Schedule XXI

Manufacture, Handling and use of Benzene

1. The schedule is made to provide protection against hazards of poisoning from benzene and

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 localised ventilation 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 it fails to remove smoke generated at the point where such gases,

vapours, fumes of dusts originate.

3. Prohibition and substitution.-

(a) Use of benzene and substances containing benzene is prohibited in the following

processes:-

(i) Manufacture of varnishes, paints and thinners, and

(ii) cleaning and de-greasing operations.

(b)Benzene or substances containing benzene shall not 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.

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(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 processes

specified in Appendix ‘A’.

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

Government, permit exemption from the percentage laid down in clause (2)(a) and also from

the provisions of sub-clause (b) 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 25 parts per million by volume or 80 mg/m 3.

(c) Air analysis for the measurement of concentration or 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 25

parts per million by volume or 80 mg./3m., 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 exceeding the maximum referred to in clause (b) shall be

provided suitable respirators or face masks. The durations of such exposure shall be

limited as far as possible.

5. Measure against skin contact.-

(a) 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.

(b) The protective wear referred to in sub-clause (a) shall be maintained in good condition

and inspected regularly.

6. 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 inflammability of

the chemical.

7. 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.

8. 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 within an emergency.

9. Cautionary notices.- Cautionary notices in the form specified in Appendix ‘B’ and

presented 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 substances containing

benzene are manufactured, handled or used.

10. Medical examination.- Every worker employed in processes mentioned in this schedule,

shall be examined within 15 days of his first employment, such examination shall include

tests for detection of phenol in urine and determination if urinary sulphide ratio and C.N.S.

and hematological 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 or

Factory Medical Practitioner.