Abstract
Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce acquired an industrial complex of several large, empty buildings, one of which formerly housed beryllium machining operations and a beryllium oxide ceramics laboratory. Personnel of the Division of Occupational Health collected wipe samples in the building and found significant beryllium contamination. Prior to occupancy, the entire inside of the plant (300 × 200 × 50 feet) was successfully decontaminated to less than 1 ng of removable beryllium per 100 cm2 of surface area—an acceptable level to all parties involved. Methods of wipe sampling, analysis, decontamination procedures, personnel safety, monitoring, and results are discussed. The report emphasizes the need for liaison and cooperation between State agencies.