Canadian Flag Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Government of Canada Wordmark
CCOHS: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Français Contact Us Help
        
Canada Site
Web Info Service Products & Services OSH Answers Education & Training
Canada's national Occupational Health & Safety Resource
Home About Us E-News Bringing Health to Work Events Resources
OSH Answers Lists
What's New!
Subject Categories
Acetone
1-Basic Information on Acetone
2-Health Effects of Acetone
3-First Aid for Exposure to Acetone
4-Working Safely with Acetone
5-Personal Protective Equipment Information for Acetone
6-International Hazard Classifications for Acetone
7-Source of Information on Acetone
Related Products and Services

Databases:
CHEMINFO
MSDS

Management Systems:
MSDS Management Service
More Information
About OSH Answers
Feedback
Disclaimer
Inquiries Service

The Inquiries Service at CCOHS answers questions on the health or safety concerns people have about the work they do.

About the Inquiries Service
Ask a Question

4-Working Safely with Acetone

What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommended exposure limit for acetone?
What are the fire and explosion dangers associated with acetone?
Is acetone stable when exposed to air, moisture, or heat?
Are there any conditions to avoid when using acetone?
Does acetone have an odour threshold (at what level can I smell it)?
Is the odour of acetone reliable as a warning property?
How can I work with acetone safely?
What can be done to control hazardous conditions?


What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommended exposure limit for acetone?

TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE (TLV-TWA): 500 ppm - Carcinogenicity Designation A4

STEL: 750 ppm

TLV BASIS - CRITICAL EFFECT(S) : Irritation

CARCINOGENICITY DESIGNATION A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen: Inadequate data on which to classify the substance as a human and/or animal carcinogen.

NOTE: This is a substance for which OSHA and/or NIOSH has a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) or a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) lower than the TLV.

BIOLOGICAL EXPOSURE INDICES (BEIs): The ACGIH has adopted a BEI for this chemical. BEIs provide an indication of worker exposure by measuring the chemical or its breakdown products in the body or by measuring biochemical changes resulting from exposure to the chemical. Consult the BEI documentation for further information.

NOTE: In many Canadian jurisdictions, exposure limits are similar to the ACGIH TLVs. Since the manner in which exposure limits are established, interpreted, and implemented can vary, obtain detailed information from the appropriate government agency in each jurisdiction.


What are the fire and explosion dangers associated with acetone?

Extremely flammable liquid. Material will readily ignite at room temperature. Vapour is heavier than air and can travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back to a leak or open container. Can accumulate in confined spaces, resulting in a toxicity and flammability hazard. Closed containers may rupture violently when exposed to fire or excessive heat for a sufficient period of time. Even dilute solutions of acetone in water may be flammable.


Is acetone stable when exposed to air, moisture, or heat?

Normally stable. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may result in the formation of carbon monoxide.


Are there any conditions to avoid when using acetone?

Sparks, open flames, heat and other ignition sources; prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.


Does acetone have an odour threshold (at what level can I smell it)?

Reported values vary widely; 3.6-653 ppm (geometric mean: 62 ppm) (detection); 33-699 ppm (geometric mean: 130 ppm) (recognition)


Is the odour of acetone reliable as a warning property?

NOT RELIABLE - some reported odour threshold values are about the same magnitude as the TLV. Acetone has been reported to diminish the sense of smell and adaptation to smell and irritation has occurred.


How can I work with acetone safely?

This material is an EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE, TOXIC (eye irritant) LIQUID. Before handling, it is very important that engineering controls are operating and that personal hygiene measures are being followed. People working with this chemical should be properly trained regarding its hazards and its safe use. Eliminate all ignition sources (e.g. sparks, open flames, hot surfaces). Keep away from heat. Post "NO SMOKING" signs. It is very important to keep areas where this material is used clear of other materials which can burn (e.g. cardboard, sawdust).

Use in smallest possible amounts in a well ventilated area separate from the storage area. Avoid generating vapours or mists. Prevent the release of vapours and mists into the workplace air.

Do not use with incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents. Never return contaminated material to its original container.

Do not dispense in storage area unless dispensing area is segregated by fire- resistant construction. To avoid splashing, carefully dispense into sturdy containers made of compatible materials. Never transfer liquids by pressurizing the original shipping containers with air or inert gas. Only use portable containers and dispensing equipment (faucet, pump, drip can) approved for flammable liquids. Ground all drums, transfer vessels, hoses and piping. Ground clips must contact bare metal. When dispensing in other than a closed system, ensure dispensing container is bonded to receiving transfer equipment and container.

Label containers. Keep containers closed when not in use. Avoid damaging containers. Empty containers may contain hazardous residues. Never perform any welding, cutting, soldering, drilling or other hot work on an empty vessel, container or piping until all liquid and vapours have been cleared. To prevent sparking, generously wet hard surfaces before they are chipped, ground, etc, in potentially hazardous areas. Use non-sparking ventilation systems, approved explosion-proof equipment and intrinsically safe electrical systems in areas of use. Keep aisles and exits free of obstruction. For large scale operations, consider the installation of leak and fire detection equipment along with a suitable, automatic fire suppression system. To reduce the fire/explosion hazard, consider the use of an inert gas in the container or storage vessel. Have suitable emergency equipment for fires, spills and leaks readily available.

Follow handling precautions on Material Safety Data Sheet. Have suitable emergency equipment for fires, spills and leaks readily available. Practice good housekeeping. Maintain handling equipment. Comply with applicable regulations.


What can be done to control hazardous conditions?

Engineering control methods to reduce hazardous exposures are preferred. General methods include mechanical ventilation (dilution and local exhaust), process or personnel enclosure, control of process conditions and process modification (e.g. substitution of a less hazardous material). Administrative controls and personal protective equipment may also be required. Use a non-sparking, grounded ventilation system separate from other exhaust ventilation systems. Exhaust directly to the outside. Supply sufficient replacement air to make up for air removed by exhaust systems.

Document last updated on January 15, 2003

Copyright ©1997-2008 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety


Important Notices and Disclaimers
©CCOHS, 2008
Technical Support
 
Client Services
Products & services info
Inquiries Service
Answers to workplace questions
Webmaster
Website feedback