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HEALTH & SAFETY 2007 <br /> 6.1 HYDROCARBONS <br /> The following briefly summarizes the contaminant group of, and evidence of an individual's <br /> exposure to, hydrocarbons. Other contaminants may be identified during the site <br /> characterization. Various hydrocarbons are usual contaminants associated with underground <br /> storage tanks. In general, hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbon exposures will typically <br /> result in signs of central nervous system disturbances. While the degree of disturbance varies <br /> with each compound, common symptoms of exposure are disorientation, euphoria, giddiness, <br /> and confusion. Most hydrocarbons are also very lipid soluble, which enables them to <br /> penetrate the skin easily, which can result in potential dermatitis conditions. <br /> Benzene is a colorless liquid with an aromatic odor and is considered a human carcinogen. <br /> Exposure to benzene can result in the irritation of the eyes, nose, and respiratory system. <br /> Prolonged exposure can result in giddiness, headache, and lassitude. Dermal exposure can <br /> result in a dermatitis condition. <br /> Benzene is used in this HASP as a chemical of concern because of its known toxicity. <br /> Protecting a worker against benzene exposure should be considered conservative. <br /> Benzene is a known cancer-causing agent (carcinogen), avoid inhalation of vapors. Workers <br /> are required to wear appropriate respiratory protection for exposures to benzene in excess of <br /> the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 1 PPM. <br /> Toluene is a component of gasoline, which may pose a health risk to workers performing tank <br /> cleaning and removal operations. Health hazards associated with toluene exposure include; <br /> irritation of the eyes and nose, fatigue, weakness, confusion, dizziness, headache, dilated <br /> pupils, lacrimation, muscle fatigue, insomnia, paresthesia, and dermatitis. Long-term (chronic) <br /> exposure can result in liver and kidney damage. Workers must be instructed to prevent skin <br /> and eye contact, and avoid breathing vapors. The OSHA PEL for toluene is 200 PPM, averaged <br /> over an eight- (8) hour workday. The ceiling limit for toluene exposure is 300 PPM, and the <br /> ten (10) minute peak exposure is 500 PPM. Toluene, in its pure form, is a colorless flammable <br /> liquid with a sweet pungent, benzene-like odor. <br /> Personal protective equipment (PPE) for prevention of toluene exposure to workers at this job <br /> site, if detected, includes they use a half or full-face air purifying respirator equipped with <br /> organic vapor cartridges. Skin exposure can be prevented by the use of rubber or nitrile <br /> gloves, boots. <br /> 11/07/2005 revision 5 8 <br />