Sanitation

Clothing that is contaminated with benzene should be removed immediately and put into sealed containers for storage until it can be discarded or cleaned. If the clothing is laundered or cleaned, the person performing the cleaning should be informed of benzene's hazardous properties. Reusable clothing and equipment should be checked for residual contamination before reuse or storage.

Employers must provide a changing room with showers, washing facilities, and lockers that allow workers to keep their street clothes separate from their work clothes. Workers should be required to shower following every work shift, and employers should provide clean work clothes daily. Workers who handle benzene should wash their faces, hands, and forearms thoroughly with soap and water before eating, smoking, or using restrooms.

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