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Beryllium Hazard Analysis

ON-DUTY Workplace OSHA Corner OSHA Significant Issues Beryllium Hazard Analysis
Beryllium Hazard Analysis
Beryllium Hazard Analysis
Beryllium is an element that occurs naturally. It is present in a variety of materials, such as rocks, coal and oil, soil, and volcanic dust. Two kinds of mineral rocks, bertrandite and beryl, are mined commercially for the recovery of beryllium. Very pure gem-quality beryl is better known as either aquamarine (blue or blue-green) or emerald (green). Beryllium is the lightest metal. A key distinction among beryllium compounds is that some are soluble in water, but many are not.

WARNING: INHALING BERYLLIUM DUST OR FUMES MAY CAUSE SERIOUS, CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE AMONG EXPOSED WORKERS; THIS LUNG DISEASE CAN BE FATAL. BERYLLIUM CAN ALSO CAUSE LUNG CANCER.

Hazard
Beryllium is a health and safety issue for workers. Exposure to beryllium in the workplace can lead to a sensitization immune response and can over time develop chronic beryllium disease.

Standard


Policy

  • HQDA EXORD 031-19 - Ensuring safe and healthy workplaces that generate or have potential for exposure to heavy metals. Army Occupational Exposure Limits. CAC login required

Technical Guidance


Common HRAs

  • Droop stop replacement
  • Many parts containing Beryllium are unknown.

Controls

  • Engineering
  • Enclose processes if process produces respirable particles.
  • Use local exhaust or vacuum system with HEPA filters if process produced respirable. particles. Industrial Hygiene must verify controls are adequate.
  • Enclose processes if process produces respirable particles.
  • Use local exhaust such a downdraft tables or vacuum system with HEPA filters if process produced respirable particles.
  • Industrial Hygiene must verify controls are adequate.

Administrative

  • Never grind or produce respirable particles without proper controls.
  • Shower and change into work uniforms before leaving work area if contaminated.
  • Minimize the number of workers who have potential to be exposed to Beryllium.
  • Safety data sheets (SDSs) for Beryllium.
  • Medical screening.
  • HAZCOM training.

PPE

  • Respirators required if exposure above OSHA PEL, NIOSH REL or ACGIH TLV.
  • Face shielding, uniforms and gloves.