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exposures will typically result in signs of central nervous system disturbances . While the <br /> degree of disturbance varies with each compound , common symptoms of exposure are <br /> disorientation , euphoria, giddiness , and confusion . Most hydrocarbons are also very lipid <br /> soluble , which enables them to penetrate the skin easily, which can result in potential <br /> dermatitis conditions . <br /> Benzene is a colorless liquid with an aromatic odor and is considered a human <br /> carcinogen . Exposure to benzene can result in the irritation of the eyes , nose, and <br /> respiratory system . Prolonged exposure can result in giddiness , headache , and lassitude . <br /> Dermal exposure can 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 . <br /> Workers are required to wear appropriate respiratory protection for exposures to benzene <br /> in excess of 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 <br /> tank cleaning and removal operations . Health hazards associated with toluene exposure <br /> include ; irritation of the eyes and nose , fatigue , weakness , confusion, dizziness , <br /> headache , dilated pupils , lacrimation, muscle fatigue, insomnia, paresthesia, and <br /> dermatitis . Long-term (chronic) exposure can result in liver and kidney damage . <br /> Workers must be instructed to prevent skin and eye contact, and avoid breathing vapors . <br /> The OSHA PEL for toluene is 200 PPM, averaged over an eight- ( 8) hour workday . The <br /> ceiling limit for toluene exposure is 300 PPM, and the ten ( 10) minute peak exposure is <br /> 500 PPM . Toluene , in its pure form, is a colorless flammable liquid with a sweet pungent, <br /> benzene-like odor . <br /> Personal protective equipment (PPE) for prevention of toluene exposure to workers at <br /> this job site , if detected , includes they use a half or full-face air purifying respirator <br /> equipped with organic vapor cartridges . Skin exposure can be prevented by the use of <br /> rubber or nitrile gloves , boots . <br /> PHYSICAL HAZARDS <br /> Hazards associated with AST installation activities most commonly are generated with <br /> the operation of heavy equipment, which produces elevated levels of noise , and may <br /> induce dust into the air . To reduce the risk of noise during the operations , field personnel <br /> will wear earplugs when necessary . Should dust pose a hazard , particulate filter dust <br /> masks rated as N95 are to be worn . Additionally, the following procedures will be <br /> followed during work activities : the AST area is to be inspected for hazards before work <br /> begins ; personnel , other than the equipment operator and his helpers , are to stay clear of <br /> the equipment; the operator will be in/on the equipment at all times when the equipment <br /> is running; all equipment will be safely stored/racked ; Lifting equipment, at all times , <br /> will be in good and operable condition-malfunctioning equipment will not be used, or the <br /> operation will be stopped for repair of equipment . <br />