Laboratory Standard Operating Procedure for:
Benzene
Description
This standard operating procedure outlines the handling and use of benzene. Review this document and supply the
information required in order to make it specific to your laboratory. Describe the process, concentration, quantity
required and approximate frequency of use.
In accordance with this document, laboratories should use appropriate controls, personal protective equipment, and
disposal techniques when handling benzene.
Benzene (CAS # 71-43-2) is a colorless liquid with a sweet, aromatic (“gasoline-like”) odor that can be detected as low as
34 ppm (odor threshold). It is often used in the manufacture of many organic chemicals and as a solvent for waxes,
resins, etc. It is a natural component of gasoline and crude oil.
Synonyms include: Benzol, benzole, benzolene, coal naptha, cyclohexatriene, phenyl hydride, pyrobenzol
Useful Benzene Links:
 MIOSHA Standard Part 311 – Benzene
o http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_WSH_part311_35617_7.pdf
 CDC Facts About Benzene
o http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp
 U.S. National Library of Medicine Toxnet - Benzene
o http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@rn+71-43-2
Potential Hazards
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Benzene is a confirmed human carcinogen.
Long-term exposure to benzene harms bone marrow and causes a decrease in red blood cell production, leading
to anemia. It can also damage the immune system by changing blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of
white blood cells.
Inhaling high doses of benzene can acutely affect the nervous system, which can lead to drowsiness, dizziness,
headaches, tremors, confusion, and/or unconsciousness.
Direct exposure to the eyes, skin or lungs can cause tissue injury and irritation.
Benzene liquid and vapor are highly flammable.
Consult the SDS for benzene as well as the links above for more information.
Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs):
 MIOSHA: 1 ppm, 8-hour PEL
 MIOSHA: 5 ppm, 15-minute STEL
Engineering Controls
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Work with open containers of benzene must be conducted only in a fume hood.
Depending on the material’s pH or based on its ability to cause severe tissue damage, the location of the
emergency shower and/or emergency eyewash shall be within 25 feet from the hazardous operation, on the
same level, easily accessible (no obstacles, closeable doorways or turns), clearly marked and well-lighted. Refer
to the MIOSHA Fact Sheet for Eyewashes and Safety Showers:
(http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dleg/eyewash_292559_7.pdf)
Work Practice Controls
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Designate an area for working with benzene, and label it as such.
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Revision Date: 9/15/2014
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Keep containers closed as much as possible. Handle open containers only in a chemical fume hood.
Use the smallest practical quantities for the experiment being performed.
Typical laboratory use of benzene should not put employees at risk of overexposure but labs using large
amounts of benzene should contact OSEH at (734) 647-1143 for an exposure assessment.
Once work with benzene is complete, wipe down work area with soap and water solution.
Keep away from ignition sources.
Benzene reacts exothermically with strong oxidizers and metals.
Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas where benzene or other chemicals are
used.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Immediately remove any clothing that becomes contaminated with benzene.
Benzene readily penetrates through standard nitrile, natural rubber and polyvinyl chloride laboratory gloves.
Therefore, Viton, Neoprene or polyethylene vinyl alcohol (PVA) gloves are recommended. Check the
manufacturers glove compatibility charts for specific breakthrough times when selecting a glove.
Use disposable gloves beneath the Viton, Neoprene or PVA gloves. If working with minimal (i.e. milliliter)
quantities of benzene, wearing two pair of disposable gloves may be adequate for incidental splash protection.
Should any benzene splash on the gloves, remove and discard them in a hazardous waste container, wash hands
and re-glove.
Safety goggles must be worn when a splash hazard exists; safety glasses with side shields (both that meet the
requirements of ANSI/ISEA Z87.1) are required at a minimum when benzene is used in a closed system.
A laboratory coat must be worn when working with chemicals. A chemically resistant apron should be used if
transferring or using large quantities of benzene in open containers.
Also refer to OSEH’s Glove Compatibility Charts website:
o http://www.oseh.umich.edu/research/glovecompatibility.shtml.
Transportation and Storage
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Transport benzene in secondary containment, preferably a polyethylene or other non-reactive acid/solvent
bottle carrier.
Keep container in a flammable liquid storage cabinet.
Keep container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use.
Avoid heat and ignition sources.
Waste Disposal
Most spent, unused, and expired materials are considered hazardous wastes and must be collected and disposed of
within 90-days by OSEH Hazardous Materials Management (HMM). Contact OSEH-HMM at (734) 763-4568 for waste
containers, labels, manifests, waste collection and for any questions regarding proper waste disposal. Also refer to
OSEH’s Hazardous Waste website (http://www.oseh.umich.edu/hazmats/chemical.shtml) for more information.
