The Convention concerning Protection against Hazards of Poisoning Arising from Benzene was adopted in Geneva on 23 June 1971 by the International Labour Conference, 56th Session, opened on 2 June, the English and French texts being equally authentic. C136. Depositary: the Director-General of the International Labour Office. It is not an EPA fact sheet, nor C148 on the working environment. The ILO adoption formula is the register date.

Article 1: it applies to activities involving exposure of workers to benzene and to products whose content exceeds the prescribed threshold. Article 2, at framework level: whenever less harmful substitutes are available, they shall be used instead; the exceptions (production, synthesis, motor fuel, laboratory) remain those in the text and are not transcribed as a use handbook. Article 3: temporary derogations by the competent authority after consultation with representative organisations. Chemical formulae, concentration ceilings and measurement procedures are not set out here.

Articles 4–8, at framework level: prohibition of use in certain work processes specified by national law; occupational hygiene measures; prevention of emissions at places of employment; enclosed systems so far as practicable; adequate personal protection. Articles 9–10: pre-employment and periodic medical examinations, at no expense to the worker, under the responsibility of a qualified physician. Article 11: pregnant women, nursing mothers and persons under 18 shall not be employed in processes involving such exposure, with a training exception under supervision. A medical protocol or an equipment handbook is not transcribed.

Article 15: formal ratifications shall be communicated to the Director-General for registration. Article 16: it binds only Members whose ratifications have been registered; it comes into force twelve months after two ratifications have been registered; for any later Member, twelve months after its own registration. ILO: 27 July 1973. Article 17: denunciation after ten years.

Cover: the ILO building in Geneva, by the lake; we do not claim the hall. Wikimedia Commons, free licence.

Sources consulted: Benzene Convention; Benzene Convention, 1971, No. 136 (ILO).