Benzene

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

General instructions:

Warning ! Flammable liquid

Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed

Irritating to skin

Irritating to eyes

Harmful: May cause lung damage if swallowed.

IN CASE OF HEAVY OR PERSISTENT DISTURBANCES, CALL A DOCTOR OR SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE URGENTLY

Route of exposure:

Inhalation:       

Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.

seek medical advice immediately.

if necessary, give oxygen

Check for possible heart rate problems

if breathing has stopped: administer artificial respiration.

Keep under medical surveillance

Skin contact:       

Take off immediately all contaminated clothing

after contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water, for at least 15 minutes.

Risk of subcutaneous penetration

in case of serious contamination, seek immediate hospital treatment

Eye contact:       

Do not wear contact lenses in any work area.

may cause irritation on prolonged contact.

flush immediately with plenty of water, holding the eyelids open ( >15' )

Get medical advice (ophthalmologist)

Ingestion:

If swallowed, rinse mouth with water (only if the person is conscious)       

give nothing to drink and do not induce vomiting (risk of pulmonary aspiration).

Risk of serious damage if inhaled into lungs, (caused e.g by vomiting), seek medical advice urgently.

Protective equipment for first-aiders:       

if exposure is likely to exceed the occupational exposure limit, in a ventilated space, use an approved respiratory protective equipment; in confined

space, use a autonomous breathing apparatus.

Fire-fighting measures

Technical measures:       

call the safety and environment service immediately.

evacuate non-essential personnel

use fine spray or fog to control fire by preventing its spread and absorbing some of its heat.

keep tankage cool by continuous spraying with water (for non cryogenic storage).

Extinguishing media:

Suitable:       

for minor fires : carbon dioxide (CO2) or powder

for more extensive fires : foam. water spray (mist) to cool the surfaces exposed to the fire.

Not to be used:       

do not use water jets (stick jets) for extinguishing fire since they could help to spread the flames

Special exposure hazards:       

the vapour is heavier than air and explosive mixtures can accumulate in low spots: it may be ignited at some distance away from the spill resulting in

flashbacks.

fire may cause pressure rise with risk of bursting and subsequent explosion

spreading of fire- and explosion hazard by liquid layers on the water surface

Special peril:       

complete combustion, with an excess of oxygen forms: carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapour , NOx.

partial combustion forms also: carbon monoxide (CO), soot and cracked products: aldehydes, ketones , carbon , polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

(PCA or PAH) , etc...

Protective equipment for firefighters:       

wear suitable breathing equipment, in case of risk of exposure to vapour or fumes.

protective clothing, goggles and self-contained breathing equipment should be made available for firemen.

Accidental release measures

Personal precautions:

according to exposure conditions, wear suitable:

industrial gloves

goggles/spectacles

breathing apparatus

Avoid contact with skin and eyes and inhalation.

spills or leaks on soil may cause damage to surfaces making them slippery.

spills or leaks may cause a hight risk of fire and explosion.

Environmental precautions:

installations must be designed to avoid accidental spill on soil and water.

avoid discharge of the material in a stream or a sewerage system or cause ground contamination.

in case of spillage, call the emergency services if the situation is not readily contained

After spillage / leakage:       

call the safety and environment service immediately.

evacuate non-essential personnel

stop the spill at source if possible, without endangering the operator.

the vapour is heavier than air and explosive mixtures can accumulate in low spots: it may be ignited at some distance away from the spill resulting in

flashbacks.

avoid proximity or contact with hot surfaces, flames, electrostatic charges or sparks.

no smoking

maintain the level of gases under the explosion limits by artificial aeration.

on soil:       

soil recovery by physical means.

never use dispersant.

take up small spills with dry chemical absorbent.

absorb product with an adequate material such as paper, rags, sawdust,...

dispose safely in accordance with local or national regulations.

dispose to an hazardous or special waste collection point.

on water:       

use floating absorbent material to be removed mechanically.

if the material has been discharged into a stream or a sewerage system, inform the authorities of the possible presence of floating materials.

dispose safely in accordance with local or national regulations.

Handling and storage

Important: refer to any national measures that may be relevant.

