YASREF BENZENE AWARENESS PREPARED BY: YASREF SAFETY TEAM

Learning Objective?

What is Benzene? What are its Properties ? Where it might be found generally and at Yasref Facilities? Who might be exposed? Hazards of benzene Potential Health effects Exposure limits Control Measure (How to protect yourself from benzene) Health Monitoring and Surveillance Air Monitoring WISHA rules on benzene

Benzene

Benzene is organic chemical compound which is a colorless and flammable liquid with a pleasant, sweet smell.

Chemical formula C6H6 Other name – Benzol or Benzole (In Europe), Coal

Naphtha, Phene, Phenyl Hydride, Pyrobenzol. It is a component of gasoline. It is an important industrial

solvent and precursor in the production of drugs, plastics, gasoline, synthetic rubber, and dyes.

Benzene is a natural constituent of crude oil, but it is usually synthesized from other compounds present in petroleum.

Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon, and the second [n]-annulene ([6]-annulene).

Benzene

• Physical and Chemical o Systematic name Benzene

o Molecular shape Planar

o Dipole moment 0 D

o Molar mass 78.11 g/mol

o Appearance Colorless liquid

o CAS number [71-43-2]

o Density and phase 0.8786 g/cm³

o Solubility in water 1.79 g/l (25 °C)

o Melting point 5.5 °C (278.6 K)

o Boiling point 80.1 °C (353.2 K)

o Viscosity 0.652 cP at 20 °C

o Burns with sooty flame.

Benzene - Properties

In Gasoline

Oil refineries

Chemical Plants

Benzene – Occurrence (General)

Benzene – Occurrence (Yasref)

• Benzene Extraction Unit 119 Area 1 Gasoline Block

• Continuous Catalytic Reformate CCR Unit 118 Area 1 Gasoline Block

• BEU Feed Tank East Tank Farm

• Benzene Tanks 143 D-0042/0041 West Tank Farm

• Benzene Export Storage Tank 172-D-0009

• Berth 72 and 71 NGL

Benzene – Occurrence (Yasref)

Benzene Extraction Unit 119 Area 1 Gasoline Block

Benzene – Who Might be Exposed

Yasref Operation, Maintenance, Base Crew, Sankyu Support staff (Other Contractors/subcontractors of following units:

o BEU

o CCR

o Tankfarm

o Waste Water Treatment

o Laboratory

o NGL-Berth 71 &72

A. Fire, Explosion & ReactivityFire o Flash Point (closed cup): - 11 deg. C (12 deg. F)

o Autoignition Temperature: 580 deg. C (1076 deg. F)

o Flammable limits in Air. % by Volume: Lower: 1.3%, Upper: 7.5%

o Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or foam.

R-phrases R45, R46, R11, R36/38,R48/23/24/25, R65

S-phrases S53, S45

Benzene - Hazards

Explosion o A concentration exceeding 3,250 ppm is considered a potential fire

explosion hazard

Benzene - Hazards

Reactivity/Stability o Chemical Stability: Normally stable.

o Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, sparks, static discharge, heat and other ignition sources.

o Incompatible Materials: Reacts explosively with: halogens (e.g. chlorine). Increased risk of fire and explosion on contact with: nitric acid, oxidizing agents (e.g. peroxides).

o Corrosive : non corrosive o carbon steel, aluminum alloys.

o Hazardous Decomposition Products: Very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; very toxic, flammable aldehydes; and other chemicals.

o Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: None known.

Benzene - Hazards

B. Toxicity

Benzene - Hazards

VERY TOXIC Prolonged or repeated exposure causes damage to blood, immune system.

CANCER HAZARD

Causes cancer - Leukemia if exposed for a long time, even at very low levels.

MUTAGEN Causes Genetic defects

ASPIRATION Hazard

Fatal if swallowed and enters airways

IRRITANT Causes moderate or severe eye and skin irritation.

Route of Entry o Inhalation – It is liquid at room

temperature but easily evaporates in air.

o Skin Contact

o Skin Absorption

o Eye Contact

Benzene – Potential Health Effects

Inhalation:

Can irritate the nose and throat. Can harm the nervous system.

