In January 2017 OSHA issued a final rule related to workers’ exposure to beryllium and beryllium compounds. The new rule establishes protective measures to prevent beryllium-related disease in the workplace.
Why?
When particles of beryllium are inhaled it can be hazardous to workers. Exposure to beryllium can cause chronic beryllium disease (CBD), a type of lung disease. OSHA estimates 62,000 workers are exposed to beryllium on the job annually. And with the new rule they believe 46 new cases of CBD will be prevented annually and 94 lives will be saved from beryllium-related diseases.
What?
OSHA identifies the following as key provisions for the new beryllium rule:
- Reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for beryllium to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over 8-hours.
- Establishes a new short term exposure limit for beryllium of 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter of air, over a 15-minute sampling period.
- Requires employers to: use engineering and work practice controls (such as ventilation or enclosure) to limit worker exposure to beryllium; provide respirators when controls cannot adequately limit exposure; limit worker access to high-exposure areas; develop a written exposure control plan; and train workers on beryllium hazards.
- Requires employers to make available medical exams to monitor exposed workers and provides medical removal protection benefits to workers identified with a beryllium-related disease.
Who?
Who is impacted by these new requirements? This rule applies to the occupational exposure to beryllium in all forms, compounds, and mixtures. And it impacts three areas - general industry, construction, and shipyards.
Where can exposure to beryllium occur? According to OSHA, in general industry exposure can occur in these activities and industries:
- Beryllium Production
- Beryllium Oxide Ceramics and Composites
- Nonferrous Foundries
- Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying
- Precision Turned Products
- Copper Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding
- Fabrication of Beryllium Alloy Products
- Welding
- Dental Laboratories
When?
The 3 standards included in the final rule take effect on March 10, 2017*. Most of the requirements have a compliance deadline of March 12, 2018. All 3 of the sectors must provide any required change rooms and showers by March 11, 2019 and must implement engineering controls by March 10, 2020.
If you have questions about the new OSHA regulations and how they may impact your organization, do not hesitate to reach out to me or another member of the loss prevention team.
*The US Department of Labor has proposed mutilple delays in the effective date - first to March 21, 2017 and then to May 20, 2017. Visit OSHA.gov to see the latest updates and status of the proposed delay.
