Vacuums used for cleaning up beryllium contamination shall be equipped with HEPA filters. Such vacuums shall be labeled (see Section 3.5.8) and controlled and shall not be used for non-hazardous materials.

3.5 Administrative Controls

This section describes the administrative controls applicable to the handling of beryllium and its compounds.

3.5.1 Population at Risk

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