Communication of Hazards

1. General
   1. Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers shall comply with all requirements of the HCS (§ 1910.1200) for beryllium.
   2. In classifying the hazards of beryllium, at least the following hazards must be addressed: cancer; lung effects (CBD and acute beryllium disease); beryllium sensitization; skin sensitization; and skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.
   3. Employers must include beryllium in the hazard communication program established to comply with the HCS. Employers must ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of beryllium and to safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the requirements of the HCS (§ 1910.1200) and paragraph (m)(4) of this standard.
2. The employer must identify each beryllium work area through signs or any other methods that adequately establish and inform each employee of the boundaries of each beryllium work area.
   
   The following sign example is available for your consideration and use in fulfilling this compliance obligation:
   Beryllium Work Area Example
   
3. Warning labels – Consistent with the HCS (§ 1910.1200), the employer must label each immediate container of clothing, equipment, and materials contaminated with beryllium, and must, at a minimum, include the following on the label:
   
   
   DANGER
   CONTAINS BERYLLIUM
   MAY CAUSE CANCER
   CAUSES DAMAGE TO LUNGS
   AVOID CREATING DUST
   DO NOT GET ON SKIN
   
   
   The following label example is available for your consideration and use in fulfilling this compliance obligation:
   Beryllium Warning Label Example
4. Employee information
   1. For each employee who has, or can reasonably be expected to have, airborne exposure to or dermal contact with beryllium:
      1. The employer must provide information and training in accordance with the HCS (§ 1910.1200(h));
      2. The employer must provide initial training to each employee by the time of initial assignment; and
      3. The employer must repeat the training required under this section annually for each employee.
   2. The employer must ensure that each employee who is, or can reasonably be expected to be, exposed to airborne beryllium can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following:
      1. The health hazards associated with airborne exposure to and dermal contact with beryllium, including the signs and symptoms of CBD;
      2. The written exposure control plan, with emphasis on the location(s) of beryllium work areas, including any regulated areas, and the specific nature of operations that could result in airborne exposure, especially airborne exposure above the TWA PEL or STEL;
      3. The purpose, proper selection, fitting, proper use, and limitations of personal protective clothing and equipment, including respirators;
      4. Applicable emergency procedures;
      5. Measures employees can take to protect themselves from airborne exposure to and dermal contact with beryllium, including personal hygiene practices;
      6. The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by paragraph (k) of this standard including risks and benefits of each test to be offered;
      7. The purpose and a description of the medical removal protection provided under paragraph (l) of this section;
      8. The contents of the standard; and
      9. The employee’s right of access to records under the Records Access standard (§ 1910.1020).

The following templates are available for your consideration and use in fulfilling this compliance obligation::
Beryllium Worker Training
Beryllium Worker Training Sign-In Sheet
Beryllium Worker Training – Quiz

Continue to Medical Surveillance Program