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1842. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BERYLLIUM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 29 USC 655(b); 29 USC 657

CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1910

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: OSHA intends to issue a Request for Information and to evaluate the extensive research related to the mechanisms of disease underlying Chronic Beryllium Disease or beryllium sensitization and to identify the best ways of reducing employee exposure to beryllium. OSHA will also be identifying processes, industries, and kinds of businesses that involve the use of beryllium. This information is necessary if OSHA is to develop a rule to reduce worker exposure to dust or fumes from beryllium metal, metal oxides, or alloys, all of which may cause serious and sometimes fatal lung disease (chronic beryllium disease (CBD), lung cancer, and skin disease). In 1999 and in 2001, OSHA was petitioned to issue an emergency temporary standard by the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union (PACE), Public Citizen Health Research group and others. The Agency denied these petitions but stated its intent to begin data gathering efforts to collect needed information on beryllium's toxicity, risks, and patterns of usage. The Request for Information will be designed to obtain such the rule.

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Request for Information 11/00/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Steven F. Witt, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N3605, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-2222
Fax: 202 693-1663

RIN: 1218-AB76

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