Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Acetone
METHOD C301
Intent
Intent
Description
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
1.Intent
This laboratory technique describes the processes for use, storage, spill resolution and
disposal for acetone. The technique also provides information on fire, explosion and hazards
as well as first aid treatment.
2. Product description
Acetone is a Class 3: Flammable Liquid and has damaging properties as follows:
Acetone toxicity information
Inhalation
May cause irritation to the mucous membrane and upper airways, especially
where vapours or mists are generated. Symptoms include sneezing,
coughing, wheezing, drowsiness, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness,
nausea and vomiting.
Ingestion
Ingestion of this product may irritate the gastric tract causing nausea and
vomiting.
Skin
May cause redness, itching and irritation. Prolonged contact with skin may
cause blistering, and repeated contact may have a defatting effect causing
dryness and cracking.
Eye
Irritating to eyes. On eye contact, acetone will cause tearing, stinging,
blurred vision, and redness.
Chronic Effects
Repeated or prolonged skin contact can cause severe irritation or dermatitis.
Contact with this product over long periods can aggravate pre-existing
medical conditions. Use of alcoholic beverages enhances toxic effects.
Exposure may increase the toxic potential of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such
as chloroform, trichloroethane.
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Acetone
METHOD C301
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
3. Use of acetone
3.1 Mandatory PPE
When handling acetone, utilise the following mandatory PPE:
• Long-sleeved 100% cotton shirt and full-length 100% cotton trousers. For additional
protection, a knee-length 100% cotton laboratory coat (with long sleeves which clip at
the wrist) can also be worn.
• Nitrile or super nitrile gloves.
• Eye Protection: either safety glasses, spectacles, goggles or face shield (complying
with AS 1337).
• Enclosed safety shoes (complying with AS 2210).
Figure 1: Person wearing appropriate PPE
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3.2Precautions
When handling acetone:
• It is advisable to apply a barrier cream to the hands prior to use.
• Always have at least one other person present in the laboratory.
• Keep containers closed and in an upright position when not in use.
• Drums in bulk storage may be stored horizontally.
• Keep containers away from sources of heat (including hot plates, Bunsen burners,
ovens and sunlight) except when heating for testing purposes.
• Exercise caution when opening containers, as contents may be under pressure.
• Use only in a well ventilated area.
• Ensure there is a supply of water readily available.
• Maintain a high level of personal hygiene when using acetone by always washing
hands before eating, drinking, smoking or using toilet facilities.
• It is advisable to apply a moisturiser after washing hands.
3.3Decanting
When decanting acetone, the following must be observed:
• Decanting must be carried out in a well ventilated area (do not inhale vapours).
• Decanted aliquots can be stored in small safety drums, wash bottles or reagent bottles.
Never return decanted aliquots to the supply container.
• Dispose of unused aliquots in an appropriate manner (see Section 6: Disposal).
• Before decanting from one metal container to another metal container, connect an
earthing strap between the containers or have one or both of the containers connected
to an earthing rod.
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Video 1: Decanting
Figure 2: Earthing strap
3.4Labelling
Containers must be appropriately labelled.
Containers with capacity larger than 500 mL:
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Figure 3: Labelling on reagent container >500 mL
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Labels on containers require the following information:
• Product and chemical name.
• Dangerous goods class (e.g. Class 3: Flammable Liquid).
• United Nations (UN 1090) Number.
• Ingredients and formulation details where relevant.
• Risk phrases.
• Safety phrases.
• First aid procedures.
• Emergency procedures.
• Details of manufacturer or importer.
• Reference to MSDS.
Wash bottles or reagent bottles with capacity 500 mL or smaller:
Labels on containers require the product and chemical name.
Figure 4: Labelling on reagent bottle <500 mL
3.5 Carrying acetone
Acetone containers are to be transferred as follows:
• Wash bottles may be transferred by hand.
• Reagent bottles must be transferred using laboratory carriers.
• Containers with a mass of 20 kg or larger must be transferred using a trolley.
