GROUP MEMBERS:

Lalic, Ideline Joyce D.

Villanueva, Michal G.

HYPOTETHICAL SITUATION:
#2: A beaker of acetone was placed near a hot plate. The acetone fumes crept along the top of
the bench and at some point, the frayed electrical wiring of the hot plate generated a spark and
ignited the fumes and the staff’s clothing caught fire.

Primary Cause of Accident:

 The frayed electrical wiring of the hot plate generated a spark that ignited the fumes of
the acetone.

Emergency Response:
1. Unplug the hot plate.
2. Alert people in the laboratory and activate the alarm.
3. Wrap the staff in a fire blanket.
4. Use carbon dioxide, halon, or dry powder to extinguish the fire.
5. Obtain medical attention, if necessary.
6. Report the incident to the supervisor.

Contributing Errors/Factors:
1. The acetone was placed near to the hot plate.
2. The electrical wiring of the hot plate was frayed.
3. The beaker filled with acetone was not covered.
4. The staff was not wearing fire resistant PPE.
5. When using acetone, the use of fume hood is needed.

Preventive Measures:
1. The beaker should have been covered because the fumes of the acetone might creep
out and cause combustion.
2. The staff should have placed the acetone in a fume hood.
3. Wear proper personal protective equipment that is made up of polyester because
polyester is highly fire resistant.
4. Check the condition of all equipment that would be used. The electrical wiring of the hot
plate is already frayed. It should be reported to the supervisor immediately so that
proper actions such as the repair of the equipment may be done. This frayed electrical
wiring may cause other casualties such as electrocution if not handled properly.
5. Never put very flammable solvents like acetone to near hot surfaces, open flames,
electrical outlets, or anything that discharges static because acetone is highly flammable
and may be ignited by a distance.
References:
1. The University of Western Australia. (2016). Safety, Health and Wellbeing: Laboratory
emergency response procedures. https://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/incidents-injuries-
emergency/procedures/lab#clothing
2. MSDS Online. (2013). Acetone: The Hidden Hazard.
https://www.msdsonline.com/2013/06/18/acetone-the-hidden-hazard/
3. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2017). Acetone.
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/acetone.html