The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a final rule revising the beryllium standard for general industry. While exposure to hazards for SMACNA members is likely very limited to work in client facilities or welding operations with beryllium containing metals or consumables, it is important to be aware of the revised requirements when in those situations. The final rule includes changes designed to clarify the standard and simplify or improve compliance.
The final rule amends the following paragraphs of the beryllium standard for general industry:
- Definitions
- Methods of Compliance
- Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
- Hygiene Areas and Practices
- Housekeeping
- Medical Surveillance
- Hazard Communication
- Recordkeeping
It also has a new Appendix A: “Operations for Establishing Beryllium Work Areas.”
The compliance date of this final standard as modified is September 14, 2020. The final standard will affect approximately 50,500 workers employed in general industry and is estimated to yield minor net cost savings to employers. OSHA continues work on revisions to the beryllium standards for construction and shipyards.
For more information, read the final rule, the trade release, or visit the OSHA webpage.