The 2017 final rule established new permissible exposure limits.
It also included provisions to protect employees from exposure to Beryllium, such as
- requirements for exposure assessment,
- methods for controlling exposure,
- respiratory protection,
- personal protective clothing and equipment,
- housekeeping,
- medical surveillance,
- hazard communication,
- recordkeeping
Do you machine Beryllium in your shop?
Have you evaluated your compliance to the above 8 points of regulatory concern?
Do you know the key regulatory enforcement and compliance dates?
If your shop machines any of the following Beryllium Copper grades, it does apply to you:
Beryllium Coppers C17000, C17200, C17300, C17410, C17500, C17510
The rule applies to occupational exposure to Beryllium in all forms, compounds, and mixtures in
general industry, construction, and shipyards.
- Employers that are covered under the rule must use engineering and work practice controls to
keep exposures at or below the PELs. - Engineering controls include using process isolation, ventilated enclosures, or local
exhaust ventilation to keep beryllium from being dispersed throughout a work area. - Examples of work practices to control beryllium exposures include keeping surfaces
clean by using a HEPA-filtered vacuum or by wetting down dust before sweeping it up. - If engineering and work practice controls cannot keep exposures at or below the PEL,
employers must provide respiratory protection to affected employees.
PMPA is providing members with sensemaking regarding this final rule, compliance dates and strategies, and helpful links to better understand their responsibilities.
PMPA Beryllium Final Rule Members Only
Photo of VR38 Nissan GTR Beryllium Copper Valve Seats courtesy of Fast Forward Race Engines on Facebook
Not a PMPA member? Contact Matthew Hooper to learn more gro.apmp@repoohm