OSHA General Industry Standards (29 CFR Part 1910) 1910.1024: 1910.1024 Beryllium

Applies to occupational exposure to beryllium in all forms, compounds and mixtures in general industry, except HCS articles the employer does not process and materials with less than 0.1% beryllium by weight where objective data show exposure stays below the action level under any foreseeable conditions. Limits: TWA PEL 0.2 µg/m3 (8-hour TWA), STEL 2.0 µg/m3 over a 15-minute sampling period, action level 0.1 µg/m3 as an 8-hour TWA. Exposure assessment by either the performance option (any combination of air monitoring and objective data that accurately characterizes TWA and 15-minute exposure) or the scheduled monitoring option: initial personal breathing zone TWA samples per shift, job classification and work area plus 15-minute samples for operations likely to exceed the STEL (representative sampling of the highest-exposed allowed); stop if below the action level and at or below the STEL; repeat within six months if at or above the action level but at or below the TWA PEL, and within three months if above the TWA PEL; where a later result is below the action level, repeat within six months until two consecutive results 7 or more days apart are below it; STEL results above the STEL are repeated within three months until two consecutive results 7 or more days apart are below the STEL. Reassessment after changes; laboratory accuracy plus or minus 25 percent at 95 percent confidence at or above the action level; written notification within 15 working days including corrective action where limits are exceeded; employees and representatives may observe. Beryllium work areas (materials with at least 0.1% beryllium processed in an Appendix A operation or with exposure at or above the action level) must be identified by signs or other means; regulated areas where exposure exceeds or may exceed the TWA PEL or STEL, with restricted access, respirators and protective clothing. Written exposure control plan listing operations and job titles with exposure or dermal contact, at or above the action level, and above the PELs; procedures to minimize cross-contamination, keep surfaces free of beryllium and prevent migration; required controls, PPE and handling of contaminated PPE; reviewed at least annually and updated after process changes, medical removal eligibility, CBD referral or symptoms, and made accessible to employees. Engineering and work practice controls to the PELs, with at least one of substitution, isolation, local exhaust or process control for each releasing operation in a beryllium work area unless infeasible or exposure is shown below the action level by two samples at least 7 days apart; no job rotation. Respirators per 1910.134 during control installation, infeasible or insufficient controls, emergencies and for removal-eligible employees who stay in the job, with a PAPR on request. PPE where exposure may exceed the PELs or dermal contact is expected; removed at shift end, task completion or visible contamination; stored separately; transported in sealed labelled impermeable containers; no blowing or shaking; launderers informed in writing. Hygiene: washing facilities and skin washing, change rooms, showers where exposure exceeds the PELs and hair or body may be contaminated, clean eating areas, no eating, drinking, smoking or cosmetics in regulated areas. Housekeeping by HEPA vacuuming or other low-emission methods; dry sweeping, brushing and compressed air only in limited conditions with respirators and PPE; labelled, cleaned or enclosed materials for disposal, recycling or reuse. Medical surveillance at no cost for employees exposed at or above the action level more than 30 days per year, with symptoms, exposed in an emergency, or recommended by the last opinion: exam within 30 days of meeting criteria (unless examined within two years), at least every two years thereafter, and at termination unless examined in the prior six months; content includes history, respiratory and skin examination, spirometry (FVC, FEV1), BeLPT at first exam and every two years with follow-up within 30 days of a non-normal result, and LDCT when recommended; physician's report to employee and written opinion to employer within 45 days; CBD diagnostic center evaluation scheduled within 30 days of referral. Medical removal for employees at or above the action level who are confirmed positive, diagnosed with CBD or recommended for removal: choice of removal to a comparable job below the action level with base earnings, seniority and benefits kept for six months, or staying with respirators. Hazard communication, DANGER REGULATED AREA signs and labels; training at initial assignment and annually, with additional training after changes. Records: air monitoring, objective data and medical records per 1910.1020; training records three years. Compliance dates (March 12, 2018 to March 10, 2020) have all passed.