Introduction
Acetone (CH3COCH3), commonly known as 2-propanone or dimethyl ketone, is an organic solvent with industrial and chemical applications and is the most fundamental of the aliphatic (fat-derived) ketones. Purified Acetone is a colorless, slightly fragrant, flammable, mobile liquid that boils at 56.2 °C (133 °F). Many fats and resins, cellulose ethers, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, and other cellulose esters, can be dissolved by Acetone. Because of the latter property, Acetone is widely employed in producing synthetic fibers (such as rayon) and explosives. It is utilized in medicines as a chemical intermediary and as a surfactant for vinyl and acrylic resins, lacquers, alkyd paints, inks, cosmetics (including nail polish remover), and varnishes. It is used to make paper coatings, adhesives, and heat-seal coatings and is a starting ingredient in synthesizing several compounds. Acetone is a dangerous chemical to deal with, and it has several safety guidelines outlined in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of Sigma-Aldrich company.
Safety Data Sheet for Acetone
Acetone Hazards
Section two of Sigma-Aldrich Inc.’s Safety Data Sheet for Acetone outlines different hazards in compliance with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). In addition, it also highlights the hazards per the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) (Sigma-Aldrich Inc., 2020). Some of the hazards in SDS include:
- Flammable liquids (Category 2) signify extremely flammable vapor and liquid with a -17 °C (1.4 F) flashpoint.
- Eye discomfort (Category 2A) denotes severe eye injury or irritation.
- Particular target organ toxicity – single contact (Category 3), indicating that the substance may cause dizziness or drowsiness with narcotic symptoms.
Analysis of the SDS Information
Handling Drums of Acetone
Because the flashpoint of Acetone is less than 200 °FS, it then falls under OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.106, which governs the handling, storing, and use of flammable liquids. Only authorized metal containers should be used to store the chemical. There should be a containment room accessible to safely store extra goods that will be dispersed for use in everyday activities (Jang et al., 2019). The chamber should have appropriate ventilation that allows for no more than 10% vaporization and an open-dug trench that drains to a safe place in the case of a spill (Sigma-Aldrich Inc., 2020). Fire-resistant doors to other rooms in the buildings should be installed, and the room should be liquid-tight whenever walls touch the floor. To prevent leakage, care should be taken to guarantee that the container is entirely resealed and remains upright whenever a drum is opened for distribution.
Measures to take when using Acetone
When using Acetone in a facility, caution should be exercised to avoid and eradicate the chemical’s listed dangers. To reduce electrostatic buildup, work areas should be well-aired and dry, and protective rubber mats must be used (Jang et al., 2019). Moreover, to avoid skin contact, one should use gloves and safety eyeglasses or goggles to protect their eyes. Based on each worksite’s probable buildup status, flame retardant antistatic apparel should also be given (Sigma-Aldrich Inc., 2020). Respirators should also be used depending on the level of risk and the kind of engineering protection in place.
Conclusion
SDS gives complete information regarding a chemical, allowing employers and employees to acquire relevant and reliable information about the risks, uses, and danger management of the compound in the workplace. For example, the Acetone SDS includes information on chemical characteristics, health and safety dangers, first aid and medical care, chemical handling and disposal, and emergency response. Therefore, all industries need to have a safety data sheet for chemicals they use to educate the workers on the appropriate methods of handling dangerous compounds.
References
Jang, M., Yoon, C., Park, J., & Kwon, O. (2019). Evaluation of hazardous chemicals with material safety data sheet and by-products of a photoresist used in the semiconductor-manufacturing industry. Safety and health at work, 10(1), 114-121.
Sigma-Aldrich Inc. (2020). Safety Data Sheet: Acetone. Sigma.