How do I complete a COSHH assessment for Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer) in the UK?

To complete a UK COSHH assessment for Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer): 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

Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer)?

The recommended PPE for Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer) typically includes: Nitrile gloves if repeated skin contact; Ventilation as primary control. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash with soap and water. Apply moisturiser to prevent defatting. Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if dizziness or headache persists. Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Seek medical attention if significant amount ingested. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer) (also known as Ethyl Acetate, Nail Lacquer Solvent, Nail Polish Solvent). 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: 141-78-6

Physical Form: Liquid, volatile with strong solvent odour

Common Names: Ethyl Acetate, Nail Lacquer Solvent, Nail Polish Solvent

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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

Flammable Liquid Cat 2 (H225), Eye Irritant (H319), STOT SE 3 (H336 - may cause drowsiness/dizziness).

Health Effects

Volatile solvent used in nail polish and lacquer. Vapour causes eye and respiratory irritation. High vapour concentrations in poorly ventilated nail salons can cause headaches, drowsiness, and dizziness in nail technicians. Highly flammable.

Routes of Exposure

Inhalation of vapour
Skin contact
Eye contact

Workplace exposure to Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer) 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.

Ventilate the nail station effectively - local exhaust ventilation preferred
Keep away from ignition sources - no smoking, no naked flames
Keep container closed between uses
Rotate staff to reduce cumulative exposure on high-volume days

Recommended PPE

Nitrile gloves if repeated skin contact
Ventilation as primary control

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash with soap and water. Apply moisturiser to prevent defatting.

Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if dizziness or headache persists.

Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Seek medical attention if significant amount ingested.

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

Data Sources

EH40/2005 Table 1 (WEL: 200 ppm TWA / 400 ppm STEL); nail industry safety guides; manufacturer SDS

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer) 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 Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer) 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 Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Nitrile gloves if repeated skin contact; Ventilation as primary control. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer) 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 Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer)?

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

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