OSHA 30 - Module 23: Formaldehyde
Awareness Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2024/2025 | Correct &
Verified
What is formaldehyde, and why is it hazardous?
✔✔ Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used in many industrial processes. It is
hazardous because it can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even cancer with long-term
exposure.
Where is formaldehyde commonly found in the workplace?
✔✔ It can be found in resins, plywood, glues, disinfectants, embalming fluids, and some textiles.
How can formaldehyde enter the human body?
✔✔ It can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested if it contaminates food or drinks.
What are the immediate symptoms of formaldehyde exposure?
✔✔ Symptoms include burning eyes, throat irritation, coughing, and skin rashes.
1
, Why is ventilation important in areas where formaldehyde is used?
✔✔ Proper ventilation helps reduce airborne concentrations and lowers the risk of exposure.
How does OSHA classify formaldehyde in terms of health risk?
✔✔ OSHA classifies formaldehyde as a hazardous chemical and a known carcinogen.
What is the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde?
✔✔ The PEL is 0.75 parts per million (ppm) as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Why must employers conduct air monitoring for formaldehyde?
✔✔ Air monitoring ensures exposure levels stay within safe limits and protects workers from
health hazards.
What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when working with
formaldehyde?
✔✔ PPE includes gloves, safety goggles, face shields, and respirators if necessary.
What should a worker do if formaldehyde spills in the work area?
2
Awareness Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2024/2025 | Correct &
Verified
What is formaldehyde, and why is it hazardous?
✔✔ Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used in many industrial processes. It is
hazardous because it can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even cancer with long-term
exposure.
Where is formaldehyde commonly found in the workplace?
✔✔ It can be found in resins, plywood, glues, disinfectants, embalming fluids, and some textiles.
How can formaldehyde enter the human body?
✔✔ It can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested if it contaminates food or drinks.
What are the immediate symptoms of formaldehyde exposure?
✔✔ Symptoms include burning eyes, throat irritation, coughing, and skin rashes.
1
, Why is ventilation important in areas where formaldehyde is used?
✔✔ Proper ventilation helps reduce airborne concentrations and lowers the risk of exposure.
How does OSHA classify formaldehyde in terms of health risk?
✔✔ OSHA classifies formaldehyde as a hazardous chemical and a known carcinogen.
What is the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for formaldehyde?
✔✔ The PEL is 0.75 parts per million (ppm) as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Why must employers conduct air monitoring for formaldehyde?
✔✔ Air monitoring ensures exposure levels stay within safe limits and protects workers from
health hazards.
What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when working with
formaldehyde?
✔✔ PPE includes gloves, safety goggles, face shields, and respirators if necessary.
What should a worker do if formaldehyde spills in the work area?
2
