The population at risk for beryllium sensitization or CBD is referred to as beryllium-associated workers. This population includes persons currently working with beryllium and potentially exposed to airborne beryllium (i.e., beryllium workers, defined below), persons formerly or currently potentially exposed, and individuals with signs or symptoms of beryllium sensitization or CBD.

A beryllium worker is a current worker who is regularly employed in an activity that can expose him or her to airborne beryllium. (Although not defined in 10 CFR 850, the term "regular" is defined in this document to mean "customary, usual, or normal." The intent of the definition is to include individuals assigned to work with beryllium or in beryllium work areas, not individuals who are present in a beryllium work area transiently or who work with beryllium irregularly or intermittently.) Although no exposure threshold is specified in 10 CFR 850, examples of situations that would classify someone as a beryllium worker include the following:

* Regularly working with beryllium in a process or operation that can produce airborne beryllium.

* Regularly working at tasks (regardless of the level of airborne concentration) such as:

o Machining, milling, polishing, grinding, drilling, or welding beryllium.

o Repairing or servicing equipment that has removable beryllium contamination exceeding release levels.

o Maintenance of systems used to contain and control beryllium.

o Working in an area where dispersible beryllium exceeding release levels is present.

o Working with or handling contaminated items.

o Other operations that disturb or abrade beryllium in a way that results in contamination exceeding release levels.

3.5.2 Visitors and Other Ancillary Personnel

The Responsible Individual shall review and approve visitors and other ancillary personnel in beryllium work areas and shall inform such personnel of the hazards and controls of the area. Visitors to beryllium work areas should be discouraged unless essential to the mission in question.

3.5.3 Hazard Assessments

All beryllium operations, unless exempt from this document, shall be reviewed with an Integration Work Sheet (IWS) as described in Document 2.2. Work with beryllium shall not be considered as work commonly performed by the public. Such review shall take into consideration the following:

* The amount and nature of work to be performed, including preparation, maintenance, and cleanup.