Subpart Z
The permissible airborne limits for benzene are a 1 ppm 8-hour TWA and a 5 ppm 15-minute STEL. This requirement is stated in Appendix A to 1910.1028 and is further implemented by the benzene standard at 1910.1028.
An employer may use respirators instead of engineering or work-practice controls only if engineering/work-practice controls are infeasible or the employer documents that benzene is present in the workplace fewer than 30 days per year. This is described in Appendix A to 1910.1028 and implemented by the benzene standard at 1910.1028.
Respirators must bear the joint MSHA/NIOSH approval and cartridges or canisters must be replaced before the end of their service life or at the end of the shift, whichever comes first. This requirement is specified in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
The employer must provide the required medical examinations and laboratory tests at no cost to the employee within 60 days of the effective date of the standard and annually thereafter when exposure conditions trigger them. This is stated in Appendix A to 1910.1028 and implemented by 1910.1028.
Medical surveillance is required when an employee is exposed at or above a 0.5 ppm 8-hour TWA or has a history of exposure at or above 10 ppm while employed by the current employer. These triggers are described in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
If an employee is accidentally exposed under emergency conditions known or suspected to constitute toxic exposure to benzene, the employer must make special laboratory tests available to that employee. This requirement appears in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Employees or their designated representatives are entitled to observe the monitoring procedure, record results, and see the steps taken during measurement. When monitoring occurs in areas requiring respirators or protective clothing, observers must be provided with and wear the required protective equipment. These rights are described in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Immediately flush the eyes with large amounts of water and see a doctor promptly if irritation or vision problems persist. This first-aid instruction is in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Remove contaminated clothing, wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and large amounts of water right away, and launder contaminated clothing before reuse. This guidance is provided in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Get the person to fresh air immediately, provide artificial respiration if they have stopped breathing, and call for medical assistance or a doctor as soon as possible. These emergency steps are outlined in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Employees must never enter such spaces without proper safety equipment, at least one other person stationed outside, and use of a lifeline. This safety precaution is stated in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
No; the odor of benzene does not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations and should not be relied on for detecting unsafe exposures. This warning is explicitly given in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Employers must ensure workers wear appropriate protective clothing (boots, gloves, sleeves, aprons, etc.) for skin protection and splash-proof safety goggles or a face shield when eye or face splashes are possible. This PPE guidance is described in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Yes; an employee who experiences breathing difficulty while wearing an issued respirator may request a positive-pressure respirator, and employers must provide thorough respirator training. This right and training requirement are described in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Employees or their designated representatives can obtain exposure measurement records upon written request to the employer; medical exam records can be furnished to the employee, their physician, or a designated representative upon request. These access rights are outlined in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Benzene must be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area; control all ignition sources, use nonsparking tools when opening containers, provide readily available fire extinguishers, and prohibit smoking in benzene areas. These precautions are listed in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Yes; benzene liquid is highly flammable and its vapor can form explosive mixtures in air, so ignition sources must be controlled. This hazard is stated in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Short-term overexposure can cause dizziness, nausea, irritation, headache, and in severe cases convulsions or loss of consciousness; long-term exposure may cause blood disorders including anemia and leukemia, sometimes without symptoms. These health effects are summarized in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
If the person is conscious, do not induce vomiting and call for medical assistance or a doctor immediately. This first-aid instruction is in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Employers must inform employees where benzene is used in the workplace and provide additional plant safety rules relevant to its use and storage. This requirement to ask supervisors and know plant rules is recommended in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
The employer must provide the observer (employee or representative) with the required respirator and protective clothing and ensure the observer wears them during the monitoring procedure. This provision is stated in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Remove contaminated clothing promptly and wash it before it is worn again; contaminated clothing should not be reused without laundering. This laundering instruction is in Appendix A to 1910.1028.
Uses of gasoline, motor fuels, and other fuels subsequent to discharge from bulk terminals have specific exemptions described in 1910.1028(a)(2), and Appendix A to the benzene standard clarifies permissible exposures except for those exempted uses; consult 1910.1028 and Appendix A for details on exemptions and coverage.