OSHA Updates Safety Rule on Beryllium Exposure

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated a decades-old rule governing the limits of beryllium to which workers can safely be exposed.

Affecting general industries, construction and shipyards alike, the new rule is intended to improve worker safety while subsequently lowering the number of illnesses caused by the metal. Beryllium is classified as a lightweight and versatile metal with many different uses. Among other things, it's used in manufacturing electronics and energy production. The problem with beryllium, however, is that it's highly toxic when released into the atmosphere -- and once released, workers may inhale the toxic metal into their lungs, increasing the risk of a chronic respiratory disease known as beryllium disease. Furthermore, it only takes a small amount of beryllium exposure to cause the disease.

OSHA's new final rule on beryllium, the 8-hour exposure limit of beryllium has been decreased to just 0.2 micrograms of the toxic metal. In comparison, the previous 8-hour exposure limit was 2.0 micrograms -- that means the new final rule requires 10x less exposure to beryllium.

When speaking about the new final rule, OSHA explains that the previous exposure limits were based on decades-old studies. With recent studies showing that beryllium is more dangerous that previous thought, OSHA has updated its final rule governing exposure to better protect workers from associated diseases like beryllium disease.

“Outdated exposure limits do not adequately protect workers from beryllium exposure,” OSHA administrator David Michaels said in a press release. “OSHA’s new standard is based on a strong foundation of science and consensus on the need for action, including peer-reviewed scientific evidence, a model standard developed by industry and labor, current consensus standards and extensive public outreach. The new limits will reduce exposures and protect the lives and lungs of thousands of beryllium-exposed workers.”

The new rule does more than just lower the exposure limits of beryllium; it also sets requirements for the use of perspective protective equipment (PPE), as well as medical exams, training and other safety precautions.

So, just how many lives is the new rule expected to save? While there's no way to accurately answer this question, OSHA says nearly 100 workers will be saved from beryllium-related disease alone.

The new rule on beryllium exposure will be published in the Federal Register. Once published, it will take effect 60 days afterwards, at which time employers must comply with the new requirements.