International Chemical Safety Cards

BENZENE ICSC: 0015

BENZENE
Cyclohexatriene
Benzol
C6H6
Molecular mass: 78.1
CAS # 71-43-2
RTECS # CY1400000
ICSC # 0015
UN # 1114
EC # 601-020-00-8
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion: see chemical dangers.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!

  • INHALATION
    		• Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.
    		Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin (further see Inhalation).
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES

    		• face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Abdominal pain. Sore throat. Vomiting (further see Inhalation).
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs, oxidants and halogens.
    		Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    F symbol
    T symbol
    R: 45-11-48/23/24/25
    S: 53-45
    UN Hazard Class: 3
    UN Packing Group: II
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0015 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    BENZENE ICSC: 0015

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     Reacts violently with oxidants and halogens causing fire and explosion hazard.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: 10 ppm; 32 mg/m3 (as TWA) A2 (ACGIH 1991-1992).
    OSHA PEL: 1910.1028 TWA 1 ppm ST 5 ppm See Appendix F
    NIOSH REL: Ca TWA 0.1 ppm ST 1 ppm See Appendix A
    NIOSH IDLH: Potential occupational carcinogen 500 ppm


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
    The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin.

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C; on spraying or dispersion, however, much faster.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance irritates the skin and the respiratory tract. Swallowing the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the occupational exposure limit may result in unconsciousness.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the blood forming organs, liver and immune system. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: 80°C
    Melting point: 6°C
    Relative density (water = 1): 0.9
    Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 0.18
    Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 10
    Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.7
    		 Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.2
    Flash point: -11°C (c.c.)°C
    Auto-ignition temperature: about 500°C
    Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.2-8.0
    Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.13
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
    NOTES
    Use of alcoholic beverages enhances the harmful effect. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-7
    NFPA Code: H2; F3; R0;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0015 BENZENE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.