| Building
Number/Name: Date prepared: Responsible Contractor: Contact: |
306-W November 17, 2000, Updated February 7, 2003 PNNL A. L. Nicholson |
PAST OPERATIONS
Beryllium brought in facility: YES
Form of beryllium: SOLID and LIQUID
Period of beryllium operations (dates): Start: 1972* End: Present
Location(s) in facility that contained beryllium materials: Confirmed beryllium areas include the machine shop and an abrasive cut saw.
Description of beryllium activities: The original portion of Building 306 was renamed 306-W in 1972. Based on information from three reports identified, machining of beryllium occurred between 1973 and 1981. Although machining work in the Machine Shop using depleted uranium still occurs, beryllium has not been used in the Machine Shop for the past 15-20 years
Building monitoring data summary: In 1973, 2 air and 9 swipe samples were collected from the machining area. The air results were 0.05 and 0.07 mg/m3. Five of the swipes were 0.05 mg/in2 or below; two ranged between 0.2 and 0.29 mg/in2; and a swipe from a plastic cover was 4.16 mg/in2. Six swipes were collected while using an abrasive cut saw in 1981 with a maximum result of 0.003 mg/in2.
Personnel monitoring data summary:
None identified
Specify Engineering/Administrative controls used during
operations: None identified
Maximum Estimated Past Be exposure: LOW
CURRENT OPERATIONS
Building still present: YES
Beryllium present: YES
Current building occupancy/activity: The building is currently used for machining activities in support of research; some offices are present. A "hot" shop is used to machine depleted uranium and a "cold" shop is used to machine tungsten, aluminum, and tool steel. According to chemical inventory records, approximately 5 fluid ounces of beryllium are currently stored in the building.
2000 Characterization:
Statistical beryllium wipe sampling was conducted in this facility on May 23, 2000 to characterize residual beryllium levels from past operations. All 59 samples taken had less than detectable levels of removable beryllium (<0.5 µg/100 cm2).2002 Recharacterization:
Statistical beryllium wipe sampling was repeated in 306W on October 25, 2002 and analyzed at a lower detection level. All 59 samples taken were below the release criteria level of 0.2 µg/100 cm2.2003 Crane Bus Bar Investigation:
On January 15, 2003, three wipe samples were taken from crane collector shoes and bus bars in 306W.Maximum Estimated Current Be exposure: LOW
Basis for above information Stone and Webster report, interviews with site personnel, and publication WHC-MR-0388.
Comments, including any additional information needed (specify): Although a small amount of liquid containing beryllium is present. This material is not used and poses no exposure hazard as currently stored. Additionally, beryllium may be present as a contaminant in the exhaust ventilation ducts or on the interior surfaces of machines. Swipe samples are recommended to determine beryllium levels prior to work activities in the exhaust ventilation ducts and prior to release of the machines.
* Considerable additional information may be found in Fact Sheet for Building 306.
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