A beryllium exposure number is incomplete without its averaging period. OSHA's January 9, 2017 final rule sets an eight-hour time-weighted average of 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter of air and a separate fifteen-minute limit of 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter. The figures are not alternative ways to describe the same test. [2016-30409]

The general-industry exposure-assessment provision reinforces that distinction. Its performance option calls for data sufficient to characterize both the eight-hour exposure and fifteen-minute short-term exposure. The scheduled-monitoring option separately addresses samples for the shift average and operations likely to exceed the short-term limit. A compliant-looking average over one period cannot answer a question defined over the other. [2016-30409]

The August 2015 proposal helps explain the decision's scope. It proposed a substance-specific general-industry standard while seeking views on alternatives affecting construction and maritime work, including different exposure limits. The final action instead publishes three sector-specific standards. Reading these related documents establishes what was considered and what was adopted; it does not make each proposed alternative a final obligation. [2016-30409][2015-17596]

Exceptions also require precision. The rule excludes qualifying unprocessed articles. Material below 0.1 percent beryllium by weight is excluded only with objective data showing exposure below the action level under any foreseeable conditions. The published March 10, 2017 effective date is distinct from staged compliance beginning March 12, 2018. These dates describe the schedule in the original issue, not a later implementation finding. [2016-30409]

Source documents

  1. Occupational Exposure to Berylliumhttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-01-09/html/2016-30409.htm
  2. Occupational Exposure to Beryllium and Beryllium Compoundshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-08-07/html/2015-17596.htm