Eliminate all ignition sources (e.g. sparks, open flames, hot surfaces). Immediately report leaks, spills or ventilation failures. Unprotected persons should avoid all contact with this chemical including contaminated equipment. Consider using closed handling systems for processes involving this material. If a closed handling system is not possible use in the smallest possible amounts in a well ventilated area separate from the storage area. Avoid generating vapors or mists. Prevent the release of vapors and mists into the workplace air.

Keep away from heat. Post NO SMOKING signs. It is very important to keep areas where this material is used clear of other materials which can burn. Liquid can accumulate charge. Increase conductivity with additive designed for that purpose, reduce flow rate in transfer operations, increase time the liquid remains in transfer piping and/or handle at lower temperature. Electrically ground all drums, transfer vessels, hoses and piping. Ground clips must contact bare metal. When dispensing in other than a closed system, ensure dispensing container is bonded to receiving transfer equipment and container. Never perform any welding, cutting, soldering, drilling or other hot work on an empty vessel, container or piping until all liquid and vapors have been cleared. To reduce the fire/explosion hazard, consider the use of an inert gas in the container or storage vessel. Use non-sparking ventilation systems, approved explosion-proof equipment and intrinsically safe electrical systems in areas of use. Keep aisles and exits free of obstruction. For large scale operations, consider the installation of leak and fire detection equipment along with a suitable, automatic fire suppression system.

Do not use with incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents (e.g. peroxides, nitrates and perchlorates). These can increase the risk of fire and explosion.

Inspect containers for leaks before handling. Stand upwind of all opening, pouring and mixing operations. To avoid splashing, carefully dispense into sturdy containers made of compatible materials. Never transfer liquids by pressurizing the original shipping containers with air or inert gas. Do not dispense in storage area unless dispensing area is segregated by fire-resistant construction. Only use portable containers and dispensing equipment (faucet, pump, drip can) approved for flammable liquids. Never return contaminated material to its original container. Label containers. Keep containers closed when not in use. Avoid damaging containers. Assume that empty containers may contain hazardous residues.

Follow handling precautions on Material Safety Data Sheet. Practice good housekeeping. Maintain handling equipment in good, operating condition. Comply with applicable regulations.

Respiratory Protection

Conditions for respirator use

Good industrial hygiene practice requires that engineering controls be used where feasible to reduce workplace concentrations of hazardous materials to the prescribed exposure limit. However, some situations may require the use of respirators to control exposure. Respirators must be worn if the ambient concentration of xylene exceeds prescribed exposure limits. Respirators may be used (1) before engineering controls have been installed, (2) during work operations such as maintenance or repair activities that involve unknown exposures, (3) during operations that require entry into tanks or closed vessels, and (4) during emergency situations. If the use of respirators is necessary, the only respirators permitted are those that have been approved by NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

Respiratory protection program

Employers should institute a complete respiratory protection program. Such a program must include respirator selection, an evaluation of the worker's ability to perform the work while wearing a respirator, the regular training of personnel, fit testing, periodic workplace monitoring, and regular respirator maintenance, inspection, and cleaning. The implementation of an adequate respiratory protection program (including selection of the correct respirator) requires that a knowledgeable person be in charge of the program and that the program be evaluated regularly. For additional information on the selection and use of respirators and on the medical screening of respirator users, consult the NIOSH Respirator Decision Logic [NIOSH 1987c] and the NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection [NIOSH 1987a].

Table 1 lists the respiratory protection that NIOSH recommends for workers exposed to xylene. The recommended protection may vary over time because of changes in the exposure limit for xylene or in respirator certification requirements. Users are therefore advised to determine periodically whether new information is available.

Personal Protective Equipment

Protective clothing should be worn to prevent skin contact with xylene. Impervious gloves, boots, aprons, gauntlets, and other protective clothing are recommended for use as necessary. Chemical protective clothing should be selected on the basis of available performance data, manufacturers' recommendations, and evaluation of the clothing under actual conditions of use. The following materials have been recommended for use against permeation by xylene and may provide protection for periods greater than 8 hours: polyvinyl alcohol and Viton. Materials that may withstand permeation for more than 4 but fewer than 8 hours are Teflon and polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol [Forsberg and Mansdorf 1989, p. 46]. Natural rubber, butyl rubber, neoprene, a nitrile rubber and polyvinyl chloride mixture, nitrile rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and a neoprene and natural rubber mixture have demonstrated poor resistance to permeation by xylene.

If xylene is dissolved in an organic solvent, the permeation properties of both the solvent and the mixture must be considered when selecting personal protective equipment and clothing.

Safety glasses, goggles, or faceshields should be worn during operations in which xylene might contact the eyes (e.g., through splashes of solution). Eyewash fountains and emergency showers should be available within the immediate work area whenever the potential exists for eye or skin contact with xylene. Contact lenses should not be worn if the potential exists for xylene exposure.