Search

OSHA Now Enforcing Beryllium Worker Protections

Posted on 2/4/2019 by Roger Marks

In January 2017, OSHA finalized new worker protections for employees exposed to beryllium and beryllium compounds. New requirements included lower permissible exposure limits (PELs) and various “ancillary provisions” for employers. 

While the rule is still subject to changes—OSHA posted revisions in May 2018 and December 2018 (see below)—many of the additional requirements for general industry are in effect now.

As of December 12, 2018, OSHA is enforcing the following provisions of the 2017 Final Rule in general industry:
  • Beryllium work areas and regulated areas
  • Written exposure control plans
  • PPE clothing and equipment
  • Hygiene areas and practices
  • Housekeeping
  • Hazard communication
  • Recordkeeping
See OSHA’s updated enforcement guidance here.

December 2018 Proposed Rule

Just before these requirements took effect, on December 10, 2018, OSHA proposed a rule to “simplify and clarify” some provisions of the 2017 Final Rule. Until the changes proposed in December 2018 are made final, OSHA will accept compliance with either the January 2017 Final Rule or the December 2018 proposed rule as compliance with the Standard.

May 2018 Direct Final Rule

In May 2018, OSHA issued a Direct Final Rule to clarify and revise some elements of the beryllium workplace safety standards. Changes in the Direct Final Rule included revising the definition of “beryllium work area” and limiting the requirements for controlling dermal exposure in general industry.

What Is Beryllium and Why Is It Hazardous?

Beryllium (Be) is a periodic element that’s rare in nature. Its light weight and stiffness make it useful in a variety of industries, namely aerospace, nuclear energy, and manufacturing. It’s also frequently found in aluminum, copper, iron, and nickel alloys.

Beryllium is a known carcinogen and can cause chronic and fatal lung diseases, like chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis), pneumonitis, and others. While the former Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for beryllium was already the lowest for any metal, industry groups have long advocated for lowering it by up to 90%, a step OSHA took with its January 2017 Final Rule.

OSHA Training You Can Trust

Protect your employees with expertly designed, convenient OSHA trainingAvailable 24/7, these interactive OSHA safety training courses help employees identify, mitigate, and avoid the hazards in your workplace. Employees who complete OSHA training at Lion.com are ready to make on-the-job decisions that keep themselves and their co-workers safe.
 
 

Tags: beryllium, new rules, osha, safety training, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.