Table 5. Beryllium emergency response actions.

Event

Action

Eyes

If beryllium powder or chips get into eyes, do not rub them. Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the upper and lower eyelids frequently to ensure complete washing. Have someone else dial 911 for the emergency dispatcher. Report to the Health Services Department.

Skin

If beryllium powder or chips come in contact with an open wound in skin, flush the wound with water for 15 minutes, then report to the Health Services Department.

Inhalation

If beryllium dust is inhaled, or believed to have been inhaled, report immediately to the Health Services Department. Have someone else notify the Hazards Control Department.

Spills

If beryllium powder is spilled, evacuate and isolate the area. Move upwind, if possible, and wear an air-supplied respirator or a cartridge respirator equipped with a high-efficiency cartridge or the equivalent. If practical, wet down the spill with water and cover it with sand, a tarpaulin, or some other suitable material. Dial 911 for the emergency dispatcher. The Hazards Control Department specifies the procedures and PPE to be used in cleanup and decontamination.

The ES

Upon the completion of spill cleanup, verification of residual contamination is required. The criteria for beryllium work areas (<3 µg Be/100 cm2) and non-beryllium work areas (<0.2 µg Be/100 cm2), as appropriate, shall be met (see Section 3.3 of this document).

3.13 Decontamination for Reuse, Disposal, or Excess

3.13.1 Equipment