Training is not required for employees when you have conclusive documentation that they cannot be exposed to
formaldehyde at airborne concentrations above 0.1 parts per million (ppm).
You must:
• Provide training and information to employees exposed
to formaldehyde at all of the following times:
– At the time of initial assignment to a work area where
there is formaldehyde exposure.
– Whenever there is a new exposure to formaldehyde in
their work area.
– At least every twelve months after initial training.
• Make sure training includes at least the following:
– The contents of this chapter and MSDS for formaldehyde.
– The purpose of medical evaluations and a description of
how you are fulfilling the medical evaluation requirements of
this chapter.
– The health hazards and signs and symptoms associated
with formaldehyde exposure, including:
▪ Cancer hazard.
▪ Skin and respiratory system irritant and sensitizer.
▪ Eye and throat irritation.
▪ Acute toxicity.
– How employees will immediately report any signs or
symptoms suspected to be from formaldehyde exposure.
– Descriptions of operations where formaldehyde is
present.
– Explanations of safe work practices to limit employee
exposure to formaldehyde for each job.
– The purpose, proper use, and limitations of personal
protective clothing.
– Instructions for the handling of spills, emergencies,
and clean-up procedures.
– An explanation of the importance of exposure controls,
and instructions in the use of them.
– A review of emergency procedures, including the
specific duties or assignments of each employee in the event
of an emergency.
– The purpose, proper use, limitations, and other
training requirements for respiratory protection, as required
by a separate chapter, Respirators, chapter 296-842 WAC.
• Make sure any written training materials are readily
available to your employees at no cost.