physicians are unable to quickly resolve their disa greement, then the employer and the employee throug h their respective physicians shall designate a third physician who sh all be a specialist in the field at issue: 1910.1048(l)(9)(iv)(A) To review the findings, determinations or recommend ations of the prior physicians; and 1910.1048(l)(9)(iv)(B) To conduct such examinations, consultations, labora tory tests and discussions with the prior physician s as the third physician deems necessary to resolve the disagreement of the prior physicians. 1910.1048(l)(9)(v) In the alternative, the employer and the employee o r authorized employee representative may jointly de signate such third physician. 1910.1048(l)(9)(vi) The employer shall act consistent with the findings , determinations and recommendations of the third p hysician, unless the employer and the employee reach an agreement which is otherwise consistent with the recommendations of at least one of the three physicians. 1910.1048(m) Hazard communication - 1910.1048(m)(1) General. Communication of the hazards associated wi th formaldehyde in the workplace shall be governed by the requirements of paragraph (m). The definitions of 29 CFR 1910.12 00 (c) shall apply under this paragraph. 1910.1048(m)(1)(i) The following shall be subject to the hazard commun ication requirements of this paragraph: formaldehyd e gas, all mixtures or solutions composed of greater than 0.1 percent form aldehyde, and materials capable of releasing formal dehyde into the air, under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, at concentrations reaching or exceeding 0.1 ppm. 1910.1048(m)(1)(ii) As a minimum, specific health hazards that the empl oyer shall address are: cancer, irritation and sens itization of the skin and respiratory system, eye and throat irritation, and acute toxicity. 1910.1048(m)(2) Manufacturers and importers who produce or import f ormaldehyde or formaldehyde-containing products sha ll provide downstream employers using or handling these produc ts with an objective determination through the requ ired labels and MSDSs if these items may constitute a health hazard within the meaning of 29 CFR 1910.1200(d) under no rmal conditions of use. 1910.1048(m)(3) Labels. 1910.1048(m)(3)(i) The employer shall assure that hazard warning label s complying with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.12 00(f) are affixed to all containers of materials listed in paragraph (m) (1)(i), except to the extent that 29 CFR 1910.1200( f) is inconsistent with this paragraph. 1910.1048(m)(3)(ii) Information on labels. As a minimum, for all materi als listed in paragraph (m)(1)(i) capable of releas ing formaldehyde at levels of 0.1 ppm to 0.5 ppm, labels shall identify that t he product contains formaldehyde; list the name and address of the responsible party; and state that physical and heal th hazard information is readily available from the employer and from 

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- 1910.1048

9/7/2011 http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id

...material safety data sheets. 1910.1048(m)(3)(iii) For materials listed in paragraph (m)(1)(i) capable of releasing formaldehyde at levels above 0.5 ppm, labels shall appropriately address all hazards as defined in 29 CFR 1910.1200 (d) and 29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendices A and B, including respiratory sensitization, and shall contain the wo rds "Potential Cancer Hazard." 1910.1048(m)(3)(iv) In making the determinations of anticipated levels of formaldehyde release, the employer may rely on o bjective data indicating the extent of potential formaldehyde release under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. 1910.1048(m)(3)(v) Substitute warning labels. The employer may use war ning labels required by other statutes, regulations , or ordinances which impart the same information as the warning statemen ts required by this paragraph. 1910.1048(m)(4) Material safety data sheets. 1910.1048(m)(4)(i) Any employer who uses formaldehyde-containing mater ials listed in paragraph (m)(1)(i) shall comply wit h the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) with regard to the development and updating of material safety data sheets. 1910.1048(m)(4)(ii) Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of forma ldehyde-containing materials listed in paragraph (m )(1)(i) shall assure that material safety data sheets and updated information are provided to all employers purchasing such mate rials at the time of the initial shipment and at the time of the first shipm ent after a material safety data sheet is updated. 1910.1048(m)(5) Written hazard communication program. The employer shall develop, implement, and maintain at the workp lace, a written hazard communication program for formaldehyde expos ures in the workplace, which at a minimum describes how the requirements specified in this paragraph for labels and other forms of warning and material safety dat a sheets, and paragraph (n) for employee information and training, will be met. Employers in multi-employer workplaces shall c omply with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(2). 1910.1048(n) Employee information and training - 1910.1048(n)(1) Participation. The employer shall assure that all e mployees who are assigned to workplaces where there is exposure to formaldehyde participate in a training program, exc ept that where the employer can show, using objecti ve data, that employees are not exposed to formaldehyde at or abo ve 0.1 ppm, the employer is not required to provide training. 1910.1048(n)(2) Frequency. Employers shall provide such information and training to employees at the time of initial a ssignment, and whenever a new exposure to formaldehyde is introduced into t he work area. The training shall be repeated at lea st annually. 1910.1048(n)(3) Training program. The training program shall be con ducted in a manner which the employee is able to un derstand and shall include: 1910.1048(n)(3)(i) A discussion of the contents of this regulation and the contents of the Material Safety Data Sheet. 1910.1048(n)(3)(ii) The purpose for and a description of the medical su rveillance program required by this standard, inclu ding: 1910.1048(n)(3)(ii)(A) A description of the potential health hazards assoc iated with exposure to formaldehyde and a descripti on of the signs and symptoms of exposure to formaldehyde. 1910.1048(n)(3)(ii)(B) Instructions to immediately report to the employer the development of any adverse signs or symptoms th at the employee suspects is attributable to formaldehyde exposure. 1910.1048(n)(3)(iii) 