Exposures/Unintended Contact
If the employee is in need of emergency medical attention, call 911 immediately.
In general, flush affected eyes or skin with water for at least 15 minutes, then seek medical attention (see below).
 Eyes: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact
lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Get medical aid.
 Skin: In case of contact, remove contaminated clothing and shoes; wash skin with plenty of soap and water.
Any clothing that has to be pulled over the head should be cut off the body instead of pulled over the head. Get
medical aid if irritation develops and persists. Clothing contaminated with benzene cannot be washed and will
need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Wearing gloves, place the clothing inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag
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and then seal that bag inside another plastic bag. Place the bags into a plastic pail, affix a hazardous waste label
and contact OSEH-HMM at (734) 763-4568 for a pickup of the waste.
Ingestion: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give
oxygen. Get medical aid.
If there is any doubt about the severity of the injury, seek immediate medical attention.
Contact OSEH for advice on symptoms of chemical exposure, or assistance in performing an exposure assessment.
Report all work related accidents, injuries, illnesses or exposures to WorkConnections within 24 hours by completing and
submitting the Illness and Injury Report Form (https://www.workconnections.umich.edu/illnessorinjury.php). Follow the
directions on the WorkConnections website for “Forms Instructions” (http://www.umich.edu/~connect/forms.htm) to
obtain proper medical treatment and follow-up.
Complete the OSEH Laboratory Incident and Near-Miss Report form (http://www.oseh.umich.edu/pdf/IncidentNearMissReportingForm.pdf).
TREATMENT FACILITIES:
U-M Occupational Health Services -- Campus Employees
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
After hours - go to UM Hospital Emergency Dept. – Urgent Care Clinic
C380 Med Inn building
1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8021
University Health Services -- University students (non-life threatening conditions)
Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 9 am – 12 pm
Contact for current hours as they may vary
207 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8320
UMHS Emergency Department -- after clinic hours or on weekends
1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, (734) 936-6666
For more information click here (http://www.oseh.umich.edu/emer-injury.shtml).
Spill Procedures
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When a spill occurs, personal safety should always come first.
Alert and clear everyone in the immediate area where the spill occurred.
A minor (small) chemical spill is one that the laboratory staff is capable of handling safely without the assistance of
safety and emergency personnel, i.e., (less than 1 Gallon or 3.5 Liters, inside a fume hood). A major (large) chemical
spill requires active assistance from emergency personnel. Do not attempt to clean up a benzene spill that occurs
outside a fume hood, or a major spill.
Spill Response Steps:
MINOR CHEMICAL SPILL INSIDE A FUME HOOD
 Alert people in immediate area of spill.
 Open outside windows, if possible.
 Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) as indicated above.
 Avoid breathing vapors from spill.
 Confine spill to as small an area as possible.
 Do not wash spill down the drain.
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Use appropriate spill kits/sorbents to absorb spill. Collect contaminated materials and residues and place in
container. Contact OSEH-HMM (734) 763-4568 for proper disposal.
Clean spill area with soap and water.
MAJOR CHEMICAL SPILL
Report large chemical spills (greater than 1 Gallon or 3.5 Liters) in corridors or common areas, e.g., hallways, elevators,
eating areas, rest rooms, offices, etc., to UM’s Police Department (UMPD) at (734) 763-1131 (or 911).
 Attend to injured or contaminated persons and remove them from exposure.
 Alert people in the laboratory to evacuate.
 Since benzene is flammable, turn off ignition and heat sources. Don’t light bunsen burners or turn on other
switches.
 Call UMPD at 911 immediately for assistance.
 Close doors to affected area.
 Post warnings to keep people from entering the area.
 Have person available that has knowledge of incident and laboratory to assist emergency personnel.
Additional Spill Links:
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www.oseh.umich.edu/pdf/chemspil.pdf
http://www.oseh.umich.edu/emer-chemical.shtml.
Report all emergencies, suspicious activity, injuries, spills, and fires to the University of Michigan Division of Public
Safety and Security (DPSS) by calling 911 or texting 377911. Register with the University of Michigan Emergency Alert
System via Wolverine Access.
Training of Personnel
All personnel are required to complete the General Laboratory Safety Training session (BLS025w or equivalent) via
OSEH’s My LINC website. Furthermore, all personnel shall read and fully adhere to this SOP when handling benzene.
Certification
I have read and understand the above SOP. I agree to contact my Supervisor or Lab manager if I plan to modify this
procedure.
Name
Signature
UM ID #
Date
Prior Approval required – Is this procedure hazardous enough to warrant prior approval from the Principal
Investigator?
☐ YES
☐ NO
Principal Investigator
Revision Date
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