Schedule XXl

MANUFACTURE, HANDLING AND USAGE OF BENZENE AND

SUBSTANCESCONTA\NING BENZENE

1. Application - This schedule is made to provide protection against hazards of poisoning

from benzene and shall apply in respect of factories or parts thereof 1n which benzene or

substances containing benzene are manufactured, handled or used.

2. Definitions - For the purpose of this schedule -

(u) "substances containing benzene" means substances wherein

benzene content exceeds 1 per cent by volume;

(b) "substitute" means a chemical which is harmless or less harmful than benzene and can

be used in place of benzene;

(c) "enclosed system"means a system which will not allow escape of benzene vapours to

the workers atmosphere; and

(d) "efficient exhaust draught" means localised ventilated effected by mechanical means for

the removal of gases, vapours and dusts or fumes so as to prevent them from escaping into the

air of any workroom. No draught shall be deemed to be efficient if 1t fails to remove smoke

generated at the point where such gases, vapours, fumes or dusts originate.

3. " Prohibition and substitution -

(1) Benzene and substances containing benzene shall not be used as solvent or dilutent

unless the process in Which it is used is carried on in an enclosed system or unless the process

is carried on in manner which is considered equally safe as if it were carried out in an enclosed

manner.

Use of benzene and substances containing benzene is prohibited in the following processes: -

(a) manufacture of varnishes, paints and thinners; and

(b) Cleaning and degreasing operations.

(2) Where suitable substitutes are available, they shall be used instead of benzene or

substances containing benzene. This provision, however, shallnot apply to the processes

specified in Appendix A.

(3) The Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may, subject to confirmation by the Administration of

Lakshadweep, permit exemptions from the percentage laid down in sub- paragraph 2(a) and

also from the provisions of sub- paragraph (2) of this paragraph temporarily under conditions

and within limits of time to be determined after consultation with the employers and workers

concerned.

4. Protection against installation -

(1) The process involving the use of benzene or substances containing benzene shall be as

far as practicable be carried out in an enclosed system.

(2) Where, however, it is not practicable to carry out the process in an enclosed system, the

workroom in which benzene or substances containing benzene are used shall be equipped with

an efficient exhaust draught or other means for the removal of benzene vapours to prevent their

escape into the air of the workroom so that the concentration of benzene in the air does not

exceed 10 parts per million by volume or30 milligrams per cubic meter.

(3) Air analysis for the measurement of concentration of benzene vapours in air shall be

carried out every 8 hours or at such Intervals as may be directed by the Chief Inspector-cum-

Facilitator at places where process involving use of benzene is carried on and the result of such

analysis shall be recorded in a register specially maintained for this purpose. If the

concentration of benzene vapours in air as measured by air analysis, exceeds 10 parts per

million by volume or 30 milligrams per cubic meter, the occupier shall forthwith report the

concentration to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator stating the reasons for such increase.

(4) Workers who for special reasons are likely to be exposed to concentration of benzene

in the air of the workroom exceeding the maximum referred to in subparagraph (2) shall be

provided with suitable respirators or face masks. The duration of such exposure shall be limited

as far as possible.

5. Measures against skin contact -

(1) Workers who are likely to come in contact with liquid benzene or liquid substances

containing benzene shall be provided with suitable gloves, aprons, boots and where necessary

vapour tight chemical goggles, made of material not affected by benzene or its vapours.

(2) The protective wear referred to in sub-paragraph (1) shall be maintained in good condition

and inspected regularly.

6. Prohibition relating to employment of pregnant women and Adolescent

- No pregnant woman or adolescent shalt be employed or permitted to work in any workroom

involving exposure to benzene or substances containing benzene.

7. Labelling - Every container holding benzene or substances containing benzene shall

have the word "Benzene" and approved danger symbols clearly visible on it and shall also

display information on benzene content, warning about toxicity and warning about infallibility

of the chemical.

8. Improper use of benzene-

(1) The use of benzene substances containing benzene by workers for cleaning their hands

or their work clothing shall be prohibited.

(2) Workers shall be instructed on the possible dangers arising from such misuse.

9. Prohibition of consuming food, etc. In workrooms - No worker shall be allowed to store

or consume food or drink in the workroom in which benzene or substances containing benzene

are manufactured, handled or used. Smoking and chewing tobacco or pan shall be prohibited

in such workrooms.

10. Instructions as regards risks - Every worker on his first employment shall be fully

instructed on the properties of benzene or substances containing benzene which he has to

handle and of the dangers involved. Workers shall also be instructed on the measures to be

taken to deal with in an emergency.

11. Cautionary notices - Cautionary notices in the form specified in appendix and printed

in the language easily read and understood by the majority of the workers shall be displayed in

prominent places in the workrooms where benzene or substances containing benzene are

manufactured, handled or used.

12. Washing facilities, cloakroom and mess room - ln factories in which benzene or

substances containing benzene are manufactured, handled orused, the occupier shall provide

and maintain in a clean state and in good repair -

(a) washing facilities under cover, of the standard of at least one tap for every 10 persons

having constant supply of water with soap, and a clean towel provided individually to each

worker if so ordered by the Inspector-cum- Facilitator;

(b) cloakroom with lockers for each worker, having two compartments - onefor street-clothing

and one for work-clothing; and

(c) a mess room furnished with tables and benches with means for warming food, provided

that where a canteen or other proper arrangements exist for the workers to take their meals, the

requirements of mess room shall be dispensed with.

13. Medical examination by Medical officer -

(1) Every worker employed \n the processes specified in paragraph 1 shall be examined by

a Medical officer within 15 days of his first employment. Such examinations shall include skin

test for dermatitis and no worker shall be allowed to work after 15 days of his first employment

in the factory unless certified fit for such employment by the Medical officer.

(2) Every worker employed in a manganese process shall be re-examined by a Medical

officer at least once in every 12 months and such examination shall, wherever the Medical

officer considers appropriate, include all the tests in subparagraph (1).

(3) The Medical officer after examining a worker, shall issue a Certificate of Fitness in

Form-40. The record of examination and re-examinations carried out shall be entered in the

Certificate and the Certificate shall be kept in the custody of the occupier of the factory. The

record of each examination carried out under sub-paragraph (1) and (2), including the nature

and the results of this test, shall also be entered by the Medical officer in a health register in

Form-41 electronically or otherwise.

(4) The Certificate of Fitness and the health register shall be kept readily available for

inspection by the lnspector-cum-Faci\itator.

(5) lf at any time the Medical officer is of the opinion that a worker is no longer fit for

employment in the said processes on the ground that continuance therein would involve special

danger to the health of the worker, he shall make a record of his findings in the said certificate

and the health register. The entry of his findings in those documents should also include the

period for which he considers that the said person is unfit to work in the said process shall be

provided with alternate placement facilities unless he is fully incapacitated in the opinion of

the Medical officer, in which case the person affected shall be suitably rehabilitated.

(6) No person who has been found unfit to work as said in sub-paragraph (5) shall be re-

employed or permitted to work in the said processes unless the Medical officer, after further

examination, again certifies him fit for employment in those processes.