Division of Occupational Safety and Health
www.Lni.wa.gov/safety-health
1-800-423-7233
DOSH Hazard Alert
Helping employers prevent workplace injuries
April 2021
Workers Overexposed to Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) in Disinfectants
Attention: Businesses with workers who use Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) wipes or solutions to clean
and disinfect workplaces. IPA is a colorless liquid and is also known as rubbing alcohol.
Hazardous Overexposures
Workers were recently exposed to potentially
hazardous levels of IPA in the air at two separate
workplaces in Washington state.
IPA pre-saturated wipes (70% IPA) were used in
one workplace
Over-the counter “rubbing alcohol” (70% IPA
solution) and pre-saturated wipes (55% IPA) were
used in the other.
Ventilation in both locations was poor and several
workers were exposed to IPA in the air at levels
higher than the 15-minute short-term exposure limit.
IPA can be Hazardous to Workers’
HealthandSafety
IPA vapor in the air can cause:
Irritation to workers’ eyes, nose, and throat.
Dizziness, headaches, loss of coordination, and
possibly unconsciousness.
Safety Risk: IPA vapor can build up in the air and
easily ignite (IPA is a Category 3 flammable liquid)
to cause fires.
Safety Precautions
Occasional, brief use of IPA products (e.g., wiping
down a cell phone or counter) isn’t typically a concern,
but sustained wiping or spraying activities in a room
or enclosed area creates risk for high exposure.
The following precautions can help employers
reduce risk to workers using IPA:
Establish a written Hazard Communication
Program that addresses:
-
Safety Data Sheets for all IPA containing
products and solutions.
-
Worker training on the health effects and
safety hazards of IPA.
-
Procedures for labeling, storage, and
disposal of all IPA containing products.
-
Emergency safety procedures for spills and/
or splashes, fires, and health effects.
Measure workers’ personal exposures to ensure
they are below regulated limits: 400 ppm over an
8-hour period and 500 ppm over any 15-minute
period. Results will help you determine if controls
are necessary. Repeat measurements whenever
there is a change in products, work practices, or
other changes that may affect workers’ exposures.
Sustained use of products containing isopropanol can release
enough vapor into the air to pose a risk to workers using
them during disinfection activities.
OVER
Control IPA vapor:
-
Use mechanical or natural ventilation by
providing enough fresh air where IPA is
used. If providing fresh air isn’t feasible, use
a system that scrubs IPA vapor from the air.
-
Use IPA in a location with better ventilation
(e.g., a laboratory hood or other enclosure with
a properly operating ventilation system) or
near a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system.
-
Ensure mechanical ventilation systems are
maintained and are regularly checked to
ensure function.
Train workers:
-
How to identify hazardous effects of IPA.
-
To immediately seek fresh air if they feel dizzy
or experience symptoms of high exposure.
-
To not mix IPA with other chemicals. Never
combine IPA with bleach. It releases chlorine
gas that burns the eyes, the throat, and may
damage the lungs.
-
How to properly dilute and use IPA.
Solutions of 70% IPA in water should be
left on surfaces for 30 seconds to ensure
disinfection. Pure (100%) IPA evaporates too
quickly for such use and is less effective.
-
To clean surfaces with soap and water before
cleaning with IPA.
-
To safely dispose of IPA wipes or saturated
materials in tightly closed containers in a
cool, well-ventilated area away from sunlight
and other heat sources. Do not leave them in
the open or in the trash. They will continue to
release IPA vapor.
Provide safety gear:
-
Goggles or face shields will protect the eyes
from IPA vapor and splashes and; gloves will
protect from skin contact.
-
Appropriate respirators when ventilation or
other controls do not keep IPA exposures
within regulated limits. Follow Respiratory
Protection Program requirements including
ensuring workers are medically evaluated
and fit tested for respirator use and trained
on proper use and maintenance.
-
Emergency eyewash facilities that deliver a
minimum of 0.4 gallons (or 1.5 liters) per minute
of gently running lukewarm water for 15 minutes
when using liquid IPA. Portable units will need
to hold at least six gallons (or 22.5 liters) to meet
the minimum supply requirements.
Post warning signs around equipment and/or
entrances to spaces where overexposures could
occur that instruct workers not to enter without
proper personal protective gear.
Other resources you can access
Chemical Safety Basics webpage:
www.Lni.wa.gov/ChemicalSafety
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet
–
Isopropyl Alcohol
(New Jersey DOH): www.nj.gov/health/eoh/
rtkweb/documents/fs/1076.pdf
To find an electronic copy of this Hazard Alert, goto
www.Lni.wa.gov/HazardAlerts.
L&I Safety web page: www.Lni.wa.gov/safety-health.
For other related rules, contact your local L&I office
or visit the safety rules webpage: www.Lni.wa.gov/
SafetyRules.
To find the nearest L&I office, visit
www.Lni.wa.gov/Offices.
How can I get help from Labor & Industries?
The Department of Labor & Industries provides
consultations, training, and technical assistance at
no cost to employers. Call today to schedule a free
confidential consultation or go to www.Lni.wa.gov/
SafetyConsultants for more information.
You may also call 1-800-423-7233 or visit a local L&I
office and ask for the Consultation Manager.
This alert was developed by L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) to alert employers, labor groups, and
employees to potential hazards associated with work activities. This is not a rule and creates no new legal obligations.
The information provided includes suggested guidance on how to avoid workplace hazards and describes relevant mandatory
safety and health rules. DOSH recommends you also check the related rules for additional requirements.
FY21-273 [04-2021]