OSHA issues final rule revising beryllium standard for general industry

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Friday issued a direct final rule clarifying aspects of the beryllium standard for general industry as it applies to processes, operations, or areas where workers may be exposed to materials containing less than 0.1% beryllium by weight.

The rule clarifies the definitions of “beryllium work area,” emergency, dermal contact, and beryllium contamination. It also clarifies provisions for disposal and recycling, and provisions that the Agency intends to apply only where skin can be exposed to materials containing at least 0.1% beryllium by weight., according to the announcement.

The direct final rule will become effective on July 4, unless the Agency receives significant adverse comments by June 4.