Xylene
Australia Safework Australia
Manufacturing
Xylene (mixed isomers; CAS 1330-20-7) is a natural part of petroleum and coal tar. It is colourless, flammable and has a sweet smell.
Examples of work activities involving xylene include:
- blending and distilling petrol
- making chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibre, paints, pesticides and perfumes
- printing, rubber and leather industries
- cleaning
- Making and restoring furniture and wood processing
- biomedical laboratory work
- automobile garage workers
- metal workers
Baseline Testing
A baseline xylene health monitoring medical contains the following tests:
- Demographic, medical and occupational history
- Past exposure questionnaire
- Medical Examination with emphasis on the central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory system
- Urinalysis – Blood, Protein and Sugar
- Spirometry
- Pathology
- Full Blood Count (FBC)
- MBA20 (Full blood examination, serum creatinine) (non-fasting)
- KINNECT Dr Review and Sign off
Periodic Testing
Biological Monitoring for Xylene should be conducted as per risk assessment and at a minimum annual frequency. The medical contains the following items:
- Spirometry
- KINNECT Dr review and sign off
*May trigger an early periodic health assessment
Post Exposure
A Post Exposure Medical for Xylene contains the following tests:
- Pathology – Urinary toluric (methyl hippuric) acid
- KINNECT Dr Review and Sign off
May trigger an early periodic health assessment
Exit Testing
Final Examination (Termination of work in a Xylene process)
A final xylene health monitoring medical contains the following tests:
- Demographic, medical and occupational history
- Past exposure questionnaire
- Medical Examination with emphasis on the central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory system
- Spirometry
- Pathology
- Full Blood Count (FBC)
- MBA20 (Full blood examination, serum creatinine) (non-fasting)
- Urinary toluric (methyl hippuric) acid
- KINNECT Dr Review and Sign off
Further Information
Safework Australia health monitoring guidance for Xylene:
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