Benzene Hazards and Safety Precautions.

What is Benzene?

Benzene is a highly flammable colourless chemical, it smells sweet and found in light yellow colour at room temperature.

• Benzene is a hydrocarbon it's molecular formula is C6H6.
• Benzene is a clear liquid solvent made from petroleum.
• Highly flammable material.
• Benzene cause cancer.
• Also benzene affects reproductive system.

• Benzene evaporates very quickly in air.
• Benzene vapor is heavier than air.
• Benzene can found in Crude oil, gasoline & Olefin.
• Industries use benzene to produce some other chemical which used to make, plastic, rubber, nylon and synthetic fiber.

Benzene hazards and precautions 

Hazards of Benzene exposure.

• Occupational cariogenic, benzene exposure can cause cancer.
• Fire and explosion, benzene is highly flammable.

Benzene exposure hazards and safety precautions 

TWA of Benzene (OSHA 1910.1028).

Total weighted average (TWA) of benzene is 1ppm, at 1ppm we can work for 8 hours without any PPE's.

STEL of Benzene (OSHA).

Short term exposure limit (STEL) of benzene is 5ppm, at 5ppm we can work for 15 minutes.

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IDLH of Benzene.

Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) of benzene is 500ppm, at 500ppm we can work in benzene contaminated area.

NFPA 704 fire diamond for Benzene.

Benzene health hazards 

Sign & symptoms of Benzene exposure.

Anyone who inhaled heigh level of benzene by breathing following symptoms may develop.

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Death (at very high levels)

How to protect yourself by benzene exposure.

Safety precautions for benzene.

• Leave the area where benzene is released in the air.
• If you think you have exposed to benzene remove your all clothing and take safety shower for minimum 15 minutes before rescue or first aid team reached to you or get medical aid as soon as possible.
• If you are working in benzene contaminated atmosphere use cartridge filter mask ( Black - 6001/6001i or Yellow - 6003).
• In case of fire use dry chemical powder, CO2, water spray or foam as an extinguishing Media.
• Read MSDS.

Benzene Hazards and Safety Precautions 

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