Safety Information Sheet
In the event of beryllium window failure please:
- Leave the experimental hutch immediately
- Close the hutch door
- Make sure nobody re-enter the hutch
- Call the Main Control Room by dialling ext 3560 and report the accident.
- Call immediately your station scientist on duty
FOR STATION SCIENTIST: first point of contact:
Call Gareth Baker on ext 3285Beryllium
Content taken from DL safety information No.35 (Aug 2004)
Beryllium is a silver white metal which is light, hard and strong with a melting point of 1280°C. It is stable in air but burns brilliantly in Oxygen. The oxide is attractive as an electrical insulator because it conducts heat well. Beryllium is also alloyed with a number of metals, including Copper, where in concentrations of up to 2% it imparts hardness to the Copper and is used for the manufacture of electrical conductors and non-magnetic tools (reduced sparking tools).
Beryllium poisoning is a Reportable Disease under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 with Beryllium normally entering the body by inhalation of the dust, vapour or fumes of the metal or its compounds. This can seriously affect the lungs and, whilst recovery is usual, it may take several months. Because of these uncertainties and the serious effects on those who are sensitive to the metal and its oxides, the exposure limit is set at the low value of 0.002 mg per cubic meter of air.
This exposure limit will not be reached during the simple use of Beryllium metal or Beryllium oxide ceramics. It is when such materials are machined, ground, heated or given chemical treatment that special precautions must be taken.
There is considered to be no significant risk in ordinary skin contact with Beryllium metal and its alloys provided there is no risk of breaking the skin surfaces during the handling operation, and the hands should be washed immediately after handling. To avoid the possibility of Beryllium contaminating a flesh wound during assembly operations (in some cases such wounds do not heal easily), gloves should be worn. Fine shards and dust caused by the breaking of a Beryllium window should be removed using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a suitable filter, after consultation with the Safety Office.
For further information contact
Dr. G. J. Baker
E-Mail: G.Baker@dl.ac.uk
Tel: +44-(0)1925 603285
Fax: +44-(0)1925 603285
Mr. A G Sharp
E-Mail: A.G.Sharp@dl.ac.uk
Tel: +44-(0)1925 603264
Fax: +44-(0)1925 603285
