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Benzene permissible level

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The permissible exposure limits (PELs) for benzene vary depending on the source and duration of exposure [1].

Here are some of the limits specified in the documents:

  • OSHA PEL: TWA (Time-Weighted Average) of 1 ppm, STEL (Short-Term Exposure Limit) of 5 ppm [1]
  • ACGIH TLV: TWA of 0.5 ppm, STEL of 2.5 ppm [1]
  • NIOSH: TWA of 0.1 ppm, STEL of 1 ppm [1]
  • Mexico OEL (TWA): 0.5 ppm, STEL: 2.5 ppm [1]

It's important to note that some earlier OSHA PELs have been vacated but are included for reference: TWA of 10 ppm, Ceiling of 25 ppm, STEL of 50 ppm, and Ceiling of 25 ppm [1].

It is important to adhere to the most current and locally applicable exposure limits and to implement appropriate safety measures, such as using a chemical fume hood and wearing personal protective equipment, to minimize benzene exposure [1].

1 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Safety Data Sheet - Benzene

Page 4

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Benzene (cont.) ## 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients (cont.) Benzene Revision Date 03-Apr-2024 <table><tr><th colspan="2">6. Accidental release measures</th></tr><tr><td>Personal Precautions</td><td>Use personal protective equipment as required. Ensure adequate ventilation. Keep people away from and upwind of spill/leak. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Remove all sources of ignition. Take precautionary measures against static discharges.</td></tr><tr><td>Environmental Precautions</td><td>Do not flush into surface water or sanitary sewer system.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Methods for Containment and Clean Soak up with inert absorbent material. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal. Up Remove all sources of ignition. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment.</td></tr></table> <table><tr><th colspan="2">7. Handling and storage</th></tr><tr><td>Handling</td><td>Wear personal protective equipment/face protection. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Use only under a chemical fume hood. Do not breathe mist/vapors/spray. Do not ingest. If swallowed then seek immediate medical assistance. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and sources of ignition. Use only non-sparking tools. To avoid ignition of vapors by static electricity discharge, all metal parts of the equipment must be grounded. Take precautionary measures against static discharges.</td></tr><tr><td>Storage.</td><td>Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Flammables area. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Incompatible Materials. Strong oxidizing agents.</td></tr></table> ## 8. Exposure controls / personal protection ## Exposure Guidelines <table><tr><th>Component</th><th>ACGIH TLV</th><th>OSHA PEL</th><th>NIOSH</th><th>Mexico OEL (TWA)</th></tr><tr><td>Benzene</td><td>TWA: 0.5 ppm STEL: 2.5 ppm Skin</td><td>(Vacated) TWA: 10 ppm Ceiling: 25 ppm (Vacated) STEL: 50 ppm (Vacated) Ceiling: 25 ppm TWA: 10 ppm TWA: 1 ppm STEL: 5

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