Benzene

What are some common uses of benzene?

Although benzene is a common impurity in gasoline from the refining of crude oil [and from coal tar], benzene is most commonly produced using manufacturing processes. Benzene has a diverse application in industry where it is used as a solvent, a chemical intermediate, and a constituent in motor fuels.

The United States produced 5,155 metric tons of benzene in 2017. Refineries produce benzene as a by-product of gasoline production and account for around 60% of US benzene production.

What are the hazards associated with benzene?

Physical hazards associated with the use of benzene arise from its flammability. Benzene, which has a boiling point of 176.2 deg. F, is a Category 2 flammable liquid with a flash point of 12.2 deg. F and lower and upper explosion limits of 1.3% and 8% by volume, respectively. Additional information about the physical properties and sampling method(s) for benzene, as well as a summary of exposure limits, can be found on the OSHA Occupational Chemical Database.

Health hazards associated with benzene include skin and eye irritation, neurological symptoms, and it can affect the bone marrow, resulting in aplastic anemia. However, the predominant health effect associated with exposure to benzene is the development of cancer, in particular acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

What can I do to protect myself and others?

Engineering and Work Practice Controls. When possible, substitute less hazardous chemicals for benzene. Work involving the use of benzene should be conducted in well-ventilated areas and away from ignition sources.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). When substitution is not feasible and engineering controls are not adequate to maintain airborne exposures below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for benzene, appropriate respiratory protection must be used in conjunction with an effective respiratory protection program. In addition, appropriate skin protection and hand protection, such as chemical resistant gloves, should be worn when contact with benzene is reasonably anticipated.

What resources are available to assist employers?

Training and Outreach Services

The presentations on hazard communication, respiratory protection and personal protective equipment are available to assist employers in training their staff. Each of these presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time. 

In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. 

Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).

Safety and Health Programs

These example programs, hazard communication, respiratory protection, hazardous chemical program and PPE and hazard analysis can assist the employer in the development of their programs. Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. 

Safety and Health Topics

More information related to benzene can be found on the safety and health topics pages for flammable liquids, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, hierarchy of controls, chemical hazards and toxic substances and respiratory protection.

Consultation Services

The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.

Which standards apply?

OSH has adopted the following standards which are applicable to benzene in North Carolina. This is not all inclusive.

Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic. 

General Industry

• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart G - occupational and environmental controls
  • 29 CFR 1910.94 - ventilation
• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart H - hazardous materials
  • 29 CFR 1910.106 - flammable liquids
  • 29 CFR 1910.107 - spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials
  • 29 CFR 1910.120 - hazardous waste operations and emergency response
• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I - personal protective equipment
  • 29 CFR 1910.132 - general requirements
  • 29 CFR 1910.133 - eye and face protection
  • 29 CFR 1910.134 - respiratory protection
  • 29 CFR 1910.138 - hand protection
• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z - toxic and hazardous substances
  • 29 CFR 1910.1000 - air contaminants
  • 29 CFR 1910.1028 - benzene
  • 29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication

Maritime

• 29 CFR 1915 Subpart C - surface preparation and preservation
  • 29 CFR 1915.32 - toxic cleaning solvents
• 29 CFR 1915 Subpart Z - toxic and hazardous substances
  • 29 CFR 1915.1000 - air contaminants
  • 29 CFR 1915.1028 - benzene
  • 29 CFR 1915.1200 - hazard communication

Construction

• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart D
  • 29 CFR 1926.55 - gases, vapors, fumes, dusts and mists
  • 29 CFR 1926.57 - ventilation
  • 29 CFR 1926.59 - hazard communication
    • 29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication
  • 29 CFR 1926.65 - hazardous waste operations and emergency response
• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E - personal protective and lifesaving equipment
  • 29 CFR 1926.102 - eye and face protection
  • 29 CFR 1926.103 - respiratory protection
    • 29 CFR 1910.134 - respiratory protection
• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart Z
  • 29 CFR 1926.1128 - benzene

Recordkeeping

• Refer to Recording and Reporting

Other Applicable Standards

The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can help identify other standards that may also be applicable to your worksite.

Where can I learn more?

Industry Guides

• Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights standards with special requirements in construction.
• Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights standards with special requirements in general industry.
• Industry Guide 53 - OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights standards with special requirements in shipyard employment.

Compliance Documents

• Compliance Directive: CPL 02-00-124 - Multi-Employer Citation Policy provides guidance to Compliance Officers regarding the issuance of citations for employers who exercise control in creating, controlling, exposing and correcting hazards for their employees and those of other employers on site.

Technical Assistance

• Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH online or by phone at 919-707-7876.