HANDLING: handle under adequate ventilation or wear suitable Personal Protective Equipment where exposure can arise.  In use, may form flammable / explosive vapour-air mixture.  Avoid producing or diffusing fumes, vapour or spray into the air (particulary during loading or unloading product).  The vapour is heavier than air and explosive mixtures can accumulate in low spots: it may be ignited at some distance away from the spill resulting

in flashbacks.  All possible sources of ignition must be removed.  Avoid proximity or contact with hot surfaces, flames, electrostatic charges or

sparks.  Where exposure is likely, protective clothing must be worn including gloves, suitable anti-static safety shoes and protective clothing. Shower and eye fountain must be available.  When using, do not eat, drink or smoke.  Technical measures: cleaning, inspection and maintenance of storage

tanks requires the implementation of strict procedures.  Working has to be made only on cold, degassed and ventilated storage tanks

(risk of explosive atmosphere).  Take precautionary measures against static discharge during blending and transfer operations. Use explosion proof electrical equipmentall conductive materials must be electrically earthed. Do not use air for transfers.

STORAGE: use only containers, joints, pipes, etc...made in a material suitable for use with aromatic hydrocarbons.  Store away from heating source.

Avoid static electricity build up with connection to earth.  Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.  Keep in a well-ventilated place.  Keep

substance in closed container equipped with a floating roof.  Retain in the original container; if other containers are used: transfer, if necessary, all

labelling information to the new container can form explosive mixture with air particularly in empty uncleaned receptacles.  Installations must be

designed to avoid any propagation of burning slick.  Provide a retention storage tankspreading of fire- and explosion hazard by liquid layers on the

water surfaceaccording to local regulations.  Incompatible materials: avoid contact with strong oxidizing materials, acids and bases, halogens

(Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine) Suitable containers: carbon steel, stainless steel.

SPECIFIC USE(S): Benzene is manufactured and used as an intermediate and distributed under strictly controlled conditions in that it is rigorously

contained by technical means during its whole lifecycle (Regulation 1907/2006, Article 17 §3).  

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

1114

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

benzene

Chemical name:

benzene

Language:

English

Labels:

3 (flammable liquid)

Special provisions / remarks

Special provisions:

-

Remarks:

hazard identification number 33
code tunnel D/E

Inland waterway transport (UN RTDG/ADN(R))

UN number:

1114

Shipping

Labels:

3 (flammable liquid)

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

Hazards (3+N3+CMR)

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

1114

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

benzene

Chemical name:

benzene

Labels:

3 (flammable liquid)

Remarks

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:

1114

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

benzene

Chemical name:

benzene

Labels:

3 (flammable liquid)

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

limited qty: Y305, 1L
passenger and cargo aircraft: 305, 5L
cargo aircraft: 307, 60L

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

Important: refer to any national measures that may be relevant.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMIT

UK: HSE EH40/2005:

Long-term exposure limit (8-hour TWA reference period) : 1 ppm – 3.25 mg/m³

IRL(2002): OEL (8h): 1 ppm – 3.25 mg/m³

EC (1999): 1 ppm - 3.25 mg/m³

US (ACGIH-2009): TLV-8h TWA: 0.5 ppm - 1.6 mg/m³ ; TLV-15 min STEL: 2.5 ppm - 8 mg/m³

EXPOSURE CONTROLS AND PERSONAL PROTECTION:

The substance is handled under Strictly Controlled Conditions as defined under REACH Article 18(4) throughout its life cycle. Specifically the substance is rigorously contained by technical means during its whole lifecycle; procedural and control technologies are used to minimise emissions and any resulting exposures; only properly trained and authorised personnel handle the substance; special procedures such as purging and washing are applied during cleaning and maintenance works, in cases of accident and where waste is generated, procedural and/or control technologies are used to minimise emissions and the resulting exposures; and substance-handling procedures are well documented and strictly supervised by the site operator.. In addition, exposure is controlled by regular ambient monitoring of benzene at the workplace.

Respiratory protection:

local exhaust ventilation may be needed when working in a closed area; if exposure is likely to exceed the occupational exposure limit, in a ventilated space, use approved respiratory protective equipment; in confined space, use an autonomous breathing apparatus. Recommended filter type : EN140 with Type A or better

Hands protection       :

gloves resistant to aromatic hydrocarbons (tested to EN374)

In case of immersion:       

recommended material: fluorinated polymer or polyvinyl alcohol

layer thickness : all thicknesses

penetration time according to norm EN 374-3 > 480 minutes

In case of contact with spray:       

recommended material: nitrile

layer thickness > 0,45 mm

penetration time according to norm EN 374-3 > 30 minimum

Remarks:       

Gloves may degrade in contact with this chemical.

