Section 8 : Preventive Measures

WHMIS: What You Need to Know

11. The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

SECTION 8

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

ENGINEERING CONTROLS: (e.g. ventilation)
Dilution ventilation may be adequate where acetone is used in small 
amounts at room temeprature.  Explosion-proof local exhaust ventilation
is normally needed for large scale use or at elevated temperatures.
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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
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CLOTHING (Type of Material):
Avoid skin contact.  Wear butyl or styrene-butadiene rubber gloves.
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EYE (Type):
Prevent eye contact. Wear chemical goggles if splashing is possible.
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OTHER:
An eyewash should be located near areas where acetone is routinely handled.
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RESPIRATORY (Type):
If local ventilation is inadequate, wear an air-purifying respirator
equipped with organic vapour cartridges.  In confined spaces or
emergency situations wear a self-contained breathing apparatus.

This section provides information on two general ways of controlling hazardous conditions - engineering controls and personal protective equipment.

In operations where acetone is used in small amounts at room temperature, general dilution ventilation may be adequate to keep exposures under control. Explosion-proof local exhaust ventilation is normally needed with large-scale use or at elevated temperatures.

Protective clothing (gloves, aprons, etc.) should be worn, as required, to prevent skin exposure to the liquid.

Acetone will attack many synthetic compounds, so many materials will not provide adequate protection. Clothing (gloves/apron) made from butyl rubber or styrene butadiene rubber provides good protection from acetone.

The degree of respiratory protection required depends on the concentration of the vapour and the duration of exposure.