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Figure 5: Carrying apparatus
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Acetone
METHOD C301
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
4. Storage of acetone
To prevent injury to personnel, damage to equipment and to meet legislative storage
requirements, acetone is to be stored as follows:
4.1 Storage general
Acetone, being a flammable liquid is to be stored as follows:
• Monitor containers for deficiencies such as damage or leaks on a monthly basis.
• Store in an approved container with appropriate labelling.
• Store containers in an upright position. Drums in bulk storage may be stored
horizontally.
• Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and protected against physical damage.
• Never store with food, beverages or food packaging.
Acetone cannot be stored with any of the following substances:
Class
Definition
Chemicals included in this class
1
Explosives
–
2.1
Flammable Gases
Liquid Petroleum gas, Dymark Spray and Mark
Aerosol (paint), Hydrogen (compressed).
2.3
Toxic Gases
–
4.2
Spontaneously Combustible
Substances
Activated Charcoal.
4.3
Dangerous When Wet Substances
–
5.1
Oxidising Agents
Ammonium Nitrate, Hydrogen Peroxide, Perchloric
Acid, Silver Nitrate, Potassium Permanganate,
Chromic Acid.
5.2
Organic Peroxides
–
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Class
Definition
Chemicals included in this class
6
Toxic Substances (Where toxic
substances are cyanides and
corrosives are acids)
Ammonium Oxalate, Mercuric Iodide, Phenol
crystals and solution, Barium Chloride (6.1),
Chloroform (6.1), Methyl Orange (6.1), Potassium
Chromate (6.1), Trichloroethylene (6.1).
7
Radioactive Substances
Americium/Beryllium, Cesium.
9
Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Lead (metal plate), Magnesium (tooling plate/slab).
4.2 Laboratory storage
• For quantities of 20 litres or less, store in a bunded, vented flammable liquid storage
cabinet (complying with AS 1940).
• Storage cabinets must be located away from sources of heat such as hot plates,
Bunsen burners, ovens and sunlight.
• Have appropriate fire extinguishers available near any storage area. Suitable
extinguishers include water fog, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or alcohol foam.
4.3 Bulk storage
• For bulk storage e.g. 200 litre drums, store in a secure, well ventilated, bunded storage
area.
• Have appropriate fire extinguishers in and near any bulk storage area. Suitable
extinguishers include water fog, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or alcohol foam.
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Acetone
METHOD C301
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
5. Spill resolution
Spills or leaks of acetone must be cleaned up immediately.
5.1 Mandatory PPE
• Long-sleeved 100% cotton shirt and full-length 100% cotton trousers. For additional
protection, a knee-length 100% cotton laboratory coat (with long sleeves which clip at
the wrist) can also be worn.
• Respiratory Equipment eg. Half-Face Filter Respirator Class A1P2 (complying with AS/
NZS 1715)for spills in excess of 2 litres.
• Nitrile or super nitrile gloves.
• Eye protection: either safety glasses, spectacles, goggles or face shield (complying
with AS 1337).
• Enclosed safety shoes (complying with AS 2210).
5.2 Immediate action
• Stop any leak if safe to do so.
• Evacuate all unnecessary personnel.
• Turn off all sources of heat.
• Keep combustible materials away from the immediate area of the spill.
• Turn off air conditioning (if possible).
• Open windows and doors to increase ventilation (if possible).
• Use a water spray to prevent vapours from entering the atmosphere.
• Inform the local water authority or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if
contamination of sewers or waterways occurs.
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Video 2: Spill procedures
5.3 Clean up
• Cover the spill with absorbent material such as Chemsorb, Bentonite or Vermicullite
until all the fluid has been absorbed.
• Place the contaminated absorbent material in a closed fume cupboard free from any
heat source and allow the solvent to evaporate using the air from the exhaust system.
• Once the contaminated absorbent material is dry, place it into a plastic bag and seal
with a cable tie for subsequent disposal (see Section 6: Disposal).
• Ventilate the spill site to evaporate any remaining liquid and dispel vapours.
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Acetone
METHOD C301
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
6.Disposal
6.1Pre-Treatment
• Empty acetone containers (including 200 L drums) should be thoroughly washed out
with water. The washings are to be absorbed by an inert absorbent such as Chemsorb,
Bentonite or Vermiculite.
