An Innovative Safety Model and E-Learning Guide to Working Safely with Beryllium Throughout the Industrial Supply Chain

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, Brush Wellman Inc., the primary beryllium producer, has partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) and others in conducting research to develop a beryllium safety model to prevent chronic beryllium disease. As the result of this research-to-practice partnership, a philosophically different worker protection model evolved based on the premise of addressing all routes and pathways of potential worker exposure. The model's fundamental principles involve keeping beryllium (1) out of the lungs, (2) work areas clean, (3) off the skin, (4) off clothing, (5) at the source, (6) in the work area, (7) on the plant site, and (8) workers prepared to work safely. Recent research by NIOSH is demonstrating that the model has reduced beryllium sensitization and lowered the risk of chronic beryllium disease in employees hired since 2001. As a result, an e-learning tool was created to enhance the communication of the model throughout the industrial supply chain.

Keywords:

• beryllium
• chronic beryllium disease
• e-learning
• exposure assessment
• intervention

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many individuals in Brush Wellman and its partnering organizations have been involved with the development and implementation of the Beryllium Worker Protection Model as well as the Interactive Guide to Working Safely with Beryllium and Beryllium-containing Materials. The authors would like to give special recognition to Patrick Carpenter, Larry Chako, Terry Civic, David Deubner, Michael Kent, Kathleen Kreiss, and Richard Newman.