OSHA confirms effective date for beryllium standard

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is confirming the effective date of the direct final rule (DFR) amending the application of the beryllium standard for general industry to materials containing trace amounts of beryllium. The agency received no significant adverse comments on the DFR, therefore, it will become effective on July 6, 2018.

The DFR 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 percent beryllium by weight.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.