Hazard Of Benzene And Its Safety Precaution

Definition:-Benzene is an aromatic compound it’s another name is cyclohexene it is a colorless and odorless and highly flammable liquid it is most widely used in the chemical industry and petrochemical plants its flash Point is 11 C,auto-ignition temperature is 498 C and limits in the air by volume in percent is LE L-1.3 % and UEL- 7.1 %

Hazards of Benzene

1. It is highly toxic in nature and flammable can travel in the air to long-distance if there is a source of ignition nearby.
2. Severe exposure to benzene will cause contraction and seizure and can paralyze the whole respiratory system and can be a cause of immediate death.
3. If it is exposed to the eye and skin can cause redness, irritation, and dermatitis.
4. Ingestion of benzene can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and belly and in some cases, the affected can vomit blood.
5. It is a carcinogen and can produce cancer if there is long-term exposure and cause permanent damage to the blood system and bone marrow it acts as a poison for the whole body if it enters through any route the affected feels nausea, drowsiness, and headache.
6. It can travel on water and has the potential to damage the aquatic life
7. Benzene is measured in PPM in certain cases if a person is exposed to 20000 PPM for five to ten minutes the person can immediately die.
8. The action level for benzene is 0.5 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average
9. More or less it targets all the organs of the body including the reproductive system.

Mitigation from Benzene

1. The personnel needs to obtain a work permit from the client and combustible vapor levels must be below 10 % of LEL for benzene (LEL-1.3 %) before personnel is permitted to enter the area.
2. All the personnel working in the area need to wear a chemical suit, boots, and chemical impervious gloves that must be having a resistance to last more than 8 hours.
3. The source of ignition needs to placed at a safe distance from benzene if possible and use class ‘B’ fire fighting medium & water spray for cooling.
4. Special PPE in the form of SCBA and SABA must be placed in the area to be used in case of emergency.
5. Triple gloves and Chemical suit to be used as an additional PPE in case of spill response.
6. If the vapor is inhaled the victim needs to be removed in the fresh air and only trained personnel should give him supplemental oxygen or CPR if required.
7. If it contaminates in eyes or skin the affected area needs to be flushed and washed with running water for 15 minutes and exposed clothing needs to be removed and medical advice must be taken.
8. In the case of ingestion or swallow, do not induce the victim to vomit in the conscious state instead he or she should drink milk, egg whites, or large quantities of water.
9. There must be provision for buddy system and rotation policy to limit the exposure and the area must be properly ventilated and engineering controls must be in practice at all times during work.
10. If it is transported through water HAZCOM protocol needs to be maintained to avoid damage to the aquatic life.
11. The area must be regularly monitored as per OSHA standard where employees are exposed above the action level and regulations, protocols and compliance must be established to protect them and there must be provision for respiratory protection, emergency response, and medical surveillance.
12. Standard warning signs of danger must be placed or installed in the area to avoid unauthorized entry.
13. Employees working in the area must be properly trained & records must be maintained.

Interested in reading more about benzene have a look at this link Occupational exposure to benzene in MVR workshops — HSE and LAs Working together — HSE

Conclusion

Benzene is a very hazardous liquid so it is suggested while handling benzene in the workplace and petrochemicals proper and standard safety protocols need to be practiced in order to avoid imminent danger from it.

Take a glimpse of the article Why Safety is important in the workplace.

From My Blog Hazard Of Benzene And Its Safety Precaution — The Sense Mission