OSHA Issues New Enforcement Guidance for Toxic Beryllium Dust

OSHA has issued new enforcement guidance for inspectors looking into potential cases of workers exposed to toxic metal beryllium dust.

The guidance applies to all types of beryllium inspections, including checks of manufacturers using beryllium as well as shipyards and construction sites where trace amounts of beryllium are found in sand-blasting materials. While the directions are intended for inspectors, the guidance also lets employers and workers know what inspectors will be looking for.

The interim guidance was posted Monday but is dated April 21. It’s not unusual for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to hold back guidance documents for ...