Benzene Awareness Training

Course Overview

Benzene is a widely used industrial chemical that is also extremely hazardous. Exposure poses significant health risks, including cancer, and it is also highly flammable. This essential safety course is designed to teach employees how to work safely with and around benzene by following the protective procedures mandated by OSHA. Participants will learn to recognize the hazards, understand control measures, and use personal protective equipment correctly to greatly reduce their risk of exposure.

Key Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, trainees will be able to:

• Identify Benzene and Its Uses

  • Recognize where benzene is found, such as in products derived from coal and petroleum (e.g., gasoline, fuels, adhesives, varnishes).

  • Understand its role in the manufacturing of plastics, detergents, pesticides, and other chemicals.

• Understand the Dual Hazards

  • Health Hazards: Learn about the serious health risks, including acute effects from inhalation (tremors, convulsions) and long-term effects such as leukemia and bone marrow damage. Understand it is a known carcinogen that can also be absorbed through the skin.

  • Fire Hazards: Recognize that in addition to being a health risk, benzene is a highly flammable substance requiring strict fire prevention protocols.

• Comply with OSHA Standards & Control Measures

  • Understand OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for benzene.

  • Learn how employers use engineering controls, work practice controls, and air monitoring to reduce and identify exposure levels.

  • Recognize the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM/GHS) for signs, labels, and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

• Implement Personal Protection & Safety Protocols

  • Know when and how to use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators, safety goggles, gloves, and protective clothing.

  • Identify "Regulated Areas" with specific warning signs (DANGER BENZENE CANCER HAZARD FLAMMABLE—NO SMOKING AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY) and understand entry requirements.

  • Appreciate the importance of employer-provided medical surveillance programs.

Who Should Attend

This course is critical for any employee who works with, or has the potential to be exposed to, benzene in the workplace.

Course Details at a Glance

• Course Length: 2-4 Hours

• Applicable Regulations: 29 CFR 1910.1028, 1910.134, 1910.1200, and 1926.1128

• Training Method: A combination of lectures, videos, handouts, group discussion, and a final test to ensure comprehension.

• Class Ratio: 1 instructor to 25 employees.