Hazardous Substances
Benzene Awareness
on Construction Sites
on Construction Sites
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1128 · IARC Group 1 Carcinogen · PEL 1 ppm · Action Level 0.5 ppm
Benzene is a component of petroleum products found on virtually every NYC construction site — gasoline, diesel fuel, some adhesives, and some degreasers. It is an IARC Group 1 human carcinogen that causes acute myelogenous leukemia and other blood cancers. OSHA's permissible exposure limit is 1 part per million — a trace concentration. Workers exposed chronically to benzene-containing products without engineering controls and PPE face a meaningful cancer risk over a career.
Where Benzene Exposure Occurs on Construction Sites
- Fuel handling: gasoline contains 0.5–2.5% benzene by volume. Workers who regularly handle gasoline (refueling generators, transferring fuel) have meaningful exposure if not controlled
- Diesel exhaust: diesel exhaust contains benzene as a combustion byproduct — working near running generators or equipment in enclosed spaces
- Some adhesives and coatings: check SDS Section 2 for benzene content in any solvent-based product before use
- Asphalt: hot asphalt fumes contain benzene — roofing torch work and asphalt paving in enclosed areas
Controls
- Engineering: never handle gasoline or benzene-containing products in enclosed spaces without forced ventilation
- Fuel handling: use closed containers and prevent spills. Fill generators outdoors or in a well-ventilated area only
- Ventilation for diesel equipment: never run generators or diesel equipment in enclosed construction sites without exhaust venting to the exterior
- Respiratory: if engineering controls cannot reduce exposure below the action level (0.5 ppm): half-face respirator with OV cartridge required
SDS Section 2 — Chemical Identification
- Always check Section 2 (Hazard Identification) and Section 3 (Composition) of the SDS for any petroleum-based solvent product
- Benzene content above 0.1% by weight triggers the OSHA 1926.1128 standard
- If a product contains benzene: follow specific SDS handling instructions and use appropriate ventilation and PPE
Discussion Questions
- What type of cancer is benzene most strongly associated with?
- You are refueling a generator inside a partially enclosed building. Why is this a benzene exposure concern and what must you do?
- Where do you look in the SDS to determine if a product contains benzene?
- What is OSHA's action level for benzene exposure that requires additional controls?
Sign-Off
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Date
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Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
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