UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid)?

The recommended PPE for Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid) typically includes: Nitrile gloves (note: only partial protection — frequent changes essential); Dust mask or respiratory protection during filing. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. If sensitisation symptoms occur, stop use and seek medical advice. Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Increase ventilation. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop. Ingestion: Not a typical exposure route in professional use. Seek medical advice if accidental ingestion occurs. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid) (also known as Acrylic Liquid, Nail Acrylic Monomer, MMA). 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

Medium-High

CAS Number: 80-62-6

Physical Form: Liquid (monomer, mixed with powder polymer)

Common Names: Acrylic Liquid, Nail Acrylic Monomer, MMA, EMA

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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, Skin Sensitiser (significant), Respiratory irritant. Not acutely toxic at typical professional concentrations — sensitisation is the primary hazard driver.

Health Effects

Potent skin and respiratory sensitiser. Once sensitised, reactions can occur from minimal future exposure — a career-ending injury for a nail technician. Can cause allergic contact dermatitis and has been associated with occupational asthma.

Routes of Exposure

Skin contact (gloves provide only partial protection)
Inhalation of vapour during application
Inhalation of dust during filing/removal

Workplace exposure to Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid) 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.

Local exhaust ventilation at the nail station
Avoid skin contact entirely where possible
Dust extraction or well-ventilated area for filing/shaping
Prefer EMA-based systems over MMA where possible
Do not continue acrylic services on clients/staff with known sensitisation

Recommended PPE

Nitrile gloves (note: only partial protection — frequent changes essential)
Dust mask or respiratory protection during filing

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. If sensitisation symptoms occur, stop use and seek medical advice.

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

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Increase ventilation. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop.

Ingestion: Not a typical exposure route in professional use. Seek medical advice if accidental ingestion occurs.

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

Data Sources

OSHA Health Hazards in Nail Salons; PMC/Wiley Safety of Nail Products; HSE Research Report RR627

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid) 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 Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid) 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 Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Nitrile gloves (note: only partial protection — frequent changes essential); Dust mask or respiratory protection during filing. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid) 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 Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid)?

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

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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.

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