Symptoms:

May include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. A severe exposure can cause unconsciousness.

Skin Contact:

SKIN IRRITANT. Causes moderate to severe irritation.

Symptoms:

Include pain, redness, and swelling.

Note: During any skin contact, significant inhalation exposure will occur.

Benzene – Potential Health Effects

Effects of short-Term (Acute ) Exposure

Eye Contact

Causes moderate to severe irritation.

Symptoms

Include sore, red eyes, and tearing. The vapor also irritates the eyes.

Aspiration Hazard May be drawn into the lungs if swallowed or vomited, causing severe lung damage. Death can result.

Benzene – Potential Health Effects

Eye Contact

Causes moderate to severe irritation.

Symptoms

Include sore, red eyes, and tearing. The vapor also irritates the eyes.

Aspiration Hazard May be drawn into the lungs if swallowed or vomited, causing severe lung damage. Death can result.

Benzene – Exposure Limits

Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure:

o Can cause dry, red, cracked skin (dermatitis) following skin contact. o Can harm the blood. Can cause a decrease in the number or size of

red blood cells (anemia). o Can cause a decrease in white blood cells and platelets, and harm

the immune system. Blood tests may show abnormal results. o May harm the nervous system. o Carcinogenicity (CARCINOGEN) Can cause cancer of the blood or

blood system. o Has been associated with other types of cancer.o Mutagenicity (MUTAGEN) May cause genetic damage. Exposure of

the parent may cause effects in children.

Benzene – Potential Health Effects

Benzene – Exposure Limits

Benzene - 71-43-2

ACGIH® TLV® - TWA 0.5 PPM (Skin A1 BEI®)

TWA – 8 hrs.

ACGIH® TLV® - STEL 2.5 PPM STEL – 15 minutes

PEL-OSHA 1 PPM TWA- 8 hrs.

STEL-OSHA 5 PPM STEL – 15 minutes

Exposure Guideline Comments:

TLV® = Threshold Limit Value. TWA = Time-Weighted Average. A1 = Confirmed human carcinogen. BEI® = Biological Exposure Index. STEL = Short-term Exposure Limit. C = Ceiling limit.

Engineering Control

o Use stringent control measures such as process enclosure to prevent product release into the workplace.

o Use backup controls (e.g. double mechanical pump seals) to prevent the release of this material due to equipment failure.

o Use non-sparking ventilation systems, o Use approved explosion-proof equipment and intrinsically safe

electrical systems in areas where this product is used and stored

Administrative Control

o Regulated Area classification & Demarcation o Restricted accesso Job rotationo Time limitso Hazard Communication

Benzene – Control Measure

Personal Protective Equipment's

o Eye/Face Protection - Wear chemical safety goggles and face shield when contact is possible.

o Skin Protection - Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots of Suitable materials.

o Respiratory Protection – Respiratory protection equipment's will be provided and its use will be ensured in the following circumstances:

During installation or implementation of Engineering controls Where engineering or administrative controls are not feasible In Emergency situations In those area/circumstances where temporary /activities or

conditions results in Airborne Benzene level is unknown OR it is above the Yasref/OSHA permissible level (PEL)

Benzene – Control Measure

Warning signs are posted at the entrance to any area where the levels of benzene exceed the OSHA permissible limits.

All containers containing benzene also have a warning label.

Warning Signs

Worksite Exposure Control AreasBenzene Extraction Unit

119• 119 C-0003 Recovery Column

• 119 C-0500 Benzene Column

• 119 D-0004 Solvent Regenerator

• 119 D-0005 Recovery Column Receiver

• 119 D-0500 Clay Treater Charge Tank

• 119 D-0501/0502 Clay Treater

• 119 D-0503 Benzene Column Receiver

• 119 E-0007 Stripper Reboiler

• 119 E-0010 Recovery Column Reboiler

Air Monitoring

We do regular air monitoring of benzene in the air.

Air monitoring is done in the breathing zone by attaching air sampling devices to employees exposed to benzene.

