Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is one of the most versatile chemicals you can have in your home or workshop. From cleaning electronics to disinfecting surfaces, its applications are nearly endless. However, like all chemical solvents, IPA demands respect and proper handling. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to use isopropyl alcohol safely.
Understanding the Risks
Before diving into safety procedures, it's essential to understand what makes isopropyl alcohol potentially hazardous. IPA is classified as a flammable liquid with a flash point of approximately 12°C (53°F). This means it can easily ignite at room temperature if exposed to an ignition source. The vapours are heavier than air and can travel along surfaces to reach ignition sources some distance away.
Beyond flammability, IPA poses several other health considerations. Prolonged skin contact can cause dryness and irritation, while inhaling concentrated vapours may cause dizziness, headaches, and respiratory irritation. Ingestion is particularly dangerous and can lead to serious poisoning.
Never ingest isopropyl alcohol. Unlike ethanol (drinking alcohol), IPA is toxic when consumed and can cause severe internal damage, blindness, or death. If someone ingests IPA, contact the Poisons Information Centre immediately at 13 11 26 (Australia).
Proper Ventilation Requirements
Adequate ventilation is perhaps the single most important safety consideration when working with isopropyl alcohol. IPA evaporates quickly, and the resulting vapours can accumulate in enclosed spaces, creating both health hazards and explosion risks.
Indoor Use Guidelines
- Open windows and doors whenever using IPA indoors, even in small quantities
- Use exhaust fans or portable ventilation equipment for extended work sessions
- Take regular breaks to allow fresh air to circulate and to give yourself time away from vapours
- Never use IPA in completely enclosed spaces such as small cupboards or closets without ventilation
For professional or high-volume use, consider investing in a fume extraction system or working under a laboratory-style fume hood. The investment is worthwhile for anyone regularly exposed to IPA vapours.
Safe Storage Practices
How you store isopropyl alcohol is just as important as how you use it. Improper storage can lead to degradation of the product, increased fire risk, or accidental exposure.
Recommended Storage Conditions
- Temperature: Store between 15-25°C. Avoid areas that experience temperature extremes
- Light exposure: Keep containers away from direct sunlight, which can degrade the product over time
- Container type: Store in original containers or approved chemical storage containers. Avoid glass where possible due to breakage risk
- Location: Choose a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from living spaces
Store IPA in a dedicated flammable liquids cabinet if you keep more than 5 litres on hand. These cabinets are designed to contain spills and limit fire spread in case of ignition.
What to Keep IPA Away From
Certain items and conditions should never be near stored isopropyl alcohol:
- Heat sources: Heaters, radiators, hot water systems, and direct sunlight
- Ignition sources: Pilot lights, electrical equipment that may spark, and smoking areas
- Oxidising agents: Hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and pool chemicals
- Strong acids and bases: These can react dangerously with IPA
- Food and medicines: Store separately to prevent contamination and accidental ingestion
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The level of protection you need depends on the quantity and concentration of IPA you're working with. For casual home use with small amounts, basic precautions suffice. For industrial or extended use, more comprehensive protection is warranted.
Minimum Recommended Protection
- Eye protection: Safety glasses or goggles to prevent splashes reaching your eyes
- Skin protection: Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves for handling concentrated IPA
- Clothing: Long sleeves and closed-toe shoes to minimise skin exposure
Enhanced Protection for Heavy Use
If you work with IPA frequently or in large quantities, consider adding:
- Chemical-resistant apron: Protects clothing and provides additional skin coverage
- Respiratory protection: A half-face respirator with organic vapour cartridges for extended exposure
- Face shield: Additional protection when pouring or transferring large quantities
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Given IPA's flammability, fire preparedness is essential. Every workspace where IPA is used should have appropriate fire-fighting equipment readily accessible.
- Keep a CO2 or dry powder fire extinguisher within 10 metres of your work area
- Know the location of the nearest fire exit
- Never attempt to extinguish a large IPA fire yourself—evacuate and call 000
- Water can be used to cool surrounding areas but may spread burning IPA
In Case of Spills
Small spills can be managed safely with proper technique:
- Eliminate ignition sources: Turn off any nearby electrical equipment and extinguish flames
- Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors immediately
- Contain the spill: Use absorbent materials like sand, vermiculite, or commercial spill absorbents
- Clean up carefully: Collect absorbent materials and place in sealed containers for proper disposal
- Wash the area: Clean the affected surface with soap and water after the IPA has been absorbed
First Aid Procedures
Knowing how to respond to IPA exposure can prevent minor incidents from becoming serious injuries.
Eye Contact
Flush eyes immediately with lukewarm water for at least 15-20 minutes. Hold eyelids open to ensure thorough rinsing. Remove contact lenses if present and easily removable. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact
Wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. For prolonged exposure or irritation, seek medical advice.
Inhalation
Move the affected person to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, seek medical attention. For severe exposure, call emergency services (000).
Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) immediately. Seek emergency medical attention. Bring the product container or label to help medical professionals.
- Emergency Services: 000
- Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26 (24 hours)
- Fire Brigade (non-emergency): Check your local area number
Special Considerations for Different Concentrations
The concentration of isopropyl alcohol affects both its effectiveness and its hazard level. Higher concentrations pose greater flammability risks but evaporate faster, potentially reducing exposure time.
- 70% IPA: Lower flammability risk, but still requires all standard precautions. The water content makes it slightly less aggressive on skin
- 91% IPA: Increased flammability. More likely to cause skin dryness with repeated exposure
- 99%+ IPA: Highest flammability risk. Evaporates extremely quickly. Maximum ventilation and protection required
Conclusion
Isopropyl alcohol is a remarkably useful substance that, when handled properly, poses minimal risk to users. By understanding the hazards, maintaining proper ventilation, storing IPA correctly, using appropriate protective equipment, and knowing emergency procedures, you can enjoy the benefits of this versatile solvent while keeping yourself and others safe.
Remember: respect the chemical, follow the guidelines, and never become complacent with safety procedures, no matter how experienced you become with IPA.