Occupational Hazard Regulations for the Crude Benzene Processing Unit

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Regulations on Occupational Hazards in the Crude Benzene Processing Section I. Hazards of crude benzene: Crude benzene is one of the products obtained from the crude gas generated by coal pyrolysis. The coke oven gas after ammonia removal contains benzene compounds, with benzene being the main component; hence it is called crude benzene. It can be seen that crude benzene poses similar hazards to humans as benzene. 　 Benzene is a colorless, toxic liquid with a distinctive aromatic odor; it is miscible with alcohols, ethers, acetone, and carbon tetrachloride, and slightly soluble in water. Benzene is volatile and flammable, and its vapors are explosive. Regular exposure to benzene can cause the skin to become dry due to loss of fat, leading to peeling; in some cases, allergic eczema may develop. The World Health Organization has classified benzene as a strong carcinogen; long-term exposure to it can damage the body’s circulatory system and blood-forming functions, leading to leukemia. Furthermore, women are particularly sensitive to the effects of benzene inhalation; long-term exposure to benzene during pregnancy can lead to fetal malformations and miscarriages. Experts call it a “fragrance killer”. Currently, there are only three methods to prevent benzene poisoning: 1) improving the manufacturing process; 2) enhancing ventilation to improve the working environment; 3) paying attention to personal protection. For individuals, the easiest thing to do is the third option: avoid exposure to such environments, monitor the working environment, and address any issues that arise immediately. Industry professionals follow the prescribed procedures and undergo regular health check-ups. II. Preventive measures against occupational hazards (1) In areas where equipment is used to handle crude benzene, safety regulations must be strictly followed; protective clothing must be worn as required, along with personal protective equipment such as gas masks, safety glasses, and gloves. (II) Smoking, eating, or drinking is prohibited in areas and near equipment where benzene vapor is present. (III) Employees who are exposed to harmful gases should take a bath after work. Work uniforms must be stored separately and washed regularly; it is strictly prohibited to take them to other places or home. (IV) Ventilation, exhaust, and dust removal equipment, as well as local exhaust systems, are managed through assigned personnel and specific job responsibilities; they are turned on and off at set times, and operations must be carried out strictly in accordance with established regulations. (V) A health check-up for all employees shall be conducted once a year; for those working in areas where hazardous gases are present, health checks shall be carried out both before starting work and after leaving the job. 3. Labor protection and occupational health management system 1. General provisions 1.1 This system is established in order to properly implement the relevant provisions of the Labor Law, protect the health of employees during their work, and prevent exposure to toxic and harmful substances. 1.2 This system includes a staff health care management system, a management and distribution system for protective equipment, a system for approving and issuing health and nutrition allowances to employees, and a system for regular medical examinations of employees, those in special types of work, and those exposed to hazardous conditions. 1.3 This regulation applies to the operators in the crude benzene section of our plant. 2. Employee health management system 2.1 Position operators: the main group engaged in productive labor. This system is established to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of employees, reduce the special difficulties they face at work due to health issues, and protect their health. 2.2 Given that most employees in these positions work on the production front line, health checks must be conducted for them every year, and health records should be kept. If the disease is detected, treatment should be administered promptly. 2.3 During their menstrual periods, pregnancies, or while breastfeeding, female workers shall not be assigned tasks that fall under the specified third level of physical strain, nor any tasks that are prohibited during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Their working hours shall not be extended beyond normal working days, and they should generally not be assigned night shifts. 2.4 It is prohibited to reduce the basic salary of female workers during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, or to terminate their employment contracts. 2.5 Pregnant female employees shall be given appropriate rest time during working hours, and prenatal examinations conducted during working hours shall be counted as part of the working time. 2.6 Employees have the right to file a complaint with the municipal labor bureau when their rights regarding labor protection are violated ； The department responsible for handling complaints shall make a decision within 30 days from the date of receipt of the complaint ； If an employee is dissatisfied with the handling decision, they may file a lawsuit with the people’s court within 15 days from the date of receiving the decision. 3. Management and Distribution System for Personal Protective Equipment 3.1 To strengthen the management of personal protective equipment, reduce and eliminate occupational hazards, and prevent accidents and injuries, this system is formulated in accordance with **relevant laws and administrative regulations, taking into account the actual conditions of our factory. 3.2 Personal protective equipment and testing instruments for labor protection must meet the **specified standards. Special protective equipment and labor protection testing instruments must be products that have passed the inspection by labor protection supervision agencies and the testing units designated by them. 3.3 According to the nature of work and working conditions for different types of jobs, provide operators with complete and appropriate personal protective equipment ； For special protective equipment, relevant departments should be organized to conduct regular inspections, and any equipment that fails the tests or has become ineffective must be replaced. 3.4 It is prohibited to resell the issued personal protective equipment. 3.5 In areas where crude benzene is present and in locations where there is a risk of static electricity, it is strictly prohibited to wear synthetic fiber protective gear or shoes with nails. 3.6 All operators shall strive to keep special protective equipment in good condition, safe and reliable, and it is strictly prohibited to use such equipment for other purposes. 3.7 Employees shall wear and use personal protective equipment correctly in accordance with the specified requirements. Appendix: Scope of distribution, useful life, and eligible recipients for personal protective equipment. Serial Number | Item | Usage Period | Quantity | Beneficiaries
01 | Work uniforms | 1 month | 2 pieces | All employees in the crude benzene section
02 | Safety helmets | 12 months | 1 piece | All employees in the crude benzene section
03 | Glued gloves | 1 month | 1 pair | All employees in the crude benzene section
04 | Rubber gloves | 1 month | 1 pair | All employees in the crude benzene section
05 | Protective shoes | 12 months | 1 pair | All employees in the crude benzene section
06 | Gas masks | 1 month | 1 piece | All employees in the crude benzene section