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Building Number/Name: |
2703-E (Tool Crib) |
PAST OPERATIONS
Description of beryllium activities: Beryllium tools (beryllium-copper alloy containing about 2% beryllium) are stored in a drawer in the tool crib and given to employees for use in Tank Farms. These tools are then returned to the tool crib, and may have small amounts of dust containing beryllium on them. Based on contacts with tool manufacturers, the potential for significant airborne exposure to beryllium from these tools is very low. However, because air sampling was not performed prior to the FDH beryllium assessment project, nor were measures taken to reduce the potential for employee exposure, the potential exists for exposure to low levels of airborne beryllium dust. As such, the tool crib is being considered a potential source of past airborne beryllium exposure.
Building monitoring data summary: None identified.
Personnel monitoring data summary: None identified.
Specify Engineering/Administrative controls used during operations: Tools are wet-wiped before and after use.
Maximum Estimated Past Be exposure: LOW
CURRENT OPERATIONS
Building still present: YES
Beryllium present: YES
Current building occupancy/activity: Although beryllium tools are still being used, measures have been implemented to reduce the potential for airborne exposure to beryllium. These include wiping down the beryllium tools to reduce dust. Based on these measures, and airborne beryllium monitoring, current airborne exposure levels to beryllium are below detection limits.
1999 Study Results: Ambient air samples were collected on 7/15/99 on the ground floor of 2703E. One sample was collected at the west end of the building just north of the sprinkler pipe valves, and the other was collected near the south wall of the building immediately east of the oversized sliding door. A personal air sample was also collected on 7/15/99 in the breathing zone of a technician while wipe sampling surfaces for beryllium. Results reported for these samples were below the Method Detection Limit (MDL) of 0.004 µg/m3 and 0.019 µg/m3 for the ambient and personal samples, respectively. Surface samples were collected from 29 sites throughout the building on 7/15/99. Results reported for these samples were below the MDL of 0.5 mg/100 cm2. Areas that were unable to be sampled but could possibly be contaminated with beryllium include the interiors of the high-bay exhaust ducts servicing the facility.
Maximum Estimated Current Be Exposure from Routine Activities: NONE
Basis for above information: Conversations with Tank Farms Health and Safety regarding current procedures to minimize airborne exposure from beryllium tools; FDH beryllium assessment.
Comments, including any additional information needed (specify): This area is included as a suspect beryllium facility as it is known to contain beryllium-copper alloy tools. From information provided by the building Health and Safety point-of-contact, beryllium metal was not machined in 2703E in recent years. Therefore, the potential for past beryllium exposure in the Machine Shop is low, and beryllium contamination in exhaust ducts servicing the facility is possible, but not likely.
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