How do I complete a COSHH assessment for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) in the UK?

To complete a UK COSHH assessment for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover): identify the substance and its hazards (see this page), assess who is exposed and how, evaluate the risk level, list existing and required control measures, specify PPE, cover storage and disposal, and document emergency procedures. Use our free generator to produce a compliant HSE-format PDF in 5 minutes.

UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)?

The recommended PPE for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) typically includes: Gloves for repeated/prolonged contact; Eye protection for bulk handling/decanting. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash with water if irritation occurs. Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present. Inhalation: Move to fresh air, increase ventilation. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Ingestion: Seek medical advice if significant amount ingested. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) (also known as Nail Polish Remover, Acetone, Propan-2-one). Covers workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005, GHS hazard classification, control measures, PPE, storage, spillage and emergency procedures. Use the data here to complete your own COSHH assessment, or generate a workplace-specific PDF in 5 minutes.

Saad

Founder, coshhassessments.co.uk

@saad7038 on X·About·Updated 21 July 2026

Baseline Risk Rating

Low-Medium

CAS Number: 67-64-1

Physical Form: Liquid, highly volatile

Common Names: Nail Polish Remover, Acetone, Propan-2-one

Generate Assessment →

Important noteThis reference summary is compiled from HSE EH40/2005 and publicly available manufacturer Safety Data Sheets. It is not the manufacturer's official SDS for any specific product. Before relying on any COSHH assessment based on this data, cross-check against the SDS supplied with the specific product you use in your workplace. See our methodology page for how we source and verify data.

GHS Hazard Classification

Highly Flammable Liquid and Vapour, Serious Eye Irritation Cat 2A, STOT (single exposure) Cat 3. Not classified as hazardous for acute skin contact, inhalation toxicity, or ingestion at typical concentrations.

Health Effects

OSHA guidance associates acetone exposure with headaches, dizziness, and irritation of eyes, skin, and throat, primarily from inhalation in poorly ventilated workspaces during repeated daily use. Generally reversible effects. Highly flammable.

Routes of Exposure

Inhalation (vapour)
Eye contact
Skin contact (drying effect)

Workplace exposure to Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) is regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Employers must reduce occupational exposure to as low as reasonably practicable, following the HSE hierarchy of control.

Recommended Control Measures

Applied in the HSE hierarchy of control order: eliminate, substitute, engineering, administrative, PPE.

Use in well-ventilated area
Keep away from heat, open flames, ignition sources
Keep soak-off bowls covered between uses
Avoid prolonged continuous inhalation during high-volume removal days
Store away from oxidising agents

Recommended PPE

Gloves for repeated/prolonged contact
Eye protection for bulk handling/decanting

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash with water if irritation occurs.

Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present.

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, increase ventilation. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Ingestion: Seek medical advice if significant amount ingested.

UK emergency: 999. Medical advice: NHS 111. Poisons information for healthcare professionals: TOXBASE.

Data Sources

OSHA Health Hazards in Nail Salons; manufacturer nail product SDS sheets; Safe Cosmetics ingredient review

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) must hold a written COSHH assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, Regulation 6. The assessment must be reviewed at least annually and immediately if circumstances change. You can generate one free (watermarked) using our tool.

What is the Workplace Exposure Limit for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) are published by HSE in EH40/2005. Values come as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL). Where a formal WEL has not been set for this substance, we mark the field as "Not established" and rely on hazard-based controls following the hierarchy of control.

What PPE is needed for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Gloves for repeated/prolonged contact; Eye protection for bulk handling/decanting. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) is used in your specific workplace, how often, and existing engineering controls. Your COSHH assessment should specify PPE only after engineering and administrative controls have been considered.

Do I need health surveillance for workers using Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)?

Health surveillance under COSHH 2002 Regulation 10 is required for substances that are respiratory sensitisers, skin sensitisers, or carcinogens where exposure is significant. If Acetone (Nail Polish Remover) appears on the HSE health surveillance list for your industry, workers with regular exposure should have baseline and annual monitoring.

Generate a workplace-specific COSHH assessment for Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)

Answer 6 quick questions about your workplace and download a 7-page HSE-format PDF. First one is free (watermarked). Paid bundles from £29 for 10 clean PDFs.

Start Free Assessment →See Pricing