Occupational Health Risk Assessment for Benzene and hydrogen Sulfide-Exposed Posts at a Crude Oil Depot

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the hazard status of benzene and hydrogen sulfide in a crude oil depot and evaluate the occupational health risk level, so as to provide countermeasures for risk control. In this study, the comprehensive index method was used to evaluate the occupational health risk level of exposure to benzene and hydrogen sulfide in the pump room, valve group, control room and tank metering port. The results show that the metrology workers are exposed to benzene and hydrogen sulfide in the process of operation of pump room, valve group, control room and tank metering port. Sanitary engineering protection measures are mainly closed operation, and set up ventilation fan in the pump room, personal protective equipment is mainly anti-static work clothes, oil-resistant gloves, respiratory protective equipment is gas masks, but they are not weared daily. The occupational health management system is complete. The working time of each shift is 12h, with a maximum of four shifts per week for 48h and a maximum of 12h per shift for exposure to chemical hazardous agents. Benzene and hydrogen sulfide were tested for 11 samples each, and the detected exposure concentration was not exceeding the standard. The hazard levels of benzene and hydrogen sulfide were grade 5 and grade 4, respectively, and the exposure level was 1.62. The risk index of exposure to benzene and hydrogen sulfide was 3, and the risk level was medium. The protective measures for the crude oil depot are effective, but the on-site monitoring of benzene and hydrogen sulfide concentration should be strengthened to prevent acute poisoning accidents and reduce occupational health risks.