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Toluene / Toluol
Toluene Properties
Toluene Storage and Dispensing
Toluene Safety and Transportation
Toluene Disposal
Toluene Fire Safety
Toluene Safety
Contact your Regional Safety Representative for more specific information
concerning appropriate personal protective equipment.
Chemical goggles and face shield, and neoprene gloves shall be worn during
dispensing, mixing, hose and spray gun purging, and cleaning operations.
Monitoring data of employee exposure to toluene during pavement marking
operations has shown no overexposure during normal operations. Should
respiratory protection be required, the Department will supply a NIOSH approved
respirator with proper cartridges. Employees must receive clearance from a
physician before a respirator can be worn. Each employee assigned a respirator
is responsible for cleaning, disinfecting and maintenance of the equipment. Any
defect or broken component shall be reported to supervision, and the respirator
placed out of service until repaired, or discarded.
Toluene requires respirators with activated charcoal filters. Toluene has early
warning properties to alert respirator wearers of exposure at very low
concentrations. As soon as the odor of toluene enters the mask, cartridges shall
be replaced. Store cartridges in an airtight plastic bag to prevent the
activated charcoal from absorbing material from the room air and losing its
effectiveness.
Skin contact with toluene should be avoided. Hands and other skin areas shall
not be cleansed with toluene. Contaminated clothing resulting from a spill or
splash must be removed. After contact, skin must be washed with soap and water
or other suitable cleaner. Eyes must be flushed with clean water for at least 15
minutes after contact, and medical attention provided.
An adequate supply (minimum 5 gallons) of clean water, soap and paper towels
shall be provided on all pavement marking trucks. Water shall be changed
frequently. Eye wash kits shall also be readily available.
Transportation
Toluene shall be transported only in originally sealed containers or in approved
safety cans of 5 gallon capacity or less, or in truck mounted equipment designed
for transporting hazardous chemicals.
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