OSHA 1910.1024 Beryllium Rule: Key Limits in Plain English
Beryllium is a light, strong metal. It is used in parts for planes, phones, and cars. Breathing its dust can cause a serious lung disease. OSHA’s beryllium rule for general industry is 29 CFR 1910.1024. Here are the main parts.
The three limits
The limits are tiny. They are in micrograms per cubic meter of air.
- Action level: 0.1, averaged over 8 hours. This starts many of the rule’s duties.
- Exposure limit: 0.2, averaged over 8 hours.
- Short-term limit: 2.0 over any 15 minutes.
Testing and work areas
The company must check how much beryllium workers breathe. If air levels are at or above the action level, test again within 6 months. If they are over a limit, test again within 3 months. Workers get results within 15 working days.
Where air levels can go over a limit, the area becomes a regulated area. Post warning signs at each way in.
Training for 1910.1024: Learn this rule step by step in our Beryllium Safety in General Industry course. It is included in the Black Belt Safety Vault.
A written plan
The company needs a written exposure control plan. It lists where beryllium is, how to keep dust down, and how to keep areas clean. Review it at least once a year.
Medical checks
Medical checks are offered at no cost to some workers. One trigger is being at or above the action level for more than 30 days a year. Exams repeat at least every two years. They include a blood test that shows if the body is reacting to beryllium.
Some workers can ask to be moved to a job with less exposure. They keep pay and benefits for up to six months.
Training
Workers are trained before they start the job. Training repeats every year.
What to do next
Our Beryllium Safety in General Industry course explains the limits, the plan, and your rights. Start the course or join the Vault.
This is a plain-language summary. The official rule text is what counts.
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1024, Beryllium – eCFR, National Archives, checked 2026-10-15
Frequently asked questions
What is the OSHA exposure limit for beryllium?
It is 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over 8 hours. The short-term limit is 2.0 over any 15 minutes.
What is the beryllium action level?
The action level is 0.1 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over 8 hours. It starts many of the rule's duties.
How often must beryllium air testing be done?
At or above the action level, test again within 6 months. Over a limit, test again within 3 months.
Who gets beryllium medical checks?
Some workers get them at no cost, such as those at or above the action level for more than 30 days a year. Exams repeat at least every two years.