Communication of Hazards

Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers must comply with all requirements of the Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (section 5194) for benzene. The Hazard Communication Standard requires manufacturers or importers to classify the hazards of the chemicals that they produce or import. It also requires all employers to provide information, by means of a hazard communication program, labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and information and training, to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed.

At least the following hazards should be addressed when classifying the hazards of benzene:

• Cancer
• Central nervous system effects
• Blood effects
• Aspiration
• Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation
• Flammability

Employers should include benzene in their hazard communication program. Employers must also ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of benzene and to safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the requirements of Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and section 5218.

To learn more about Benzene Safety visit our Cal/OSHA Benzene Safety Online Training web page.