• Labels on empty supply containers must be removed or fully obliterated.
6.2 Disposal method
The washings, containers and absorbent material can be disposed of as follows:
• Absorbent material contaminated by washings is placed in a closed fume cupboard
free from any heat source and the solvent is allowed to evaporate using the air from the
exhaust system, until the absorbent material is dry.
• Washed out supply drums can be recycled.
• Supply containers and degraded wash bottles must be placed in general waste.
• Contaminated dry absorbent material (in a sealed plastic bag) can be disposed of in
general waste.
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Acetone
METHOD C301
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First aid
Technical
7. Fire and explosion hazard information
In case of fire with acetone present:
• Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water fog, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or alcohol
foam.
• Hazards from Combustion Products: Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
• Specific Methods: Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
• Specific Hazards: This product is extremely flammable. Vapours are heavier than air
and will ‘travel’ to low-level areas e.g. sumps, drains, etc. and flashback. Precautions
should be taken to eliminate the build up of explosive mixtures.
• Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: The fire could easily be spread by the use of water
in the area where the water could not be contained. Water may be ineffective in fighting
the fire.
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Acetone
METHOD C301
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
First
First aid
aid
Technical
8. First aid procedures
In case of exposure with acetone:
• Inhalation: Remove the source of contamination or move the victim to fresh air –
avoid becoming a casualty. Ensure airways are clear and have a qualified person give
oxygen through a face mask if breathing is difficult. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
• Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting. Wash out mouth with water. SEEK MEDICAL
ATTENTION.
• Skin: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated
clothing and wash before re-use or discard. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
• Eye: If in contact with the eye(s), hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously
with running water. Take care not to wash contaminated water into the non-affected
eye. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes or until advised to stop by the Poisons
Information Centre or a doctor. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATLEY.
• First Aid Facilities Required: Eye wash station, safety shower and normal washroom
facilities.
• Advice to Doctor: Treat symptomatically. For advice call the Poisons Information
Centre below.
Emergency contacts
• Poisons Information Centre: 131 126
• Australian Emergency Services: 000
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Laboratory Chemical Handling Manual
Safe Handling & Storage of Acetone
METHOD C301
Intent
Description
Use
Storage
Spill
Disposal
Hazard
Technical
Technical
First aid
9. Technical information
Figure 6: Acetone
Acetone chemical and physical information
Molecular Formula
C 3H 6O
Appearance
Colourless liquid (white snow-like form when solid).
Melting Point
-94.9 °C
Boiling Point
56.53 °C
Solubility in Water
Soluble.
Specific Gravity
0.791
Flash Point
-20 °C
Stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible Materials
Strong oxidising agents, strong acids.
Hazardous Decomposition Products
Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
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Acetone chemical and physical information
Hazardous Reactions
Reacts violently with bromoform and chloroform in the
presence of alkalis or in contact with alkaline surfaces.
Decomposes violently in contact with nitric/sulfuric acid
mixtures. Can react violently with oxidising.
Hazardous Polymerisation
Will not occur.
The following controls are used by TMR to minimise risks when handling acetone:
Current Transport and Main Roads controls
Engineering Controls / Ventilation
Fume Cupboard complying with AS 1807 and AS 2243.
Safe Work Procedures
As per this technique/MSDS.
First Aid Facilities
Eyewash station, safety shower, and normal washroom
facilities.
Spill Procedures
Refer to Sections 5.2 and 5.3.
Waste Disposal Procedures
Waste (solvent) storage system, recycling by authorised
agent. Refer to Section 6.2.
Fire/Explosion Hazard
Refer to Section 7.
Administrative Controls
Nil
PPE
Refer to Section 5.1.
Emergency Procedures
Phone 1800 638 556.
Training Provided
Assessed element of competency.
Previous Monitoring Results
Nil
Storage & Handling Requirements
Flammable Liquid Cabinet complying with AS 1940 and
bulk store complying with this technique.
Monitoring Required
No
Health Surveillance Required
No
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