Title 46

SECTION 197.565

197.565 Notifying personnel of benzene hazards.

§ 197.565 Notifying personnel of benzene hazards.

(a) Material safety data sheet. A material safety data sheet (MSDS) addressing benzene must be made available to all persons involved in the benzene operation. The MSDS must describe the physical and chemical characteristics, physical and health hazards, permissible exposure limits, precautions for safe handling and use, control measures such as personal protection equipment, and first aid procedures for benzene. A copy of appendices A and B of this subpart or a MSDS on benzene meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) is sufficient.

(b) Training. (1) All employees must be provided with training at the time of their initial assignment to a work area where benzene is present and, if exposures are above the action level, at least once a year thereafter. Employees transferring to a new work area must be provided with training specific to that new work area.

(2) The training must provide information on -

(i) Which operations on the vessel involve or may involve exposure to benzene;

(ii) The methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of benzene;

(iii) The physical and health hazards associated with exposure to benzene;

(iv) The measures that may be taken and the equipment that may be used to protect persons from the hazards of benzene exposure;

(v) The proper selection, fitting, fit testing, and use of personal protective equipment in emergency situations;

(vi) The meaning of a regulated area and the means specified in § 197.535(c) to indicate a regulated area;

(vii) The contents of this subpart and of appendices A through E of this subpart and on where copies of this material are available; and

(viii) The medical surveillance program specified in § 197.560.

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