Benzene Awareness Safety Program

The Benzene Awareness Safety Program establishes requirements for protecting employees who may be exposed to benzene in the workplace. Benzene is a hazardous chemical that may be present in petroleum products, fuels, solvents, industrial processes, and other materials. The program emphasizes benzene hazard recognition, exposure prevention, employee awareness, and safe work practices designed to reduce the risk of inhalation, skin contact, and other occupational exposures. Employees who may work with or around benzene must understand its health hazards, potential sources of exposure, and applicable workplace controls.

The program addresses benzene exposure limits, regulated areas, exposure monitoring, engineering and work-practice controls, respiratory protection, personal protective equipment (PPE), protective clothing, hygiene practices, medical surveillance, hazard communication, warning signs, emergency procedures, and employee training. Employees must follow established procedures, use required controls and PPE, and promptly report spills, leaks, symptoms, or other conditions that could result in benzene exposure. Access to regulated areas is restricted to authorized personnel when required. The Benzene Awareness Safety Program helps employers control occupational benzene exposure, communicate chemical hazards, and establish safe work practices consistent with applicable OSHA benzene requirements.