Recently, the Chemical Hazards Technical Committee (CHD 7) under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) officially released the draft standard Hexane – Code of Safety (First Revision) for public comment. The draft, numbered CHD 7 (33985) WC, has been circulated to relevant stakeholders for review and feedback, with a deadline for comments set for May 22, 2026.
Background
Hexane (CAS No.: 110-54-3) is a hydrocarbon solvent widely used in petroleum refineries and edible oil extraction processes. It is highly flammable and poses potential health hazards, including drowsiness, impaired coordination, and severe respiratory effects under high exposure levels.
Key Changes in the Revised Standard
- Added description of general properties of hexane
- Updated safety measures to effectively control hazards
- Added detailed information on poisoning symptoms
- Added guidelines for first aid and medical treatment
- Strengthened provisions for storage, handling, and labelling
- Added employee safety measures and training requirements
- Detailed fire and explosion hazards
- Added information on exposure routes and toxicity
- Added fire prevention and firefighting measures
- Added health monitoring provisions
- Revised standard title to "Hexane – Code of Safety" to align with BIS safety code format
Scope and Limitations of the Standard
The standard outlines the general properties of hexane, associated hazards, and essential safety practices. These include storage, handling, packaging, labelling, waste disposal, container cleaning, personnel training, protective equipment, and first aid measures. However, it does not cover design specifications for buildings, chemical plants, storage tanks, or operational equipment.
