Benzene
Training on the hazards of
benzene in the workplace
Developed by the Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH)
for employee training
May, 2009
Benzene
What this training will cover:
Health hazards of benzene
How you are exposed to benzene
Control of your benzene exposure
How to protect yourself from benzene
Use of respirators
Medical surveillance & medical removal
WISHA rules on benzene
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What is Benzene?
Benzene is clear liquid
solvent made from
petroleum.
It used to be used as an
all-round solvent until it
was found to cause cancer.
It is now mostly used to
make other chemicals.
Benzene molecule
It is highly flammable.
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Where is Benzene Found?
In gasoline
Oil refineries
Other chemical plants
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Benzene in our workplace
[List locations where benzene is stored or used]
Benzene is present in the following work areas:
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Health Hazards of Benzene
Exposure to benzene can cause:
Dizziness, headache, feeling “high”
Confusion, unconsciousness at high
levels
Damage to the blood system
Leukemia if exposed for a long
time, even at very low levels.
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Benzene Exposure
How can benzene get into you body?
The main way benzene would
enter your body is by inhaling
vapors.
Benzene is a liquid, but it easily
evaporates into the air.
Some benzene can be absorbed
through your skin.
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DOSH permissible limits for benzene
The 8-hour average permissible
limit for benzene is one part per
1 ppm
million in the air.
The 15-minute (short-
term) limit is 5 parts per 5 ppm
million in the air.
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Air Monitoring
We do regular air monitoring of
benzene in the air.
Air monitoring is done in the
breathing zone by attaching air
sampling devices to employees
exposed to benzene.
Results of our air monitoring are as follows:
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Exposure Controls
We use the following controls to reduce the
amount of benzene you are exposed to:
[Describe ventilation or other exposure controls here by work
area or provide a handout that lists the controls]
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Warning Signs
Danger
Benzene
Warning signs are posted at the
Cancer Hazard
entrance to any area where the
Flammable-No Smoking
levels of benzene exceed the
Authorized Personnel
WISHA permissible limits. Only
Respirator Required
All containers containing Danger
benzene also have a warning Contains Benzene
label. Cancer Hazard
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Worksite Exposure Control Areas
[List specific worksite exposure control areas
where respirators must be worn here.]
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How to Protect Yourself
Wear respirators assigned to you,
Wear gloves and goggles if
working with liquid benzene or
liquid solvents containing
benzene,
Wash your hands before eating,
drinking or smoking or using the
bathroom.
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How to Protect Yourself
To prevent inhaling benzene, make
sure your respirator fits properly
before entering an area where
benzene vapors exist.
If you think your respirator is
leaking, leave the area immediately
and have it re-fitted, repaired or
replaced.
If you know or believe you have
inhaled benzene, let your supervisor
know immediately. 14
How to Protect Yourself
In the case of large spill or release of benzene:
Leave the area immediately,
Do not attempt to clean up the
spill,
Notify your supervisor.
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Required work practices at this worksite
[List worksite-specific work practices that reduce or
control exposures here.]
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Type of Respirators for Benzene
In jobs involving exposure
to benzene, you may need a
respirator.
The type of respirator worn
depends on the amount of
benzene in the air.
We will give you the proper
type of respirator and
provide respirator program
training .
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Using Respirators
Respirators must be worn at
all times when the amount of
benzene in the air is above the
permissible limit.
Respirators must fit properly
to prevent leaks.
You must have a medical
evaluation before you wear a
respirator.
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Respirators Must Fit Properly
You must have a
respirator fit-test before
you wear a respirator.
You can’t have a beard
or other facial hair when
wearing a tight-fitting
respirator.
We will train you on how
to use your respirator.
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Respirators required at this worksite
[List or describe what respirators must be used
under what conditions, job tasks or locations here]
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Medical Monitoring
What medical monitoring is needed?
A medical exam is made available to
you if you are exposed to benzene
above 0.5 ppm 30 days or more per
year, or above 1 ppm more than 10
days per year.
The medical exam includes a complete
physical exam and blood tests.
The medical exam is made available to
you before you start working around
benzene and yearly after that.
Link to contents of medical evaluation
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Temporary Medical Removal
If abnormalities show up in the
blood tests, the doctor may ask
for additional tests and temporary
removal from your current job.
In that case, we will find other
work for you in an area where
you are not exposed to benzene.
You do not lose any earnings,
seniority or benefits during the
removal time.
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Permanent Medical Removal
Permanent medical removal may
be required because of the
potential serious health effects of
benzene.
Depending on your medical
condition, you may not be able to
return to your original position.
If the doctor recommends
permanent job removal, we will
seek a job transfer for you.
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Worksite Medical Surveillance Program
[Describe details of your worksite specific medical surveillance
program here.]
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Records
Medical and Air Monitoring Records
You have the right to see
any of your medical
records related to
benzene.
You also have the right to
see results of any air
sampling for benzene we
have done.
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Benzene Regulations
The WISHA benzene
regulations contains much
more information in detail.
A copy of this standard is
available.
Link to handout:
http://www.lni.wa.gov/WISHA/Rules/benzene/
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