Mike,

The problem with the MSDS sheets in the US is that the recommendations 
they give for handling spills, etc, are for industrial quantities. I can 
see having a respirator on hand in the histology lab where a 5 gallon 
spill would be tough to deal with, but 30 ml?  It's nice to know there's 
someone with common sense out there!

Tim Morken, B.A., EMT(MSA), HTL(ASCP) 
Infectious Disease Pathology
Centers for Disease Control
MS-G32
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA

email: tim9@cdc.gov
       timcdc@hotmail.com
FAX:  (404)639-3043



----Original Message Follows----
From: Mike Kirby <mikek@mail.saimr.wits.ac.za>
To: HistoNet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Formalin & Safety Officers
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 08:37:21 +0200



Dear Greg.

As Chief Safety Officer of our Organisation, I apply the "LAW" as and 
when
required, but I am also a firm believer in using plain old commom sense,
and this would appear to be the course to take with regards to your
"formalin" problem.
I would certainly suggest that each Clinic keep a small, homemade spill
kit, but would draw the line on a respirator set for a mere 30ml of 
formalin.
Your Safety Officer is being officious and you have every right to argue
the case against this unecessary additional expense.

Mr.M.Kirby.
S.A.I.M.R
Johannesburg
R.S.Africa.











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