ConDig (05-Mar-18).  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has again delayed the roll out of regulations aimed at protecting workers from exposure to beryllium until May 11.

Implementation of the regulations had been previously been set for March 12.

OSHA said the extended timeframe will ensure that stakeholders are aware of their obligations and that OSHA provides consistent instructions to its inspectors.

Under the rules, OSHA has set a new lower 8-hour permissible exposure limit (PEL) and short-term (15-minute) exposure limit (STEL) for construction and shipyard industries. 

In the interim, if an employer fails to meet the new PEL or STEL, OSHA will inform the employer of the exposure levels and offer assistance to assure understanding and compliance.

In January last year, OSHA issued new comprehensive health standards addressing exposure to beryllium in all industries. In response to feedback from stakeholders, the agency said it is considering technical updates to the general industry standard, which will clarify and simplify compliance with requirements.

OSHA said last year that it aims to cut the allowable exposure to beryllium dust to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter during any eight-hour period from 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter.

The rule also establishes a short-term exposure limit of 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter over a 15-minute sampling period. It also requires employees to provide protective equipment, medical exams, medical surveillance and training.

The construction industry was not included in the original beryllium revision but was added to the final rule.