# Page 10 of 13 Formaldehyde.

- 1910.1048

9/7/2011 http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id

...Description of operations in the work area where fo rmaldehyde is present and an explanation of the saf e work practices appropriate for limiting exposure to formaldehyde i n each job; 1910.1048(n)(3)(iv) The purpose for, proper use of, and limitations of personal protective clothing and equipment; 1910.1048(n)(3)(v) Instructions for the handling of spills, emergencie s, and clean-up procedures; 1910.1048(n)(3)(vi) An explanation of the importance of engineering and work practice controls for employee protection and any necessary instruction in the use of these controls; and 1910.1048(n)(3)(vii) A review of emergency procedures including the spec ific duties or assignments of each employee in the event of an emergency. 1910.1048(n)(4) Access to training materials. 1910.1048(n)(4)(i) The employer shall inform all affected employees of the location of written training materials and sha ll make these materials readily available, without cost, to the affected em ployees. 1910.1048(n)(4)(ii) The employer shall provide, upon request, all train ing materials relating to the employee training pro gram to the Assistant Secretary and the Director. 1910.1048(o) Recordkeeping - 1910.1048(o)(1) Exposure measurements. The employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record of all measurement s taken to monitor employee exposure to formaldehyde. This record shal l include: 1910.1048(o)(1)(i) The date of measurement; 1910.1048(o)(1)(ii) The operation being monitored; 1910.1048(o)(1)(iii) The methods of sampling and analysis and evidence o f their accuracy and precision; 1910.1048(o)(1)(iv) The number, durations, time, and results of samples taken; 1910.1048(o)(1)(v) The types of protective devices worn; and 1910.1048(o)(1)(vi) The names, job classifications, social security num bers, and exposure estimates of the employees whose exposures are represented by the actual monitoring results. 1910.1048(o)(2) Exposure determinations. Where the employer has det ermined that no monitoring is required under this s tandard, the employer shall maintain a record of the objective d ata relied upon to support the determination that n o employee is exposed to formaldehyde at or above the action level. 1910.1048(o)(3) Medical surveillance. The employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record for each employee s ubject to medical surveillance under this standard. This record shall include: 

# Page 11 of 13 Formaldehyde.

- 1910.1048

9/7/2011 http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id

...1910.1048(o)(3)(i) The name and social security number of the employee ; 1910.1048(o)(3)(ii) The physician's written opinion; 1910.1048(o)(3)(iii) A list of any employee health complaints that may b e related to exposure to formaldehyde; and 1910.1048(o)(3)(iv) A copy of the medical examination results, includin g medical disease questionnaires and results of any medical tests required by the standard or mandated by the examining physic ian. 1910.1048(o)(4) Respirator fit testing. 1910.1048(o)(4)(i) The employer shall establish and maintain accurate records for employees subject to negative pressure respirator fit testing required by this standard. 1910.1048(o)(4)(ii) This record shall include: 1910.1048(o)(4)(ii)(A) A copy of the protocol selected for respirator fit testing. 1910.1048(o)(4)(ii)(B) A copy of the results of any fit testing performed. 1910.1048(o)(4)(ii)(C) The size and manufacturer of the types of respirato rs available for selection. 1910.1048(o)(4)(ii)(D) The date of the most recent fit testing, the name a nd social security number of each tested employee, and the respirator type and facepiece selected. 1910.1048(o)(5) Record retention. The employer shall retain records required by this standard for at least the followi ng periods: 1910.1048(o)(5)(i) Exposure records and determinations shall be kept f or at least 30 years. 1910.1048(o)(5)(ii) Medical records shall be kept for the duration of e mployment plus 30 years. 1910.1048(o)(5)(iii) Respirator fit testing records shall be kept until replaced by a more recent record. 1910.1048(o)(6) Availability of records. 1910.1048(o)(6)(i) Upon request, the employer shall make all records m aintained as a requirement of this standard availab le for examination and copying to the Assistant Secretary and the Director . 1910.1048(o)(6)(ii) The employer shall make employee exposure records, including estimates made from representative monito ring and available upon request for examination, and copying to the su bject employee, or former employee, and employee re presentatives in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 (a)-(e) and (g)-(i ). 1910.1048(o)(6)(iii) 

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- 1910.1048

9/7/2011 http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id

...Freedom of Information Act | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers | Customer Survey | Important Web Site Notices | International | Contact Us U.S. Department of Labor | Occupational Safety & Health Administration | 200 Constitution Ave., NW , Washington, DC 20210 Telephone: 800-321-OSHA (6742) | TTY: 877-889-562 7



### www.OSHA.gov Employee medical records required by this standard shall be provided upon request for examination and copying, to the subject employee or former employee or to anyone ha ving the specific written consent of the subject em ployee or former employee in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 (a)-(e ) and (g)-(i). [56 FR 10378, Mar. 12, 1991; 56 FR 26909, June 12, 1991; 56 FR 37651, Aug. 8, 1991; 56 FR 57593, Nov. 13, 1991; 57 FR 2682, Jan. 23, 1992; 57 FR 19262, May 5, 1992; 57 F R 22290, May 27, 1992; 61 FR 5507, Feb. 13, 1996; 6 3 FR 1152, Jan. 8, 1998; 63 FR 20098, April 23, 1998; 70 FR 1143, Jan. 5, 2005; 71 FR 16672 and 16673, April 3, 2006; 71 FR 50190, August 24, 2006; 73 FR 75586, Dec. 12, 2008] Next Standard (1910.1048 App A) Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) - Table of Contents 

# Page 13 of 13 Formaldehyde.

- 1910.1048

9/7/2011 http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id

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