Safety Practices for Sanding & Grinding Beryllium Copper Parts

Beryllium copper, in solid form and as finished parts, presents no particular health hazard. In addition, most manufacturing operations conducted properly on well-maintained equipment are capable of safely processing beryllium copper. Like many industrial materials, it poses a health risk only if mishandled. Breathing very fine particles may cause a serious lung condition in a small percentage of individuals. Risk from processes generating fine particulate can be minimized with simple, proven, and readily available engineering controls such as ventilation. Information on safe handling procedures and on the nature of the risk associated with beryllium inhalation is available from Instrument Specialties.

Very small particles (less than .0005 inch or 10 microns in diameter) of any material, including beryllium copper represent a health hazard if breathed. Operations, such as sanding, abrasive cutting, grit blasting, and grinding, that produce fine, airborne particles must be controlled to prevent worker exposure to the dust. A small fraction of the particles produced in sanding and grinding operations is in the particle size range that may cause health problems. These operations, that form particles that leave the work piece at high velocities, require specially designed collection systems to assure capture of the particulate.

Keeping the process wet can reduce beryllium copper air concentrations, but ventilation and particle collection are the best methods to insure worker safety. Ventilation systems capable of controlling exposures of other metallic dusts are generally adequate for beryllium. Where adequate ventilation is not possible, appropriate respiratory protection must be provided.

If there is a concern about the safety of these operations in your shop, consult an industrial hygienist who can measure the air concentrations during the machining operations. Most hygienists can also recommend equipment and procedures to allow you to perform these operations safely.

Disposal of fine particle-size scrap must be done carefully. While the dust is considered nonhazardous, under federal regulations, for landfill disposal, it must be packaged and handled in a manner that prevents it from becoming air-borne during collection and disposal.

This information applies to a specific manufacturing operation. If you need additional information on safe handling practices or technical data on beryllium products, contact Instrument Specialties Delaware Water Gap P.O. Box 650, Shielding Way Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327 Tel: +1.570.424.8510 Fax: +1.570.424.6213

All material presented courtesy of
Brush Wellman, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio and
Instrument Specialties Company Inc., Delaware Water Gap, PA.