Benzene Safety Training

Benzene is a hydrocarbon produced when natural products, such as coal and petroleum, are burned. Found in gasoline and other fuels, benzene is used in the manufacturing of plastic, detergents, pesticides and other chemicals. The substance has been linked to several serious health conditions and death. Employees of industries where benzene is produced or used are at risk for exposure, but training efforts and protective measures can reduce this risk.

Significance

• Potentially harmful and deadly effects have been shown in workers consistently exposed to benzene for varying amounts of time. At-risk occupations for benzene exposure are most commonly found in the petrochemical, petroleum refining, coal chemical manufacturing, rubber tire manufacturing and steel industries. Employees of these industries must be informed of the potential risks related to benzene and undergo preventive training.

Responsibility

• It is the responsibility of employers operating facilities with potential benzene exposure to ensure the safety of their employees. Failure to take training measures could be grounds for negligence and a potential lawsuit should an employee experience a physical impairment or death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has outlined a process for employers to limit exposure and respond appropriately during accidents.

Discussion Points

• Benzene safety training should discuss several critical points, including the physical characteristics of the substance and the health effects that it can cause. Employees should be instructed on where benzene is found, exposure limits, how they can become exposed and how to properly protect themselves. For example, OSHA requires that employees must not be faced with an exposure limit of more than 1 part of benzene per million parts of air.

Protective Measures

• Benzene exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion or through skin contact. Safety training should address the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) necessary to mitigate risks related to benzene. For example, at-risk employees must use respirators appropriate for the benzene exposure possibility. This may range from half masks that purify air, to full face masks or self-contained breathing apparatus based on the parts per million measurement over the acceptable exposure amount. Also, employees who are in contact with materials that contain benzene should wear protective clothing, such as impervious suits, boots, gloves and goggles.

Professional Training Services

• There are many training videos and online programs available that give employees an overview of benzene hazards and safety. Occupational Safety Councils of America offers a 22-minute computer-based training program. Or, for employees who work in the petroleum and petrochemical industry, whose plants are concentrated along the Gulf Coast, there are formal training courses available. Alford Services offers a 2-hour benzene awareness course to train employees in Houma, La. The Mississippi and Louisiana Safety Council offers a 1-hour course in benzene safety for $24 as of 2010.