California Code of Regulations › Title 8 - Industrial Relations › Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations › Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety › Subchapter 7 - General Industry Safety Orders › Group 16 - Control of Hazardous Substances › Article 110 - Regulated Carcinogens › Appendix B - Substance Technical Guidelines, Benzene

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 28, July 12, 2024
I. Physical and Chemical Data
A. Substance identification.
1. Synonyms: Benzol, benzole, coal naphtha,
						  cyclohexatriene, phene, phenyl hydride, pyrobenzol. (Benzin, petroleum benzin
						  and Benzine do not contain benzene.)
2. Formula:
						  C6H6 (CAS Registry Number:
						  71-43-2)
B. Physical data.
1. Boiling Point (760 mm Hg): 80.1°C
						  (176°F)
2. Specific Gravity (water = 1): 0.879
3. Vapor Density (air = 1): 2.7
4. Melting Point: 5.5°C (42°F)
5. Vapor Pressure at 20°C (68°F): 75 mm
						  Hg
6. Solubility in Water: .06
7. Evaporation Rate (ether = 1): 2.8
8. Appearance and Odor: Clear, colorless liquid with a
						  distinctive sweet odor.
II. Fire, Explosion, and Reactivity Hazard Data
A. Fire.
1. Flash Point (closed cup): -11°C
						  (121°F)
2. Autoignition Temperature: 580°C
						  (1076°F)
3. Flammable Limits in Air. % by Volume: Lower: 1.3%,
						  Upper: 7.5
4. Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical,
						  or foam.
5. Special fire-fighting procedures: Do not use solid
						  stream of water, since stream will scatter and spread fire. Fine water spray
						  can be used to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
6. Unusual fire and explosion hazards: Benzene is a
						  flammable liquid. Its vapors can form explosive mixtures. All ignition sources
						  must be controlled when benzene is used, handled, or stored. Where liquid or
						  vapor may be released, such areas shall be considered as hazardous locations.
						  Benzene vapors are heavier than air; thus the vapors may travel along the
						  ground and be ignited by open flames or sparks at locations remote from the
						  site at which benzene is handled.
7. Benzene is classified as a 1 B flammable liquid for
						  the purpose of conforming to the requirements of article 136 of these Orders. A
						  concentration exceeding 3,250 ppm is considered a potential fire explosion
						  hazard. Locations where benzene may be present in quantities sufficient to
						  produce explosive or ignitable mixtures are considered Class I Group D for the
						  purposes of conforming to the requirements of article 59 of the Low-Voltage
						  Electrical Safety Orders.
B. Reactivity.
1. Conditions contributing to instability: Heat.
2. Incompatibility: Heat and oxidizing
						  materials.
3. Hazardous decomposition products: Toxic gases and
						  vapors (such as carbon monoxide).
III. Spill and Leak Procedures
A. Steps to be taken if the material is released or
						  spilled. As much benzene as possible should be absorbed with suitable
						  materials, such as dry sand or earth. That remaining must be flushed with large
						  amounts of water. Do not flush benzene into a confined space, such as a sewer,
						  because of explosion danger. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate enclosed
						  places.
B. Waste disposal method. Disposal methods must conform
						  to other jurisdictional regulations. If allowed, benzene may be disposed of:
						  (a) by absorbing it in dry sand or earth and disposing in a sanitary landfill;
						  (b) if small quantities, by removing it to a safe location from buildings or
						  other combustible sources, pouring it in dry sand or earth and cautiously
						  igniting it; and (c) if large quantities, by atomizing it in a suitable
						  combustion chamber.
IV. Miscellaneous Precautions
A. High exposure to benzene can occur when transferring
						  the liquid from one container to another. Such operations should be well
						  ventilated and good work practices must be established to avoid spills.
B. Use non-sparking tools to open benzene containers
						  which are effectively grounded and bonded prior to opening and pouring.
C. Employers must advise employees of all plant areas
						  and operations where exposure to benzene could occur. Common operations in
						  which high exposures to benzene may be encountered are: the primary production
						  and utilization of benzene, and transfer of benzene.
1. New
						  section 5218 and Appendices A-E filed
						  4-20-90; operative 5-20-90 (Register 90, No.
						  23).
Note: Authority cited: Sections
							 142.3,
							 9020,
							 9030 and
							 9040, Labor
							 Code. Reference: Sections
							 142.3,
							 9004(d),
							 9009,
							 9020,
							 9030,
							 9031 and
							 9040, Labor
							 Code.