| Building
Number/Name: Date prepared: Responsible Contractor: Contact: |
338 December 30, 2002 PNNL A. L. Nicholson |
PAST OPERATIONS
Beryllium brought in facility: No history of beryllium use.
Form of beryllium:
Period of beryllium operations (dates):
Maximum Estimated Past Be exposure: Unknown
CURRENT OPERATIONS
Building still present: YES
Beryllium present: NO
Current building occupancy/activity: The 338 Building, Prototype Engineering Laboratory, is used for chemical and materials process development and equipment development and testing. It has a low occupancy.
2002 Crane Bus Bar Investigation:
On November 26, 2002, 10 wipe samples were taken on electrical bus bars serving the bridge crane in 338 and on nearby surfaces. While no beryllium was detected on the bus bars, it was detected on elevated structural members of the crane and nearby ductwork. The highest level found was 0.33 µg/100 cm2 on the east rail of old crane. Full facility characterization sampling is planned to determine the extent of contamination. Building 338 has no known history of work with beryllium.2003 Characterization:
On January 17, 2003, 41 wipe samples were taken in the highbay, including the Limited Access Island on the north end of the facility. A grid of the highbay was developed to facilitate an even distribution of samples, with one sample taken in each of the 41 areas with some samples taken from elevated surfaces to the floor level. None of the samples had removable beryllium contamination above the public release limit.Maximum Estimated Current Be exposure: Air sampling was conducted June 8, 2001 when zircalloy was being melted in an electric furnace. The samples were also tested for beryllium as a precaution, since beryllium has been associated with some zircalloy products. No beryllium was detected in the air samples taken near the furnace inside 338 (Ref: PNNL IH Case # 01-031-B). Based upon this air sampling data in 338 and air sampling elsewhere, the potential for airborne exposure to beryllium is considered to be low. Work likely to disturb accumulated dust on elevated surfaces requires prior evaluation by safety and health staff.
Basis for above information: PNNL IH Case # 1653, Sample Event 4065, Sample Event 4080, IH Case # 1669, Sample Event 4095.
Comments, including any additional information needed (specify): Full facility characterization sampling is planned to determine the extent of contamination.
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