CFR 187 - Occupational Exposure to Beryllium

On January 9, 2017, OSHA issued a final rule establishing new substance-specific standards governing occupational exposure to beryllium for general industry (1910.1024), shipyards (1915.1024) and construction (1926.1124). This rule (Federal Register) establishes new substance-specific standards governing occupational exposure to beryllium for general industry, shipyards and construction. The new rule lowers the 8 hour time-weighted average (8 hr TWA) permissible exposure limit to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter, sets a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter over a 15-minute period, and establishes an action level (AL) of 0.1 microgram per cubic meter as an 8 hr TWA. In addition, provisions to minimize dermal contact are included. The N.C. Commissioner of Labor adopted this final rule with an effective date of July 1, 2017.

Also reference OPN 135, Special Emphasis Program for Exposure to Health Hazards, Memo- Interim Enforcement Guidelines for Beryllium, CFR 187A - Occupational Exposure to Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds, CFR 187B - Occupational Exposure to Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds, CFR 187C - Occupational Exposure to Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds in Construction and Shipyard Sectors, CFR 187D - Occupational Exposure to Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds, and CFR 187E - Occupational Exposure to Beryllium and Beryllium Compounds. Additional information and resources can be found on the safety and health topic page for Beryllium. To determine whether this rule applies, go to "Do your employees have occupational exposure to beryllium?' for general industry, "Do your employees have occupational exposure to beryllium?' for construction or "Do your employees have occupational exposure to beryllium?' for shipyards?'.