BC: Benzene Convention, ILO 136, 1971 (entered into force 1973)

This ILO Convention applies to activities involving the exposure of workers to benzene and to products whose benzene content exceeds 1% by volume. It requires that harmless or less harmful substitutes be used whenever they are available, that bans be placed on certain uses of benzene and benzene products, and that health and safety measures are adopted to provide protection for workers who are exposed to benzene, including periodic medical examinations. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and young people under 18 are not to work with benzene or benzene products. The ILO supervises implementation of the Convention.