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To create a safe working environment by establishing and following
recommended work practices and guidelines. Beryllium metal and its
alloys are used in a wide variety of industrial products because
they are light, resistant to heat, stress and strain. All procedures
that may present a health hazard should be reviewed and approved
by the Industrial Hygiene Program.
Health Effects
The inhalation of dust fumes or mists containing beryllium or beryllium
compounds present the most serious health hazard. Laboratory processes
that can produce fumes or finely divided dust that may present a
health hazard include heating, surface grinding or machining of
beryillium and it's alloys.
Chronic beryllium disease and pulmonary berylliosis are detected
through x-ray changes, granulomas and a decrease in the ability
of the lungs to transport oxygen. Acute beryllium disease is a result
of the inhalation of soluble beryllium compounds. It causes inflammation
of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and irritation
of the lungs.
Contact dermatitis is caused primarily by the soluble salts of
beryllium particularly the fluoride but the metal and beryllium
oxides have also been suspected.
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Medical Surveillance
All employees working with beryllium in a manner that creates potential
worker exposure should receive a preplacement physical exam to establish
a baseline to compare future physicals and x-rays. After initial
evaluation by the occupational physician, an employee who is eligible
for the Surveillance Program will be recalled via letter 12 months
after last exam by the physician. To enroll into the Beryllium Workers
Surveillance Program any student, researcher, employee or their
supervisor should contact the EHS at 2-3477. In addition IHP may
recommend researchers or workers to enroll if they note potential
beryllium exposure in any work place evaluation. The program is
voluntary and free.
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Controls
Recommended work practices should minimize worker exposure to beryllium
dust or fumes. Therefore, all beryllium work should be done in designated
areas approved by the Industrial Hygiene Program. Standard operating
procedures and guidelines for specific operations should be established
and approved before working with beryllium and its compounds. Prior
to working with beryllium employees must receive training and annually
thereafter. The training should include but not limited to the health
hazards of the material, personal protective equipment and the proper
handling and disposal procedures. The control and capture of beryllium
particles should be done at the source with local exhaust ventilation
or glove box. Negative exhaust systems shall be equipped with HEPA
filtration. Contact the Industrial Hygiene Program X2-3477 for permanent
or temporary designs criteria.
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Respiratory Protection
Respiratory protection should not be used as a substitute for engineering
controls but in emergency situations or when potential exposure
may occur. Respirator users must be enrolled in the MIT Respiratory
Protection Program, refer to the policy document on Respiratory
Protection. The Industrial Hygiene Program will assist in the selection
of the appropriate respiratory protection.
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Personal Protective Equipment
Clothing - To avoid carrying any contamination from the
work area, protective clothing or work clothing should be worn
when exposure to beryllium dust or powders may occur. A change
room should be provided to remove contaminated clothing. All beryllium-contaminated
items should be cleaned or disposed of properly.
Eye Protection - Always wear eye protection when in the
laboratory or when a risk of eye injury is present i.e. grinding,
machining etc.
Gloves - Neoprene, rubber or nitrile gloves should be
worn to help provide protection from allergic dermal reactions
from water-soluble beryllium compounds. Durable protective gloves
of leather should be worn to prevent cuts and abrasions during
the handling of beryllium metal, which may cause irritation.
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Sampling
Sampling will be conducted by the Industrial Hygiene Program to
determine personal exposure and surface contamination from beryllium.
Personal monitoring will be conducted when a new operation is begun.
The OSHA PEL is 2ug/m3. Once exposure levels have been documented
below the PEL no further testing is required. Area sampling will
be conducted to determine contamination in surrounding areas. Wipe
sampling will be conducted to determine the extent of surface contamination.
Surfaces found to be greater than 25ug/ft2 shall be considered contaminated
and will need to be cleaned and retested.
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Labeling
All process areas shall have warning signs near areas where exposure
to beryllium dust may occur:
DANGER
Beryllium Exposure Area
All storage items used for beryllium will have a precautionary
label applied. The label should have the name of the compound
and associated hazards:
BERYLLIUM CONTAINING
Name of Compound
DANGER
Harmful if Inhaled
All laboratory and process equipment used with beryllium
and its compounds should be labeled for possible contamination:
DANGER
Possible Beryllium Contamination
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Disposal
Beryllium waste must be packaged and handled to prevent dust from
becoming airborne. Disposal of beryllium waste and contaminated
items will be handled through the Environmental Management Program
(EMP) at 2-3477. Specific questions concerning the packaging and
storage of beryllium waste should be directed to the Safety Program.
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