SCHEDULE XX Manufacture, handling and usage of benzene and substances containing benzene 1. Application.- This schedule shall apply in respect of factories or parts thereof in which benzene or substances containing benzene are manufactured, handled or used. 2. Definitions.- For the purpose of this schedule- (a) "substances containing benzene” means substances wherein benzene content exceeds one percent by volume; (b) "substitute" means a chemical which is harmless or less harmful than benzene and can be used in place of benzene; (c) "enclosed system" means a system which will not allow escape of benzene vapours to the working atmosphere; (d) "efficient exhaust draught" means localised ventilation effected by mechanical means for the removal of gases, vapours and dusts or fumes so as to prevent them from escaping into the air of any work.- room. No draught shall be deemed to be efficient if it fails to remove smoke generated at the point where such gases, vapours, fumes or dusts originate. 3. Prohibition and substitution.- (1) Benzene or substances containing benzene shall not be used as a solvent or diluent unless the process in which it is used is carried on in an enclosed system or unless the process is carried on in a manner which is considered equally safe as if it were carried out in an enclosed system. (2) Where suitable substitutes are available, they shall be used instead of benzene or substances containing benzene. This provision, however, shall not apply to the following processes:- (a) production of benzene; (b) process where benzene is used for chemical synthesis; (c) motor spirits (used as fuel). (3) The Chief Inspector may, subject to confirmation by the State Government, permit exemptions from the percentage laid down in sub-paragraph 2(a) and also from the provisions of sub-paragraph (2) of this paragraph temporarily under conditions and within limits of time to be determined after consultation with the employers and workers concerned. 4. Protection against inhalation.- (1) The process involving the use of benzene or substances containing benzene shall be as far as practicable carried out in an enclosed system. (2) Where, however, it is not practicable to carry out the process in an enclosed system, the work-room in which benzene or substances containing benzene are used shall be equipped with an efficient exhaust draught or other means for the removal of benzene vapours to prevent their escape into the air of the work -room so that the concentration of benzene in the air does not exceed 25 parts per million by volume or 80 milligrams per cubicmeter. (3) Air analysis for the measurement of concentration of benzene vapour in air shall be carried out every 8 hours or at such intervals as may be directed by the Chief Inspector at places where process involving use of benzene is carried on and the result of such analysis shall be recorded in a register specially maintained for this purpose. If the concentration of benzene vapours in air as measured by air analysis, exceeds 25 parts per million by volume or 80 miligrarnes per cubicmeter, the Manager shall forthwith report the concentration to the Chief Inspector stating the reasons for such increase. (4) Workers who for special reasons are likely to be exposed to concentration of benzene in the air of the work-room exceeding the maximum referred to in sub-paragraph (2) shall be provided with suitable respirators or face mask The duration of such exposure shall be limited as far as possible. 5. Measures against skin contact.- {1) Workers who are likely to come in contact with liquid benzene or liquid substances containing benzene shall be provided with suitable gloves, aprons, boots and where necessary vapour light chemical goggles, made of material not effected by benzene or its vapours. (2) The protective wear referred to in sub-paragraph (1) shall be maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. 6. Prohibition relating to employment of women and young No woman or young person shall be employed or permitted to work-room involving exposure to benzene or substances containing 7. Labelling.- Every container holding benzene or substances contaning benzene shall have the word "Benzene" and approved danger symbols clearly visible on it and shall also display information on benzene content, warnin about toxicity and warning about inflammability of the chemical. 8. Improper use of benezene-'.- (1.) The use of benzene or substances containing benzene by workers for cleaning their hands or their work clothing shall be prohibited. (2) Workers shall be instructed on the possible dangers arising from such misuse. 9. Prohibition of consuming food etc. in work-rooms.- No worker shall be allowed to store or consume food or drink in the work-room in which benzene or substances containing benzene are manufactured, handled or used. Smoking and chewing tobacco or pan shall be pohibited in such work-rooms. 10. Instructions as regards risks.