Hanford Facility Beryllium Fact Sheet

PAST OPERATIONS
Beryllium brought in facility: YES
Form of beryllium: LIQUID matrix
Period of beryllium operations (dates): (1) Start: 1960 End: 1960; and (2) in early 1970s but not later than 1975.
Location(s) in facility that contained beryllium materials:
(1) Laboratories 4A and 4B; and (2) Laboratory 1K.

Description of beryllium activities:
(1) A September 1960 report noted a laboratory study to determine what materials will pass into solution during decladding and dissolution of NPR fuel elements.
(2) Beryllium (in liquid matrix) for Atomic Absorption analysis.

Building monitoring data summary: None identified.
Personnel monitoring data summary: None identified.

Specify Engineering/Administrative controls used during operations: Work was performed in ventilated hoods equipped with HEPA filters. PPE worn included coveralls, shoe covers, and gloves. Waste solutions were discharged through waste lines for radioactive wastes that emptied into the waste crib for radioactive mixtures.

Maximum Estimated Past Be exposure: LOW (none)

CURRENT OPERATIONS
Building still present: YES
Beryllium present: NO*

Current building occupancy/activity: This building is currently occupied. The areas of the facility where the beryllium work (analysis) was performed have been fully renovated, including the ventilation system HEPA filters.

Maximum Estimated Current Be exposure: NONE

Basis for above information: Interviews with site personnel. The area of the facility where the beryllium work (analysis) was performed has been fully renovated, including the ventilation system HEPA filters.

Comments, including any additional information needed (specify): Beryllium was in non-metallic form.

* There is no current evidence to suggest the presence of beryllium or beryllium compounds in this building. No additional swipe sampling recommended at this time.

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