Beryllium in Construction (Abrasive Blasting)

Sensitization and CBD

The standard applies to occupational exposure to beryllium in all forms, compounds and mixtures in construction. It does not apply to articles containing beryllium that the employer does not process, or to materials with less than 0.1% beryllium by weight where objective data show exposure will stay below the action level under any foreseeable conditions.

• Beryllium sensitization is an immune system response in someone exposed to beryllium. It has no symptoms by itself.
• Not every sensitized person develops chronic beryllium disease (CBD), but sensitization is essential for CBD to develop.
• CBD is a chronic granulomatous lung disease caused by breathing airborne beryllium by someone who is sensitized.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.1124(a) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(b) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(a)(2)

The exposure limits

These are tiny amounts, measured in micrograms (millionths of a gram) per cubic meter of air.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.1124(c) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(b)

Assessing and reporting exposure

• The employer assesses the exposure of each employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be exposed, using either the performance option (any combination of air monitoring and objective data) or the scheduled monitoring option (personal breathing zone samples).
• Under scheduled monitoring, results at or above the action level but at or below the PEL are repeated within six months; results above the PEL within three months.
• Exposure is reassessed whenever a change in production, process, control equipment, personnel or work practices may reasonably be expected to result in new or additional exposure at or above the action level or STEL, or when the employer has any reason to believe such exposure has occurred.
• You are notified of results within 15 working days after the assessment, and you and your representative may observe monitoring.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.1124(d) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(d)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(d)(3)(i) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(d)(4)

The competent person and the written plan

Where exposure is, or can reasonably be expected to be, above the PEL or STEL, the employer designates a competent person to make frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials and equipment; implement the written exposure control plan; and make sure employees use respirators and protective clothing and equipment.

The written exposure control plan lists the operations and job titles expected to involve exposure; the engineering controls, work practices and respirators required; the protective clothing and equipment required; procedures to restrict access to areas above the PEL or STEL (including exposures generated by other employers or sole proprietors); containment procedures; and procedures for removing, cleaning and maintaining PPE. It is reviewed at least annually and is accessible to exposed employees.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.1124(e) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(f)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(e)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(e)(4) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(f)(1)(i)(B) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(f)(1)(i)(C) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(f)(1)(i)(D) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(f)(1)(i)(E) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(f)(1)(i)(F)

Controls and respirators

• Engineering and work practice controls come first, to keep exposure at or below the PEL and STEL unless the employer shows they are not feasible.
• The employer must not rotate employees to different jobs to comply with the PELs.
• Respirators are provided at no cost and used: while feasible controls are being installed where exposure exceeds, or can reasonably be expected to exceed, the PEL or STEL; during operations (including maintenance, repair and non-routine tasks) where controls are not feasible and exposure exceeds, or can reasonably be expected to exceed, the limits; where all feasible controls are not sufficient; and when an employee who is eligible for medical removal chooses to remain in a job with exposure at or above the action level.
• If you are entitled to a respirator, you may request a PAPR instead of a negative pressure respirator, at no cost, where it provides adequate protection.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.1124(f)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(f)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(g) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(g)(1)(i) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(g)(1)(ii) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(g)(1)(iv) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(g)(3)(iii)

Clothing and cleanup

Protective clothing and equipment

• Provided at no cost and used where exposure exceeds, or can reasonably be expected to exceed, the PEL or STEL.
• Removed at the end of the shift or when beryllium tasks are done, whichever comes first, in a way that does not disperse beryllium, as the written plan specifies.
• Not taken from the workplace unless it has been cleaned, when exposure above the PEL or STEL is expected.
• Beryllium must not be removed from PPE by blowing or shaking.

Housekeeping for dust from operations above the PEL or STEL:

• Use cleanup methods that minimize airborne exposure.
• Dry sweeping or brushing is not allowed unless the low-dust methods are not safe or effective.
• Compressed air is not allowed where it causes, or can reasonably be expected to cause, exposure above the PEL or STEL.
• Anyone who does dry sweep, brush or use compressed air must wear respirators and PPE.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.1124(h) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(j) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(h)(2)(ii) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(j)(1)

Medical surveillance and medical removal

Medical surveillance is available at no cost, at a reasonable time and place, to each employee who:

• is or is reasonably expected to be exposed at or above the action level for more than 30 days per year;
• shows signs or symptoms of CBD or other beryllium-related health effects; or
• has a most recent written medical opinion under the standard that recommends periodic medical surveillance.

An exam is provided within 30 days after the employer determines you meet the first criterion (unless you had an exam under the standard within the last two years) or the second criterion, and at least every two years after while you still meet any of the criteria. The exam offered includes a medical and work history, a physical exam with emphasis on the respiratory system, a skin rash exam, pulmonary function tests, a BeLPT (beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test) or equivalent test, a low dose CT scan when the PLHCP recommends it, and any other test the PLHCP deems appropriate. The examiner advises you of the risks and benefits and your right to opt out of any part.

Medical removal: an employee in a job at or above the action level with a confirmed positive finding, a CBD diagnosis or a medical recommendation for removal may choose removal or to stay in the job using a respirator. If removed, base earnings, seniority and other rights and benefits are maintained for six months, subject to the rule's conditions.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(l) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(1)(i)(C) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(2)(i)(A) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(2)(i)(B) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(3)(i) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(3)(ii)(A) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(3)(ii)(B) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(3)(ii)(D) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(3)(ii)(F) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(k)(3)(ii)(G) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(l)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(l)(1)(i)(A) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(l)(2)(ii) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(l)(3)(ii)

Training

Training is given by the time of initial assignment and repeated annually. Each exposed employee must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The health hazards of beryllium, including the signs and symptoms of CBD
• The written exposure control plan and the operations that can cause exposure
• The purpose, selection, fitting, use and limits of PPE, including respirators
• Measures you can take to protect yourself
• The medical surveillance program (including risks and benefits of each test) and medical removal protection
• The contents of the standard and your right of access to records

Additional training is provided when a workplace change results in new or increased exposure above the PEL or STEL.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.1124(m)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(m)(2)(ii)(C) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(m)(2)(ii)(E) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(m)(2)(ii)(F) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(m)(2)(ii)(G) · 29 CFR 1926.1124(m)(2)(iii)