OSHA Finalizes Beryllium Standard After Much Deliberation
On May 4, OSHA released a direct final rule (DFR) that made changes to the beryllium standard for general industry. The rule applies to general industry process, operations, and other areas where workers are at risk of exposure to materials that contain less than 0.1 percent of beryllium by weight.
This change is intended to clarify and expand on the following definitions set out in the initial rule: Beryllium Work Area, emergency, dermal contact, and beryllium contamination. The new change also details provisions for disposal and recycling of the material and provides standards that the agency only plans to apply when skin can be exposed to materials that contain at least 0.1 percent of beryllium by weight.
Beryllium Rule Originally Delayed
The new beryllium standard was initially released by OSHA on Jan. 9, 2017. The rule has faced several delays, with much attention focused on the general industry revisions. Now that they have been made, employers can expect the DFR to become effective on July 4, 2018 — unless OSHA receives “significant adverse comments” by July 4, 2018.
(Related Article: Revisions to Beryllium Rule Under Final Approval)
The DFR also stated that it does not affect the construction and shipyard standards. Those standards will be addressed in separate rule making.
Four revised definitions listed in the DFR that employers need to know
Beryllium Work Area: Beryllium work area means any work area: (1) containing a process or operation that can release beryllium and that involves materials that contain at least 0.1% beryllium by weight; and (2) where employees are, or can reasonably be expected to be, exposed to airborne beryllium at any level or where there is the potential for dermal contact with beryllium.
Emergency: Emergency means any occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment, which may or does result in an uncontrolled and unintended release of airborne beryllium that presents a significant hazard.
Dermal Contact: Dermal contact with beryllium means skin exposure to: (1) soluble beryllium compounds containing beryllium in concentrations greater than or equal to 0.1 percent by weight; (2) solutions containing beryllium in concentrations greater than or equal to 0.1 percent by weight; or (3) dust, fumes, or mists containing beryllium in concentrations greater than or equal to 0.1 percent by weight.
Beryllium Contamination: Contaminated with beryllium and beryllium-contaminated mean contaminated with dust, fumes, mists, or solutions containing beryllium in concentrations greater than or equal to 0.1 percent by weight.
For further information, employers can read the DFR in its entirety. Worksite Medical understands your dedication to staying OSHA compliant and keeping your workers safe. That’s why we offer convenient, on-site medical testing. Medical testing is an important part of protecting workers from heavy metal exposure, including beryllium. Contact us today at 1-844-OCCUMED to learn more.