Worksite Exposure Control AreasBenzene Extraction Unit

119• 119 E-0013/0014 Recovery Column Condenser

• 119 E-0500/0501 Clay Treater Charge Exchanger

• 119 E-0503 Benzene Column Reboiler

• 119 E-0504 Benzene Column Bottoms Cooler

• 119 E-0505/0507 Benzene Products Cooler

• 119 E-0506 Benzene Column Condenser

• 119 G- 0500A/B, 0501A/B, 0502A/B,0503A/B

How to Protect Yourself

Wear respirators assigned to you,

Wear gloves and goggles if working with liquid benzene or liquid solvents containing benzene,

Wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking or using the bathroom.

How to Protect Yourself

To prevent inhaling benzene, make sure your respirator fits properly before entering an area where benzene vapors exist.

If you think your respirator is leaking, leave the area immediately and have it re-fitted, repaired or replaced.

If you know or believe you have inhaled benzene, let your supervisor know immediately.

How to Protect Yourself

In the case of large spill or release of benzene:

Leave the area immediately,

Do not attempt to clean up the spill,

Notify your supervisor.

Required work practices in YASREF

• Operation Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

• Line Break (Gas Release Permit)• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment• Gas Testing/ Air Monitoring• Confined Space Entry Procedure• Training• Lock-Out Tag-Out and Try Procedure• Interface Management Procedure• Health Surveillance• Personal Protective Equipment

Line Break Procedure

A Hazard Review Must be Completed for All Line/Equipment Hazards Including:

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN SYSTEM POTENTIAL PHYSICAL HAZARDS BARRICADING AS REQUIRED FIRST AID IF EXPOSED LOCATION OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT PPE REQUIRED FOR LINE BREAK

A Hazard Review Must be Completed for All Line/Equipment Hazards Including:

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN SYSTEM POTENTIAL PHYSICAL HAZARDS BARRICADING AS REQUIRED FIRST AID IF EXPOSED LOCATION OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT PPE REQUIRED FOR LINE BREAK

Type of Respirators for Benzene

In jobs involving exposure to benzene, you may need a respirator.

The type of respirator worn depends on the amount of benzene in the air.

We will give you the proper type of respirator and provide respirator program training .

Using Respirators

Respirators must be worn at all times when the amount of benzene in the air is above the permissible limit.

Respirators must fit properly to prevent leaks.

You must have a medical evaluation before you wear a respirator.

Respirators Must Fit Properly

You must have a respirator fit-test before you wear a respirator.

You can’t have a beard or other facial hair when wearing a tight-fitting respirator.

We will train you on how to use your respirator.

Respirators required at this worksite

• Below 0.5 ppm benzene: No respirator required• 0.5 - 5 ppm benzene: Half-mask air purifying

respirator with organic vapor cartridges.• 5.1 - 25 ppm benzene: Full face respirator with

organic vapor cartridges. (For short term jobs, ½-1 hour). For longer jobs at these higher exposures a PAPR may be needed. Contact IH for evaluation or use supplied air.

• 25.1 ppm or greater: Supplied air respirator in positive pressure mode.

Medical Monitoring

What medical monitoring is needed?

A medical exam is made available to you if you are exposed to benzene above 0.5 ppm 30 days or more per year, or above 1 ppm more than 10 days per year.

The medical exam includes a complete physical exam and blood tests.

The medical exam is made available to you before you start working around benzene and yearly after that. Link to contents of medical evaluatio

n

Temporary Medical Removal

If abnormalities show up in the blood tests, the doctor may ask for additional tests and temporary removal from your current job.

In that case, we will find other work for you in an area where you are not exposed to benzene.

You do not lose any earnings, seniority or benefits during the removal time.

Permanent Medical Removal

Permanent medical removal may be required because of the potential serious health effects of benzene.

Depending on your medical condition, you may not be able to return to your original position.

If the doctor recommends permanent job removal, we will seek a job transfer for you.

Worksite Medical Surveillance Program

[Describe details of your worksite specific medical surveillance program here.]

Records

Medical and Air Monitoring Records

You have the right to see any of your medical records related to benzene.

You also have the right to see results of any air sampling for benzene we have done.

Benzene Regulations

The OSHA benzene regulations contains much more information in detail.

A copy of this standard is available.