JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CONTROL PROGRAMME

GENERAL
NOTE:
THESE ASSESSMENTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED TO IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL RISK AND
THE PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED ELIMINATING, REDUCING OR ADEQUATELY CONTROLLING
THEM. ASSESSMENTS ARE TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH JOBCARDS AND METHOD
STATEMENTS.

TITLE:

WORKING WITH ACETONE

POTENTIAL RISK: FIRE AND OR EXPLOSION

1.
2.

CAN OCCUR WHILST WORKING WITH ACETONE DUE TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF FLAMMABLE
VAPOR GIVEN OFF, WHICH COULD EASILY IGNIT BY HOT WORK ACTIVITIES.
EXPLOSION CAN ALSO OCCUR IF EMPTY ACETONE CONTAINERS ARE NOT DISPOSED OF IN
THE CORRECT MANNER OR IF CONTAMINATED RAGS ARE LEFT LYING AROUND THE WORK
SITE. EMPTY CONTAINERS ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN FULL ONE.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN:
1.
2.
3.
4.

All possible ignition sources shall be isolated prior to use, including works, which may be taking place
above you. (conflicting activities)
The highest levels of housekeeping shall be maintained at all times.
Never pour or apply acetone to surfaces above its flashpoint, as this will cause the vapor to ignite.
Containers shall be removed from the work area when not in use.

POTENTIAL RISK: SOLVENT SPLASHES IN THE EYE

1.

SPLASHES OF ACETONE INTO THE EYES CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BURN INJURIES.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Personnel shall ensure that full eye protection shall be worn at all times when handling acetone. Safety
goggles shall be worn not safety glasses.
COSHH Data / assessment sheet shall be on hand in case of emergency.
Personnel shall be aware of the emergency first aid treatment in the event of the acetone splashing into the
eyes.
Personnel who have suffered a large eye contact with acetone shall seek medical advice immediately if the
eyes feel uncomfortable.

POTENTIAL RISK: OVEREXPOSURE TO FUMES AND OR VAPORS

1.

CAN OCCUR WHEN ACETONE IS USED IN CONFINED SPACES OR FOR LONG LENGTHS OF TIME
WITHOUT THE CORRECT RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, (RPE).

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Ensure that when handling acetone, the product is kept down wind of yourself and other personnel.
If working in confined areas, respiratory protective equipment required shall be worn at all times.
An air mover shall be used when working in confined spaces to remove the fumes and or vapor to a safe
area.
If adequate ventilation cannot be maintained to the confined space then self-contained breathing apparatus
shall be worn.

POTENTIAL RISK: SOLVENT SPLASHES ON THE SKIN

1.
2.

CONTACT WITH ACETONE CAN CAUSE BURNS AND RASHES ON THE SKIN.
ACETONE IS ALSO POISONOUS AND IS ABSORBED INTO THE BLOODSTREAM THROUGH THE
SKIN.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN:
1.
2.
3.

Ensure all forms of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shall be worn at all times. i.e. coveralls, apron,
rubber gloves, face shields, etc.
Splashes onto the skin shall be washed with water immediately.
Personnel shall seek medical advice if they have been exposed to a large amount of acetone (and feel
unwell)

POTENTIAL RISK: INCORRECT STORAGE

1.
FIRE

THE INCORRECT STORAGE OF ACETONE WILL RESULT IN ADDED PROBLEMS IN THE EVNT OF A
AND COULD VEN CAUSE A FIRE ITSELF.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN:
1.
2.
3.

Acetone shall never be stored with oxidizing substances, as they will cause a fire to rapidly spread.
Acetone shall be stored with other flammable materials and away from sources of ignition.
Smoking shall be strictly prohibited around acetone or flammable storage areas.

POTENTIAL RISK: SPILLAGE

1. SPILLAGE OF ACETONE COULD ALSO CREATE OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS FIRE, ETC. IN AREAS
OF HOT
WORK.
2. IF ACETONE IS KNOCKED OVR OR SPLIT THROUGH GRATINGS, ETC AT HEIGHTS THEN IT COULD
CAUSE
A RAPID FIRE SPREAD OR MAY RESULT IN ANY OF THE RISKS DETAILED ABOVE.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Only small amounts of acetone shall be held at the work site.

Personnel shall refer to the COSHH assessment sheet for more information.
Spillages shall be cleaned up immediately with absorbent material and disposed of in the correct manner.
When acetone is not in use, the lid shall be replaced and the container returned to the store if possible.

Completed
by:_____________________________Signed________________________Date____________________