Appendix B

(See Clause 11)

(a) The hazards—

(i) Benzene and substances containing Benzene are harmful;

(ii) Prolonged or repeated breathing of Benzene vapors may result in acute

or chronic poisoning;

(iii) Benzene can also be absorbed through skin which may cause skin and

other diseases

(b) The preventive measures to be taken

(i) Avoid breathing of benzene vapors;

(ii) Avoid prolonged or repeated contact of benzene with the skin;

(iii) Remove benzene soaked or wet clothing promptly;

(iv) If any time you are exposed to high concentration of benzene vapors

and exhibit the sign and symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty in

breathing, excessive excitation and losing of consciousness,

immediately in form your occupier;

(v) Keep all the containers of benzene closed;

(vi) Handle, use and process benzene and substances containing benzene

carefully in order to prevent their spillage on floor;

(vii) Maintain good house-keeping;

(c) The protective equipment to be used

(i) the respiratory protective equipment in places where benzene vapors

are present in high concentration;

(ii) In emergency, use self-generating oxygen mask or oxygen or air

cylinder masks;

(iii) Wear hand gloves, aprons, goggles and gumboots to avoid contact of

benzene with your skin and body parts.

(d) The first-aid measure to be taken in the case of acute benzene poisoning.

(i) Remove the clothing immediately if it is wetted with benzene.

(ii) If liquid benzene enters eyes, flush thoroughly for at least fifteen

minutes with clean running water and immediately secure medical

attention.

(iii) Incase of usual exposure to benzene vapour, call a

physician immediately. Until he arrives do the following;

If the exposed person is conscious:

(A) Move him to fresh air in open;

(B) Lay down without a pillow and keep him quiet and warm.

If the exposed person is unconscious

(a) Lay him down preferably on the left side with the head low;

(b) Remove any false teeth, chewing gum, tobacco or other foreign

objects which may be in his mouth;

(c) Provide him artificial respiration in case difficulty is being experienced

in breathing;

(d) In case of shallow breathing or cyanosis (blueness of skin, lips, ears,

finger nails beds) he should be provided with medical oxygen or

oxygen carbondioxide mixture. If needed, he should be given artificial

respiration. Oxygen should be administered by a trained person only.