Benzene, Toluene and Xylene

Benzene, Toluene & Xylene

28-minute training video designed to provide training to emergency response personnel who may be called upon to respond to a leak, spill or a fire involving aromatic hydrocarbons.

"Benzene, Toluene & Xylene" is part of the HazChem Series

About aromatic hydrocarbons
Aromatic hydrocarbons, so named for their characteristic strong, sweet odor, are found in nature in volcanoes and wood fires. They are also produced commercially and have many industrial uses, most notably as a solvent for numerous materials and as a fuel additive. Among the businesses that make use of aromatic hydrocarbons are the rubber and insecticide industries, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and explosive manufacturers.

Benzene, toluene and xylene, the most widely used aromatic hydrocarbons, are very useful chemicals, however they are also extremely hazardous. Known to be both carcinogenic, some workers exposed long-term to benzene have been known to develop leukemia. These chemicals are also easily ignited, and while burning will produce carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Clearly it is essential that workers who must handle aromatic hydrocarbons be well trained in their hazard properties and safe handling techniques, and that emergency responders who must respond to an incident involving benzene, toluene or xylene be trained in proper response tactics.

About the film
"Benzene, Toluene & Xylene," seventh in the award winning HazChem Series, teaches the basic hazard properties of these chemicals as well as safety techniques for handling and emergency response. The film explains the symptoms of human exposure and warns about short and long term health effects. Environmental concerns are also covered, and the film offers some good information for controlling spills of these products in water supplies. Proper protective clothing for workers is discussed as well as safe storage procedures, including safety equipment, ventilation, fire protection systems and alarms, controlling sources of ignition, and diking of bulk tanks.

The film includes exciting footage of a true major incident involving aromatic hydrocarbons, and discusses how uncontrolled spills typically occur (failed equipment, accidents or improper connections during product transfer are most common). Emergency responders are taught that their first priority is to isolate and control the area, then to determine whether hazardous products

are involved. The film offers methods for identifying hazardous products, including UN and DOT labeling and markings, and tells what types of containers are typically used for storage and transport of benzene, toluene and xylene.

In the event of a leak or spill, the film stresses that it is most important to control all sources of ignition. In the case of fire, responders are told why it might be best to let it burn rather than attempt to extinguish, and the benefits of foam versus water for controlling vapors and flames. The film also stresses the importance of monitoring for toxic atmospheres, telling what equipment is needed and warning that it is important to continue monitoring throughout the entire incident.

Other topics covered include respiratory protection and protective clothing for leaks, spills and fires, controlling runoff, monitoring cleanup operations and decontamination procedures. (28 minutes)

About the HazChem Series
Each film in the HazChem Series focuses on a different product or group of products. Programs combine footage of actual incidents with action-packed, realistic training sequences. The films are designed to provide training to persons who are expected to respond to an emergency involving these hazardous materials.

HazChem films have been the winners of numerous awards for both filmmaking excellence and technical content. Among the honors received by HazChem programs are the prestigious Cine Golden Eagle award, the Society for Technical Communication Award of Excellence, the Telly Award, and the Silver Apple Award from the National Education Film and Video Festival.

28 minutes
Price: $395