Attention Marine Chemists:
Important U.S. Coast Guard Update on Benzene Policy
To all Certificated Marine Chemists, Trainees, and industry partners, please be advised of an immediate policy change issued by the U.S. Coast Guard concerning benzene exposure limits. This update is critical for ensuring the health and safety of USCG personnel during vessel inspections.
On June 25, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard announced its adoption of the new American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold for benzene.
Summary of Key Changes:
New Exposure Limit: The Threshold Limit Value-Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) for benzene has been significantly lowered from 0.5 ppm to 0.02 ppm.
STEL Eliminated: The Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) for benzene has been eliminated.
Entry Requirements: U.S. Coast Guard personnel are not authorized to enter any confined space that has carried or may contain benzene without a Marine Chemist’s Certificate that specifically states the benzene concentration is below 0.02 ppm.
Updated Procedures for Marine Chemists:
You must verify the vessel’s previous three cargoes for the presence of benzene.
Atmosphere testing equipment must be capable of detecting benzene at the new 0.02 ppm threshold. Your customers will also need this equipment to maintain the certificate.
The specific benzene concentration value must be recorded on the Marine Chemist’s Certificate.
These changes are effective immediately and are required to protect personnel from the carcinogenic risks associated with benzene. We urge you to notify your customers of these new requirements.
For complete details, please review the official memo.