Working Safely with Benzene

Learning objectives:

At the completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Identify benzene hazards and exposure limits
• Recall engineering controls that reduce benzene exposure
• Use administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce benzene exposures
• Follow safe procedures in an emergency involving benzene

Employers are required to have an on-site trainer provide site-specific information about the facility’s operations and work areas where benzene is present, and monitoring and exposure control measures implemented at the facility to detect benzene and protect employees from overexposure. Employers also need to provide employees with training on their company- or facility-specific Hazard Communication (HazCom) program, including where employees can access the program, the required list(s) of chemical products containing hazardous chemicals like benzene, and the safety data sheets (SDS) for those products; and an explanation of the SDSs and the labels on shipped containers of hazardous chemical products, as well as the labeling system used in the workplace. Employers must also provide specific information about their benzene medical surveillance program, if applicable. This course doesn’t cover the additional training requirements for employees exposed to benzene in their workplace.