Benzene (manufacture, handling and use of benzene and substances containing benzene)

A dangerous operation declared under Section 87 of the Factories Act 1948 — Rule 114(1) item 20 · Schedule XX.

Medical surveillance (statutory)

Sch XX para 13: every worker undergoes (i) a thorough pre-employment exam including a blood test by the Medical Inspector / Certifying Surgeon, and (ii) periodical exam including blood test and other biological tests at intervals of every 6 months by the Factory Medical Officer with laboratory assistance. Record in Health Register Form 7; CS may grant a certificate in Form 23.

Hazard & health effects

Agent: Benzene (and benzene-containing substances, typically >1% by volume)

Health effects: Bone-marrow toxicity, aplastic anaemia, pancytopenia; acute myeloid leukaemia (confirmed human carcinogen).

Controls & PPE

Engineering controls: Closed systems and substitution; LEV; air monitoring; periodic blood counts and biological monitoring (urinary metabolites); leak control.

PPE: Respiratory protection; chemical-resistant gloves (benzene absorbs through skin); eye protection.

This page is a statutory / occupational-health reference for factory Occupational Health Centres. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify against the current bare Act, Rules and your State amendments before acting.