• If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
• What eye/face protection is recommended for working with benzene?
• What skin protection measures are recommended when working with benzene?
• What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
• Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?

If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protective equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BENZENE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

AT CONCENTRATIONS ABOVE THE NIOSH REL, OR WHERE THERE IS NO REL, AT ANY DETECTABLE CONCENTRATION: Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Gas mask with organic vapour canister; or escape-type SCBA.

NOTE: The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for benzene is 0.1 ppm (8-hour time-weighted average concentration) and 1 ppm (15-minute time-weighted average).

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for benzene is 500 ppm. Carcinogenic effects of this compound were not considered in determining the IDLH value.

NOTE: NIOSH has classified this material as a potential occupational carcinogen, according to specific NIOSH criteria. This classification is reflected in these recommendations for respiratory protection, which specify that only the most reliable and protective respirators be worn at any detectable concentration. The requirements in Canadian jurisdictions may vary.

NOTE: The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.

Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators. The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus. IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.

What eye/face protection is recommended for working with benzene?

Chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary.

What skin protection measures are recommended when working with benzene?

Chemical resistant gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other resistant protective clothing. Have a safety shower/eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area. An chemical resistant full-body encapsulating suit and respiratory protection may be required in some operations. Work clothes should be changed at least twice weekly.

What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Polyvinyl alcohol, Barricade(TM), Responder(TM), 4H(TM) (polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol), CPF 3(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Teflon(TM), Viton(TM).

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Butyl rubber, natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Saranex(TM).

This material is a recognized skin absorption hazard (ACGIH or OSHA). Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm²/min or 1 mg/m²/min and over. Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.

Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

Remove contaminated clothing promptly. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards.

Do not smoke, eat or drink in work areas.

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Document last updated on October 29, 1998

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