Schedule XXI

(See rule 84)

Manufacture, handling and usage of benzene and Substances containing benzene

1. Application – This schedule shall apply in respect of factories or parts thereof in which benzene or

substances containing benzene are manufactured handled or used.

2. Definitions – For the purpose of this schedule–

a) ‘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 working

atmosphere;

d) ‘Efficient exhaust draught’ means localized ventilation effected by mechanical means for the

removal of gases, vapors 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 it fails to remove smoke generated at

the point where such gases, vapors, fumes or dusts originate.

3. Prohibition of substitution-

a) Use of benzene and substance containing benzene is prohibited in the following process:

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

(ii) cleaning and degreasing operations.

b) Benzene or substances containing benzene shall be used as a solvent or diluent unless the process

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

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

c) Where suitable substitutes are available, they shall be used instead of benzene or substances

containing benzene. This provision, however shall not apply to the following process-

(i) production of benzene;

(ii) where benzene is used for chemical synthesis.

(iii) motor spirits (used as fuel)

d) The Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may, subject to confirmation of by the State Government

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 inhalation-

a) The process involving the use of benzene or substances containing benzene shall as far as

practicable be carried out in an enclosed system.

b) Where, however, it is not practicable to carry out the process in an enclosed system the work room

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 work room so that the concentration of benzene in the air does not exceed 10 parts

per million by volume or 30 milligrams per cubic metre.

c) Air analysis for the measurement of concentration of benzene vapour 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 manager shall forthwith report the concentration to the Chief Inspector-

cum-Facilitator stating the reasons for such increase.

d) Workers who for special reasons are likely to be exposed to concentration of benzene in the air

of the work room exceed the maximum referred to in sub-paragraph (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

a) Workers who are likely to come into contact with liquid benzene or liquid substance 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.

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

inspected regularly.

6. Prohibition relating to employment of women and young persons – No woman or young person shall

be employed or permitted to work in any work room 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 symbol clearly visible on it and shall also display information on

benzene content, warning about toxicity and warning about in flammability of the chemical.

8. Improper use of benzene-

a) The use of benzene or substances containing benzene by workers for cleaning their hands or their

work clothing shall be prohibited.

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

9. Prohibition of consuming food etc. in workroom – No worker shall be allowed to store or consume

food or drink in the workroom in which benzene or substances containing benzene or manufactured,

handled or used. Smoking and chewing tobacco or pan shall be prohibited in such workrooms.

10. Instructions as regard risks – Every worker on his first employment shall be fully instructed on the

properties of benzene of substances containing benzene which he/she 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

work rooms where benzene of substances containing benzene are manufactured, handled or used.

12. Washing facilities, cloak room and mess room– In factories in which benzene or substance containing

benzene are manufactured, handled or used, the occupier shall provide and maintain in 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) at cloak room with the lockers for each worker, having two compartments one for 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 facilities and records of examination and tests –

a) The occupier of every factory to which this schedule applies, shall–

(i) employ a qualified Factory Medical Officer for medical surveillance of the workers employed

therein whose employment shall be subject to the approval of the Chief Inspector-cum-

Facilitator of Factories; and

(ii) provide to the said Factory Medical Officer all the necessary facilities for the purpose referred

to in clause (a)

b) The record of medical examinations and appropriate tests carried out by the said Factory Medical

Officer shall be maintained in a separate register approved by the Chief Inspector- cum-Facilitator

of Factories, which shall be kept readily available for inspection by the Inspector-cum-Facilitator.

14. Medical Examination by the Medical Officer

a) Every worker employed in processes mentioned in paragraph 1, shall be examined by a Medical

Officer within 15 days of his first employment, such examination shall include tests for detection

of phenolinurine and determination of urinary sulphide ratio and C.N.S. and haematological tests.

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.

b) Every worker employed in the said processes shall be re-examined by a Medical Officer at least

once in every twelve calendar months and such examination shall, wherever the Medical Officer

considers appropriate; include all the tests specified in sub-paragraph (1). Further, every worker

shall also be examined once in every three calendar months by the factory Medical Officer.

c) The Medical Officer after examining, a worker, shall issue a certificate of fitness in FORM-VI.

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 manager of the factory. The record of each

examination carried out under sub-paragraph (10 and 20), including the nature and the results of

these tests shall also be entered by the Medical Officer in a health register in FORM-V.

d) The certificate of fitness and the health register shall be kept readily available for inspection by the

Inspector-cum-Facilitator.

e) If 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/she 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/she considers that the said person is unfit to work in the said processes. The person so

suspended for the process shall be provided with alternate placement facilities unless he/she is

fully incapacitated in the opinion of the Medical Officer, in which case the person affected shall be

suitably rehabilitated.

f) 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.

CAUTIONARY NOTICE

Benzene and substances containing benzene

1. Hazards

a) Benzene and substances containing benzene are harmful.

b) Prolonged or repeated breathing of benzene vapours may result in acute or chronic poisoning.

c) Benzene can also be absorbed through skin which may cause skin and other diseases.

2. Preventive measures

a) Avoid breathing of benzene vapours.

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

c) Remove benzene soaked or wet clothing promptly.

d) If any time you are expose to high concentration of benzene vapours and exhibit signs and

symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty in breathing excessive excitation and losing of consciousness,

immediately inform your factory manager.

e) Keep all the containers of benzene closed.

f) ‘Handle’, use and process benzene and substances containing benzene carefully in order to prevent

their spillage on floor.

g) Maintain good housekeeping.

3. Protective equipment

a) Use respiratory protective equipment in place where benzene vapours represent in high

concentration.

b) In emergency use self-generating oxygen mask or oxygen or air cylinder masks.

c) Wear hand gloves, aprons, goggles and gum boots to avoid contact of benzene with your skin and

body parts.

4. First-aid measures in case of acute benzene poisoning

a) Remove the clothing immediately if it is vested with benzene

b) Liquid benzene enters eyes, flush thoroughly for atleast 15 minutes with clean running water and

immediately secure medical attention.

c) In case of unusual exposure to benzene vapour, call a physician immediately. Until he/she arrives,

do the following:

If the exposed person is conscious- Move him to fresh air in open Lay down without a pillow and

keep him quiet and warm.

(i) If the exposed person is unconscious-

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

(ii) Remove any false teeth, chewing-gum, tobacco or the foreign objects which may be in his

mouth.

a) Provide him artificial respiration in case difficulty in being experienced in breathing.

b) In case of shallow breathing or cyanosis (blueness of skin lips, ears, finger nail beds)

he/she should be provided with medical oxygen or oxygen carbon dioxide mixture. If

needed, he/she should be given artificial respiration. Oxygen should be administered by

a trained person only.