ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
BENZENE (C6H6)
SYNONYMS
Benzol.
CHARACTERISTICS
Flammable, colourless, clear liquid with a characteristic odour,
or a white crystalline solid. The vapours are heavier than air
and may travel a considerable distance along the ground to a
source of ignition and flash back.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Benzene is incompatible with:
Oxidising agents some reactions can be explosive.
Nitric and sulphuric acids these reactions produce
considerable heat and under some conditions could be dangerous.
Benzene attacks some rubber compounds.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This hydrocarbon is a carcinogen and must be handled with great
care. Workers in the rubber industry who have received regular
exposure to benzene are known to be at risk for bladder cancers.
It is also a flammable substance and is toxic. The toxic effects
are cumulative. Acute exposure to the eyes of the liquid or the
vapour causes irritation. Skin contact causes defatting of the
epithelium which may result in secondary infection. Inhalation
causes dizziness, headache and drowsiness. Ingestion causes
headache, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability,
nervousness and can cause blood disorders.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood, carcinogen.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a flame proof fume hood that will keep the level of exposure
below the recommended threshold limit, i.e. 25 ppm. If the level
of exposure is expected to exceed this limit then a respirator
is recommended. Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved
laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a
face mask. If there is the possibility of a splash to the face
then a full face shield should be worn.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing then immediately wash the
affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical
attention. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. If signs of toxicity develop or irritation
persists seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water then seek
immediate medical advice.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and incompatible
substances.
DISPOSAL
SPILLS:
A gas leak keep the concentration of the gas below the explosive
mixture range by forced ventilation. Remove the tank to an open
area and allow dissipation to the atmosphere. Attempt to cap the
valve outlet and return the tank to the supplier.
A liquid absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame
proof fume hood then burn the paper.
A solid sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume
hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS:
A gas pipe the gas into an incinerator or lower into a pit and
allow to burn.
A liquid atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be improved
by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
A solid make up packages in paper or other flammable material.
Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a
flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
ENVIRONMENT.
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