Petro-Chemical Industries
A hazardous process listed in the First Schedule to the Factories Act 1948 (s.2(cb)).
Typical industries: Crackers and downstream units making olefins, aromatics, monomers and polymers.
Principal hazards
- Benzene, butadiene, vinyl chloride, ethylene oxide and other carcinogenic monomers
- Flammable/explosive gases and liquids
- Toxic and reactive intermediates; high pressure/temperature
Health effects
Leukaemia/lymphoma (benzene, butadiene), angiosarcoma of liver (vinyl chloride), cancers and reproductive effects (ethylene oxide), chemical burns, asphyxiation, blast/burn injuries.
Key engineering controls
Fully closed and automated DCS-controlled plant; continuous toxic- and flammable-gas detection; LDAR; emergency shutdown and blowdown/flare systems; exposure monitoring for carcinogens; restricted-access enclosure of high-hazard units.
PPE
- Air-fed / supplied-air respirators or escape sets
- FR anti-static chemical suits and gloves
- Face shields/goggles
- Personal multi-gas monitors
- Safety footwear
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.