Hazard Of Benzene and Its Safety Precaution

Introduction:

Benzene is an aromatic compound. Its another name is cyclohexene.

It is a colorless and odorless and highly flammable liquid

Benzene 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 %.

What are the Hazards of Benzene?

Ignition Source:

Benzene is highly toxic in nature and flammable can travel in the air to long-distance if there is a source of ignition nearby.

Severe Exposure:

Severe exposure to benzene will cause contraction and seizure since it can paralyze the whole respiratory system and can be a cause of immediate death.

Irritation:

If it is exposed to the eye and skin can cause redness, irritation, and dermatitis.

Burning Sensation and Vomiting Tendency:

Ingestion of benzene can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and belly and in some cases, the affected can vomit blood.

Carcinogen:

• Benzene is a carcinogen because it can produce cancer if there is long-term exposure and it can 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.

Danger To the Aquatic Life:

Benzene can travel on water and has the potential to damage aquatic life.

Crossed TLV:

Benzene is measured in PPM and exposure to 20000 PPM for five to ten minutes can be very lethal and the person can immediately die.

Can Affect Reproductive Organs:

More or less, it targets all the organs of the body including the reproductive system.

What is the Mitigation’s from Benzene?

Take an Approved Work Permit:

• The personnel need to obtain a work permit from the client
• The combustible vapor levels must be below 10 % of LEL for benzene (LEL-1.3 %) before personnel is given a permit to enter the area.

Take and Wear Appropriate PPE:

All the personnel working in the area need to wear a chemical suit, boots, and chemical impervious gloves that must have a resistance of more than 8 hours.

Remove the Source of Ignition:

• Place the source of ignition away from the benzene area in order to avoid dangers to the workforce and equipment.
• Use class ‘B’ fire-fighting medium & water spray for cooling.

Use SCBA and SABA upon requirement:

Place special PPE in the form of SCBA and SABA so that the crafts can use it easily in case of emergency.

Wear Triple Gloves and Chemical Suits:

Use triple gloves and chemical suit as an additional PPE in case of spill response.

Remove the Victim to the Fresh Air:

If the victim inhales vapor, takes him to the fresh air in order to save him and only competent personnel should give him supplemental oxygen or CPR if required.

Wash it with Running Water:

• If it contaminates in eyes or skin flush and wash it with running water for 15 minutes.
• Remove the exposed clothing and take medical advice immediately in order to avoid any future repercussions.

Drink Large Amounts of Water:

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. 

Turn the Team into a Buddy System:

• There must be provision for a buddy system and rotation policy to limit the exposure.
• Ventilate the area and apply engineering controls at all times during work.

Follow HAZCOM Standards:

Transport benzene through water following HAZCOM protocol to avoid damage to aquatic life.

Monitor the Area Regularly to Check any Breach:

• Regularly monitor the area as per OSHA standard in order to save employees where exposure is above the action level.
• Establish standard regulations, protocols and compliance to protect the workforce so that you can avoid incidents and accidents.
• There must be provision for respiratory protection, emergency response, and medical surveillance so that altercation can be avoided.

Install Warning Signs:

Place and install standard warning signs in the danger area in order to avoid unauthorized entry.

Engage Trained Employees:

Maintain proper records and deploy competent people in the working area in order to avoid hazards of the benzene.

Action level:

• The action level for benzene is 0.5 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
• Interested in reading more about benzene, have a look at the embedded link.

FAQ

Conclusion

Benzene is a very hazardous liquid.

Practice proper and standard safety protocols while handling benzene in the workplace in order to avoid imminent dangers of petrochemicals.

Apart from that, wherever the work will commence.

One needs to practice basic safety rules in order to avoid imminent dangers.