Benzene signs, their application and compliance

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What is Benzene?

Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable, Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly. Its vapor is heavier than air and may sink into low-lying areas, Benzene also dissolves only slightly in water and will float on top of water.

Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials - Edition 14th

Does benzene cause cancer?

Benzene is known to cause cancer, based on evidence from studies in both people and lab animals. The link between benzene and cancer has largely focused on leukemia and other cancers of blood cells. Benzene is also a potentially dangerous chemical. High levels of exposure can cause both short-term and long-term health effects.

Short-term effects

Breathing in high doses of benzene can affect the nervous system, which can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, tremors, confusion, and/or unconsciousness. Consuming foods or fluids contaminated with high levels of benzene can cause vomiting, stomach irritation, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, and rapid heart rate. In extreme cases, inhaling or swallowing very high levels of benzene can be deadly. Exposure to benzene liquid or vapor can irritate the skin, eyes, and throat. Skin exposure to benzene can result in redness and blisters.

Long-term effects

Long-term exposure to benzene mainly harms the bone marrow, the soft, inner parts of bones where new blood cells are made. This can result in:

-Anemia (a low red blood cell count), which can cause a person to feel weak and tired.

-A low white blood cell count, which can lower the body’s ability to fight infections and might even be life-threatening.

-A low blood platelet count, which can lead to excess bruising and bleeding.

What should I do if I’ve been exposed to benzene?

NFPA 704

NFPA 704 is the stardard used for the hazard ratings on the table above (health, flammability and instability)

This system of markings should identify the hazards of a material in terms of the following three principal categories:

1. Health
2. Flammability
3. Instability

The system should indicate the degree of severity by a numerical rating that ranges from 4, indicating severe hazard, to 0, indicating minimal hazard.

Signs should be in locations approved by the authority having jurisdiction and as a minimum shall be posted at the following locations:

1. Two exterior walls or enclosures containing a means of access to a building or facility
2. Each access to a room or area
3. Each principal means of access to an exterior storage area.

NFPA Hazardous Chemical Data Sheet

The Hazardous Chemical Data Compilation, previously known as NFPA 49, provides guidance on the hazards of chemicals to emergency personnel, safety professionals, inspection and enforcement officials on storage and fire fighting techniques that can be used in an emergency or in disaster planning.

Name: Benzene

Formula: C₆H₆

NFPA 30/OSHA Classification: IB

DOT Class: Class 3, Flammable and combustible liquid

Shipping Label: FLAMMABLE LIQUID

ID No: UN 1114

CAS No: 71-43-2

MOL. WT.: 78.1

Statement of Hazards: Flammable liquid. May accumulate static electricity. Moderate Health Hazard.

Emergency Response Personal Protective Equipment: Wear full protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. Polyvinyl alcohol barrier recommended.

Spill or Leak Procedures: Eliminate all ignition sources. Stop or control the leak if this can be done without undue risk. Use water spray to cool and disperse vapors, protect personnel, and dilute spills to from nonflammable mixtures. Absorb in noncombustible material for proper disposal. Control runoff and isolate discharged material for proper disposal.

Fire Fighting Procedures: Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors. Use water spray, dy chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool

Health Hazards: Moderate health hazard. May be harmful if absorbed thru skin or inhaled. Irritating to eye, skin, and respiratory system.

Fire and Explosion Hazards: Flammable liquid. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Liquid floats on water and may travel to a source of ignition and spread fire.

Flash Point:12°F (-11°C)

Autoignition Temperature: 928°F (498°C)

Flammable Limits: Lower: 1.3% - Upper 7.1%

Instability and Reactivity Hazards: Reacts with oxidizing materials.

Storage Recomendations: Outside or detached storage is preferred. Inside storage should be in a standard flammable liquids storage warehouse, room, or cabinet. Separate from oxidizing materials.

Usual Shipping Containers: Glass Bottles, Cans, Drums, and tanks on trucks, rail cars, barges.

Physical Properties: Colorless liquid with aromatic odor.

Melting Point: 42°F (6°C)

Boiling Point: 176°F (80°C)

Specific Gravity: 0.88

Solubility In Water: not soluble

Vapor Pressure: 75 mm Hg @ 20°C

Electrical Equipment: Class I, Group D

Composition

Benzene is an important organic chemical compound with the chemical formula C6H6 and its molecule is composed of 6 carbon atoms joined in a ring with 1 hydrogen atom attached to each carbon atom.

Physical and chemical properties

At atmospheric temperatures and pressures, Benzene is a colorless gas that is slightly lighter than air. Benzene of 100% purity is odorless, but Benzene of ordinary commercial purity has a distinctive, garlic-like odor.

Precautions for Safe Use, Handling and Storage:

Benzene liquid is highly flammable. It should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area. Benzene vapor may form explosive mixtures in air. All sources of ignition must be controlled. Use nonsparking tools when opening or closing benzene containers. Fire extinguishers, where provided, must be readily available. Know where they are located and how to operate them. Smoking is prohibited in areas where benzene is used or stored. Ask your supervisor where benzene is used in your area and for additional safety rules.