| Building
Number/Name: Date prepared: Responsible Contractor: Contact: |
329 November 20, 2000, Updated February 7, 2003 PNNL A. L. Nicholson |
PAST OPERATIONS
Beryllium brought in facility: Yes
Form of beryllium: SOLID
Period of beryllium operations (dates): Start: 1950s End: Present
Location(s) in facility that contained beryllium materials: Chemistry labs and pre-fabricated windows for X-ray and gamma spectrometers.
Description of beryllium
activities: The 329 biophysics Laboratory was completed in 1953
to support the HW environmental and bioassay programs. According
to a 1953 memo, an experimental study involved the sawing of 5%
beryllium ingots and the use of melt pots for the beryllium
alloy. According to the memo industrial hygiene support was
recommended; there is no data available indicating that such
activities occurred. Interviews with current employees did not
uncover any indication that past machining activities occurred.
In 1954, a radium-beryllium source being used to calibrate a
cobalt-60 source was dropped and spread contamination throughout
six labs and an adjacent hallway.
Beryllium is present in pre-fabricated windows in X-ray and gamma
spectrometers. Additionally, a chemical inventory records
identified 25 grams of solid beryllium and 250 ml of liquid
beryllium used for laboratory standards. These laboratory
standards have not been used for several years.
Building monitoring data summary:
None identified.
Personnel monitoring data summary: None identified.
Specify Engineering/Administrative controls used during operations: Lab work is conducted in ventilated hoods.
Maximum Estimated Past Be exposure: LOW prior to 1980, NONE since 1980
CURRENT OPERATIONS
Building still present: YES
Beryllium present: YES
Current building occupancy/activity: Research including wet chemistry. Although a small quantity (25 grams) of beryllium is present, it has not been used for several years.
2000 Characterization:
Statistical beryllium wipe sampling was conducted in suspect areas of this facility on May 12, 2000 to characterize residual beryllium levels from past operations. All but one of 59 samples taken had removeable beryllium levels less than the public release limit of (<0.2 µg/100 cm2). One sample taken on an elevated brace to a splash guard behind a lathe in the machine shop (Room 17C) had a removable beryllium level of 4.39 µg/100 cm2).2000 Decontamination:
The contaminated brace was cleaned and 17 additional samples were taken from the brace, the floor below, the splash guard, the lathe and from other equipment throughout the shop. All samples had less than detectable levels of removable beryllium (<0.1 µg/100 cm2).Maximum Estimated Current Be exposure: NONE
Basis for above information: Stone and Webster report, publication WHC-MR-0388, personnel interviews, and chemical inventory.
Comments, including any additional information needed (specify): 1) The current maximum potential exposure is estimated as none because the small quantity of beryllium present is maintained in a sealed container. 2) Approximately 80 percent of the exhaust ventilation ducts were removed and replaced in 1995-96. Analysis of the dust/dirt collected in the remaining exhaust fan filter housing did not reveal any concentration of beryllium. 3) Although a 1953 memo identified a potential experimental study involving sawing and melting of beryllium ingots, no confirmation of these activities could be identified. It is believed that this study did not occur.
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