Attention All Marine Chemists and Trainees:
At its recent meeting in New Orleans, LA the Marine Chemist Qualification Board (MCQB) discussed the current American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value® (TLV®) for benzene (CAS No. 71-43-2) with members of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). As you know, in January 2024, the ACGIH lowered its TLV® for benzene to 0.02 parts per million (ppm). Additionally, benzene now carries a skin notation, indicating that skin absorption creates an additional potential exposure to workers in addition to inhalation.
Please read the attached email. The following directive is presented in the attached memorandum:
When evaluating a space or an area that previously contained (or contains) a mixture or a product that includes benzene, the Marine Chemist’s Certificate shall include a test result for the concentration of benzene in the atmosphere, and not a test result for TPH or TVOC alone. This request applies to spaces or areas that may be entered by USCG personnel.
The documentation of the concentration of benzene in the atmosphere of a confined space or other work area where such an exposure may occur will enable the Coast Guard to adhere to the updated benzene TLV® and minimize the benzene exposure risk to Coast Guard personnel. The MCQB supports this request by the U.S. Coast Guard. Your cooperation in this matter – effective immediately – is appreciated.
Questions or comments regarding the content of the attached memorandum may be directed to my attention.
Sincerely,
Lawrence B. Russell
Principal Specialist | NFPA
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169-7471
+1 617 984-7499
www.nfpa.org