- Every worker on his first employment shall be fully instructed on the properties of benzene or substances containing benzene which he has to handle and of the dangers involved workers shall also be instructed on the measures to be taken to deal with it in an emergency. 11. Cautionary notices.- Cautionary notices in the form specified in the appendix and printed in the language easily read and understood by the majority of the workers shall be displayed in prominent places in the work-room where benzene or substances containing benzene are manufactured, handled or used. 12. Washing facilities, cloak-room and mess-room.- In factories in which benzene or substances containing benzene are manufactured, handled or used, the occupier shall provide and maintain in a clean state and in good repair- (a) washing facilities under cover, of the standard of at least one tap for every 10 persons having constant supply of water with soap, and a clean towel provided individually to each worker if so ordered by the Inspector; (b) a cloak-room with lockers for each workers, having two compartments--one for street.- clothing and one for work-clothing; and (c) a mess-room furnished with tables and benches with means for warming food, provided that where a canteen or other proper arrangements exit for the workers to take their meals, the requirements of mess-room shall be dispensed with. 13. Medical examination.- (1) Every worker who is to be employed in process involving use of benzene or substances containing benzene, shall undergo- (a) a thorough pre-employment medical examination including a blood test for fitness for employment by a Certifying Surgeon; and (b) periodical medical examination including blood test and other biological tests at intervals of every six months by the factory medic officer with the assistance of a laboratory. (2) Certificate of pre-employment medical examination and periodic medical examination including tests, shall be entered in a health register in Form 6, which shall be produced on demand by an Inspector. (3) (a) If the factory medical officer on examination at any time is of the opinion that any worker has developed signs or symptoms or benzene exposure, he shall make a record of his finding in the said register and inform the manager in writing. (b) On receipt of the information from the factory medical officer, the Manager of the factory shall send the worker so found expose, to the Certifying Surgeon who shall, after satisfying himself with the finding of the factory medical officer and conducting necessary examinations, issue orders of temporary shifting of the worker or suspension of the worker in the process. (4) The medical examination shall be arranged by the occupier or manger of the factory and the worker so examined shall not bear any expenses for it. APPENDIX CAUTIONARY NOTICE Benzene and substances containing benzene 1. Harards (a) Benzene and substances containing benzene are harmful. (b) Prolonged or repeated breathing of benzene vapours may result in acute or chronic poisoning. (c) Benzene can also be absobed through skin which may cause skin and other diseases. 2. Preventive measures (a) Avoid breathing of benzene vapours. (b) Avoid prolonged or repeated contact of benzene with the skin. (c) Remove benzene soaked or wet clothing promptly. (d) If anytime you are exposed to high concentration of benzene vapours and exhibit signs and symptoms such as dizziness, difficult in breathing, excessive excitation and losing of consciousness, immediately inform your factory manager. (e) Keep all the containers of benzene closed. (f) Handle, use and process benzene and substances containing benzene carefully in order to prevent their spillage on floor. (g) Maintain good housekeeping. 3. Protective equipment (a) Use respiratory protective equipment in places where vapours are present in high concentration. (b) In emergency, use self-generating oxygen mask or oxygen cylinder masks. (c) Wear hand gloves, aprons, goggles and gum boots to avoid contact of benzene with your skin and body part. 4. First-aid measures in case of acute benzene poisoning- (a) Remove the clothing immediately if it is wetted with benzene. (b) If liquid benzene enters eyes, flush thoroughly for at least 15 minutes with clean running water and immediately secure medical attention. (c) In case of unusual exposure to benzene vapour, call a physician immediately. Until he arrives do the following:- (i) If the exposed person is conscious- (aa) Move him to fresh air in open. (bb) Lay him down without a pillow and keep him quiet and warm. (ii) If the exposed person is unconscious- (aa) Lay him down preferably on the left side with the head low. (bb) Remove any false teeth, chewing-gum, tobacco or other foreign objects which may be in his mouth. (cc) Provide him artificial respiration in case difficulty is being experienced in breathing. (dd) In case of shallow breathing or cyanosis (blueness of skin, lips, ears, finger nail beds), he should be provided with medical oxygen or oxygen carbon dioxide mixture. If needed, he should be given artificial respiration. Oxygen I should be administered by a trained person only. | 
