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.,. Physical: No one is allowed to enter a trench or tank excavation deeper than five feet. - Watch out for heavy equipment. - Contact with dry ice may cause burns. Chemical: The primary route of entry for aromatic hydrocarbons is through the lungs. Inhalation of aromatic hydrocarbons causes Central Nervous System depression and can lead to other effects such as damage to the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow. Vapors can also be absorbed through the skin. Prolonged exposure to the vapors can cause defatting of the skin and dermatitis. Gasoline and Diesel Fuels: Gasoline is a complex blend of petroleum hydrocarbons and is primarily composed of paraffins, napthenes, aromatics, and oleins. Gasoline is a colorless to red liquid with a petroleum odor. It is a flammable liquid with high volatility and its vapors are more dense than air. The eight hour Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for inhalation of gasoline vapors recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists is 300 ppm and the Short Term Exposure limit (STEL) is 500 ppm. The inhalation of petroleum fuels may lead to dizziness, excitement, drowsiness, and a lack of coordination. In open areas, ventilation is usually adequate to minimize prolonged breathing of high gasoline vapor concentrations.Gasoline containing BTEX may be partially carcinogenic in laboratory animals. A hazard assessment of these compounds is listed below. When certain proportions of a combustible vapor are mixed with air and a source of ignitions is present, an explosion can occur. The explosive range of gasoline concentrations is 1.4% to 8%. The lowest percentage at which an explosion will occur is the Lower Explosion Limit (LEL.) Gasoline has a flash point of -45 degrees C or -49 F. Extreme caution must be taken to prevent sources of ignition from coming in contact with gasoline vapors.