Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
| Product name | Formaldehyde |
| Other names | Formalin |
| U.N. number | 2209 |
| Dangerous goods class and subsidiary risk | Class 8 |
| Hazchem code | 2Z |
| Poisons schedule number | None allocated |
| Use | A biological fixative |
| Appearance | Water clear liquid, characteristic odour |
| Boiling point/Melting point BP | >93 C |
| Vapour pressure | 17-20 mm Hg |
| Specific gravity | 1.08-1.13 |
| Flashpoint | 50 C |
| Flammability limits | Upper: 73; Lower: 7 |
| Solubility in water | Complete |
Acute |
|
| Swallowed | Harmful |
| Eye | Harmful |
| Skin | Harmful |
| Inhaled | Harmful |
Chronic, extreme or prolonged exposure will induce tearing of the eyes, coughing, difficulty in breathing, nausea, headache or weakness.
| Swallowed | Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water |
| Call a physician | |
| Eye exposure | Immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes |
| Skin | Immediately wash skin with copious amounts of water |
| Inhaled | Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen |
| Exposure standards | None established |
| Engineering controls | Mechanical ventilation recommended |
| Personal protection | Wear rubber protective gloves and safety goggles |
| Flammability | Not flammable under conditions of use |
| Storage and transport | Store material at room temperature. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Do not inhale. Wash thoroughly after handling |
| Spills and disposal | Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber boots and gloves. Absorb on sand, vermiculite, sawdust and put in a container for future disposal. Wash and ventilate spill site after pickup is complete. Observe all federal, state and local environmental regulations when disposing. |
| Fire and explosive hazards | Use extinguishing media - water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam. Fire-fighters must wear self-contained breathing apparatus and fully protective equipment. Use water spray to disperse vapour. |