Benzene - Decontamination and First Aid

Important Notes

• Ambulance staff, paramedics and emergency department staff treating chemically-contaminated casualties should be equipped with Department of Health approved, gas-tight (Respirex) decontamination suits based on EN466:1995, EN12941:1998 and prEN943-1:2001, where appropriate.
• Decontamination should be performed using local protocols in designated areas such as a decontamination cubicle with adequate ventilation. 
• Flammability warning: prevent exposure to all sources of ignition such as naked flames, electrical equipment, oxidising chemicals and the smoking of tobacco products.

Dermal exposure^(a)

• Remove patient from exposure.
• The patient should remove all clothing and personal effects.
• Double-bag soiled clothing and place in a sealed container clearly labelled as a biohazard.
• Gently blot away any adherent liquid from the patient.
• Wash hair and all contaminated skin with copious amounts of water (preferably warm) and soap for at least 10-15 minutes. Decontaminate open wounds first and avoid contamination of unexposed skin.
• Pay special attention to skin folds, axillae, ears, fingernails, genital areas and feet.
• Observe for at least 4 hours after exposure.
• Monitor pulse, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, GCS and respiratory rate. Perform 12 lead ECG.
• Apply other measures according to the patient's clinical condition.

Ocular exposure^(b)

• Remove patient from exposure.
• Remove contact lenses if necessary and immediately irrigate the affected eye thoroughly with water or 0.9% saline for at least 10-15 minutes.
• Patients with corneal damage and those whose symptoms do not resolve rapidly should be referred for ophthalmological assessment.

Inhalation^(c)

• Remove patient from exposure.
• Ensure a clear airway and adequate ventilation.
• Give oxygen to symptomatic patients.
• Observe for at least 4 hours after exposure.
• Monitor pulse, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, GCS and respiratory rate. Perform 12 lead ECG.
• If the patient has clinical features of bronchospasm treat conventionally with nebulised bronchodilators.
• Apply other measures as indicated by the patient's clinical condition.
  

Ingestion^(d)

• Ensure a clear airway and adequate ventilation.
• Give oxygen to symptomatic patients.
• Gut decontamination is contraindicated because this may increase the risk of aspiration.
• Observe for at least 4 hours after exposure.
• Monitor pulse, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm, GCS and respiratory rate. Perform 12 lead ECG.
• Apply other measures as indicated by the patient's clinical condition.
  

 

References:

TOXBASE - http://www.toxbase.org

a. TOXBASE: Benzene - skin exposure, 2006.

b. TOXBASE: Chemicals splashed or sprayed into the eyes, 2007.

c. TOXBASE: Benzene - inhalation, 2006.

d. TOXBASE: Benzene - ingestion, 2006.

Health Effects       Toxicological Overview Key Points

Last reviewed: 15 October 2008