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Beryllium is a grey metallic element, stronger than steel yet lighter than aluminum, that is valued in the construction industry for its stability and conductivity. Beryllium may be used as pure metal, beryllium oxide, or as an alloy.
This topic applies to all construction job sites where exposure to beryllium could occur. Workers may be exposed to beryllium by inhaling it from the air or by contact from surfaces. Beryllium has been known to cause chronic illness such as lung disease and cancer; therefor, workers must be protected.
The employer must assess the airborne exposure of each employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be exposed to airborne beryllium in accordance with either the performance option or the scheduled monitoring option.
Regardless of which assessment method is used, all construction employers covered by the standard are required to: