Safety Considerations in the Use of Fixatives

Fixation is the single most important step in routine histological procedures, and it is also the place at which 2 sets of hazards, chemical and biological, meet. In the United States over the last 30 yr, laboratories have developed written safety procedures to protect employees from these hazards. This has occurred most often in response to federal laws.This article briefly reviews the federal laws relating to work in the histology laboratory and outlines requirements laboratories have to follow. Hazards of common chemicals used in fixation are reviewed. Federal requirements include a chemical hygiene plan for handling chemicals, education of employees, Material Safety Data Sheets for each chemical, and detailed handling procedures for chemical and biological hazards. An exposure control plan for employees handling biohazardous materials is required. Shipping of biological specimens require special handling and leak proof, damage resistant containers. (The J Histotechnol 24:165, 2001)