What action should be taken if the LEL of Benzene is approached in a work environment?

When the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of Benzene is approached in a work environment, increasing ventilation is the most appropriate action to take. Benzene is a volatile, flammable substance, and as its concentration in the air rises, so does the risk of a fire or explosion. Ventilation helps to dilute the concentration of Benzene in the air, thereby reducing its level and decreasing the potential for hazardous conditions.

Ensuring adequate ventilation is a critical safety measure, as it directly impacts the overall air quality and helps maintain a safe working environment. This is particularly important when dealing with materials that have significant health and safety risks, like Benzene.

In contrast, reducing monitoring frequency would increase the risk by potentially allowing dangerous levels of Benzene to go undetected, while limiting worker access may not address the immediate hazard of a rising concentration. Thus, increasing ventilation is the correct and proactive step to mitigate the risks associated with high levels of Benzene.