Skin Exposure If spilled on clothing or skin, remove contaminated clothing, wash effected area with soap and water. Breathing Remove victim to a fresh air area immediately; if breathing has stopped administer artificial respiration (CPR); call for immediate medical assistance. Swallowing Call for immediate emergency medical assistance, do not induce vomiting. Respirators are required when work control practices are such that airborne concentrations exceed permitted exposure levels. The minimum required respiratory equipment is: 10 ppm or less. Half mask respirator with organic vapor cartridge. 50 ppm or less. Full face respirator with organic vapor cartridge. Over 50 ppm. Self contained breathing apparatus with full face piece in positive pressure mode.
Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): 5 ppm for any 15-minute period.
1.4 Hazardous Materials Handling 1.4.1 Benzene
Benzene is a toxic substance of which exposure to high concentrations produces almost immediate acute or chronic effects to the nervous system. Benzene is usually ingested by the inhalation of vapors, which are then readily absorbed into the blood. It can also be absorbed through skin by direct contact and greater levels of absorption occur through broken skin such as cuts, scrapes, etc. Acute Exposure is short term exposure to high concentrations that will typically result in any combination of the following: Shortness of breath, irritability, euphoria or intoxication. Irritation of the eyes, nose and respiratory tract. Headache, dizziness and nausea. Severe acute exposure can lead to convulsions and loss of consciousness. Chronic Exposure is repeated and prolonged exposure which even at relatively low concentrations can lead to serious blood disorders, including leukemia. Eye and Face Exposure Exposed area should be washed immediately with large amounts of clean fresh water.
Although the greatest risk of exposure to benzene will be during the handling of a benzene cargo itself, benzene is also known to be present in other petrochemicals, many crude oils and petroleum products such as gasoline and other light hydrocarbons. The characteristics of benzene are: A clear, colorless, noncorrosive liquid with a strong, pleasant, sweet odor. Highly flammable, having a flash point of -11 ° C (12 ° F). All fire and explosion precautions must be observed. Readily gives off vapors that are three times heavier than air; therefore, be very cautious of areas such as sumps, excavations and natural windbreaks, in addition to confined spaces where vapors can accumulate. Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): A time weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 1 part of benzene vapor per million parts of air, 1 ppm for an 8-hour workday or 0.67 ppm for a 12- hour workday.
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