IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Beryllium good practices guide

Abstract

This document presents a summary of good cleanup and decontamination practices for workplaces where beryllium (Be) is found, based on a review of scientific and technical documentation. Its objective is to inform on-site staff about these good practices, and encourage broader discussion on how current knowledge can be applied to the Quebec context. The second step will involve drafting a decontamination guide, complete with a prevention program for workers directly involved in decontamination exercises.

The content of this document summarizes good practices recommended by the Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Cardiff Atomic Weapons Establishment of the United Kingdom, and the U.S. company Brush Wellman Inc., and adapts them to the Quebec context. It also revisits the major ideas expressed in the Info-Beryllium newsletter and refers to the sampling and analysis methods of renowned organizations (NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, OSHA, IRSST (Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail)), as well as to Quebec regulations.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-3020
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2009
Team:
  • Chantal Dion (IRSST)
  • André Dufresne (Université McGill)
  • Béthany Campbell (Université McGill)
  • Stéphanie Viau (IRSST)
  • Teodor Mocanu (Université McGill)