Rules to protect workers from beryllium exposure in industries like construction have been more than 13 years in the making and are still being plagued by delays. The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has spent eight months reviewing a proposal to strengthen rules on beryllium exposure. That's already five months past its deadline.
OSHA is working to protect workers from the naturally occurring metal which when ground into dust and inhaled can cause a potentially fatal lung disorder. The existing beryllium exposure limit is 2.0 micrograms per cubic meters, which is based on research conducted back in the 1940s. In comparison, China's exposure limits are four times higher. Since the 1970s, OSHA has backed a 0.5 micrograms per cubic meter limit, but some are pushing for an even tighter 0.1 micrograms per cubic meter limit.
Once the OMB finally finishes its review, OSHA will still have to issue a notice of proposed rule making and take public comments before a final rule can be issued. That process could take at least another year.
(more on the push for refining beryllium exposure limits in construction...)