• Carefully check the glove for cracks or damage before reusing it, dispose of gloves where the penetration time is exceeded.

• The penetration time depends on temperature, glove material, thickness and construction.

Penetration time is measured against EN 374 in laboratory conditions corresponding to permanent static contact and is not necessarily representative of the risk in the workplace.

Contact the gloves' supplier for further information on the selection and resistance of gloves.

Skin and body protection:

shower and eye fountain available.

Eye protection:

goggles/spectacles; do not wear contact lenses in any work area.

Other personal protection:

where exposure is likely, protective clothing must be worn including gloves safety non-slip shoes in areas where spills or leaks can occur. Safety shoes (keg / gas cylinder manipulation)

Industrial health measures:

General: handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety procedures; avoid producing or diffusing fumes, vapour or spray into the air (particulary during loading or unloading product); avoid contact with skin and eyes; avoid splashes (suitable protective clothing, screen, aprons, etc...); do not wipe hands with cloths or rags which have been used for cleaning; remove all contaminated clothing and remove protective clothing when the work is completed; wash skin as soon as possible with soap and water; do not store near food products. When using, do not eat, drink or smoke.

Specific: benzene manufacture and use as intermediate is performed either in closed process with no likelihood of exposure or in closed, continuous process with occasional situations where controlled exposure can occur. Tasks where the intervention of workers is required are performed according to the following Risk Management Measures (RMM):

•       Handled substance within a closed system (e.g. sampling collected under closed loop system) or use sophisticated forms of respiratory protection that require specialised maintenance or, at minimum, wear a mask conforming to EN140 with Type A filter or better.

•       Wear suitable gloves tested to EN374

•       Wear suitable eye protection (goggles/spectacles)

Specific: Transfer of benzene (charging/discharging) from or to vessels/large containers is performed at dedicated facilities. Tasks where the intervention of workers is required are performed according to the following RMM:

•       Handle substance within a closed system or ensure material transfers are under containment or extract ventilation and provide extract ventilation to points where emissions occur or use sophisticated forms of respiratory protection that require specialised maintenance or, at minimum, wear a mask conforming to EN140 with Type A filter or better.

•       Wear suitable gloves tested to EN374.

•       Wear suitable eye protection (goggles/spectacles)

Specific: Use of benzene in laboratory is performed at some occasions, i.e. for analyses of product samples. Tasks are performed according to the following RMM:

•       Perform the tasks indoor provided that the substance is handled in a fume cupboard or under extract ventilation. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) efficiency must be at least 70 %

•       Wear suitable gloves tested to EN374.

•       Wear suitable eye protection (goggles/spectacles)

Environmental exposure controls: Benzene is manufactured and used as an intermediate and distributed under strictly controlled conditions in that it is rigorously contained by technical means during its whole lifecycle (Regulation 1907/2006, Article 17 §3).  

Stability and reactivity

Stability:       

stable under normal operating conditions of storage, handling and use

the product is combustible if heated above the flash point.

Hazardous reactions:       

Highly flammable

CONDITIONS TO AVOID:       

Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.

avoid proximity or contact with hot surfaces, flames, electrostatic charges or sparks.

MATERIALS TO AVOID:       

avoid strong acids and oxidizing materials

halogens (Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine)

Decomposition products:       

complete combustion, with an excess of oxygen forms: carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour.

partial combustion, forms also: carbon monoxide (CO), soot and cracked products: aldehydes, ketones

Disposal considerations

Waste disposal       :

hazardous waste

industrial treatment by distillation

incineration

dispose in a safe manner in accordance with local/national regulations.

authorized disposal

do not dispose off this product into the environment

Disposal of contaminated packaging:

empty bags may contain flammable or explosive vapour

dispose in a safe manner in accordance with local/national regulations.

authorized disposal

do not dispose off this product into the environment

Industrial waste number EC:

14 06 03: Other solvents and solvent mixes

07 01 08 : other still bottoms and reaction residues