OSHA Issues Final Rule on Beryllium Exposure

OSHA issued a rule on Jan. 6 that lowers workplace exposure to beryllium, a metal that can be hazardous to workers when particles are inhaled through dust or fumes during processing.

The new standards will lower the eight-hour permissible exposure limit to beryllium from 2.0 to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter of air. When concentrations exceed those limits, employers will be required to take additional measures to protect workers.

The rule becomes effective on March 10, 2017, after which employers have one year to implement most provisions. For more information, see OSHA’s beryllium final rule webpage.  1/18/2017