• If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
• What eye/face protection is recommended for working with acetone?
• What skin protection measures are recommended when working with acetone?
• What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
• Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?

If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protective equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators", available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACETONE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 2,500 ppm: Chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s); or powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s); or gas mask with organic vapour canister; or SAR; or full-facepiece SCBA.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OR IDLH CONDITIONS: Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Gas mask with organic vapour canister; or escape-type SCBA.

NOTE: Substance reported to cause eye irritation or damage; may require eye protection.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for acetone is 2,500 ppm (10% of the Lower Explosion Limit).

The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.

Air-purifying respirators do not protect again oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators. The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.

What eye/face protection is recommended for working with acetone?

Splash-proof chemical safety goggles or face-shield (eight-inch minimum), as required.

What skin protection measures are recommended when working with acetone?

Chemical resistant gloves, coveralls, boots, etc., to prevent prolonged or repeated contact.

What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Butyl rubber, Teflon (TM), 4H (TM), Barricade (TM), Chemrel (TM), Responder (TM).

RECOMMENDED (estimated resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Trellchem (TM).

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, Viton (TM), Saranex (TM).

NOTE: Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.

Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

Have a safety shower/eyewash fountain readily available in the immediate work area. Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards.

Do not smoke, eat or drink in work areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling this material. Maintain good housekeeping.

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Document last updated on October 29, 1998

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