Over 300,000 people per year are exposed to benzene. Many do not know how to protect themselves adequately from the toxicity of the chemical. The following precautions should be followed to prevent illness or injury.
General Precautions
A regulated, marked area should be established where benzene is handled, used, or stored. If you need to enter a designated area, wear protective work clothing and a respirator. Wash exposed skin immediately after exposure to benzene, and at the end of each work shift. Hazard and warning information should be present in the work area. In addition, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of benzene to workers.
The New Jersey Department of health and Senior Services has released a comprehensive study and worksheet related to benzene exposure. Notable information is included below.
Clothing
Avoid skin contact with benzene. Wear solvent-resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers and manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective material for your operation. All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Eye Protection
Wear indirect-vent, impact and splash resistant goggles when working with liquids. Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with benzene.
Respiratory Protection
Improper use of respirators is dangerous and such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams. When the potential exists for exposure to over 0.1 parts per million, use an approved supplied-air respirator with a full face-piece operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
If you believe that you have experienced illness related to improper benzene exposure in the workplace, you may have legal rights to seek compensation for your exposure. It is important that you seek the advice of an experienced benzene lawyer as soon as possible after your diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma. Statutes of limitations, which vary from state to state, provide a limited period in which to pursue your legal claim. If you or a loved one have suffered health problems due to exposure to benzene, contact an attorney with experience in benzene claims to discuss your options. |
