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Building Number/Name: |
3706 |
PAST OPERATIONS
Description of beryllium activities: The 3706 Technical Building was the original World War II radiochemistry lab for the HEW. Its original mission was to perform small-scale experiments with both high- and low-radioactivity materials. From 1947 to 1953 much pioneering radiochemical work in the development of REDOX, PUREX, and RECUPLEX process took place there. In 1954, the building underwent a major decontamination and remodeling effort in which many of the laboratories were converted to offices. However, control (sampling) laboratories for fuel fabrication operations continued to operate through the mid-1960s. By 1964, the 3706 Building was called the General Services Building. Although it still contained some analytical laboratories, a majority of its space was devoted to mail services, duplicating, photographic, and other administrative and clerical functions. During the 1970s and 1980s, the building underwent several other minor remodeling as all laboratory work was eventually phased out.
Building monitoring data summary: Some unspecified beryllium work was conducted in the metallurgy lab in 1963. As a part of a 1963 study, two filters from the metallurgy lab were removed and tested for beryllium. Based on the two sample results, it was estimated that the average beryllium concentration in air from the lab exhaust was approximately 0.008 mg/m3.
Personnel monitoring data summary: None identified.
Specify Engineering/Administrative controls used during operations: None were identified, but some sort of ventilation controls were in place.
Maximum Estimated Past Be exposure: LOW
CURRENT OPERATIONS
Building still present: YES
Beryllium present: NO
Current building occupancy/activity: This building is currently vacant and awaiting final clean-out.
1999 Study Results:
Ambient air samples were collected on 6/16/99 in the southeast corridor outside room 226, and on 7/7/99 in the west corridor outside room 102. A personal air sample was also collected on 6/16/99 in the breathing zone of a technician while wipe sampling surfaces for beryllium. Results reported for the air samples were below the Method Detection Limit (MDL) of 0.007 and 0.008 µg/m3 for the ambient and personal samples, respectively. Surface wipe samples were collected from 59 sites throughout the building on 6/16/99. Results reported for these samples were below the MDL of 0.5 mg/100 cm2. Areas that were not sampled but could possibly be contaminated with beryllium include: the exhaust ductwork formerly serving rooms 3, 102, 112, 114, and 210, and possibly the attic areas containing the ductwork.Maximum Estimated Current Be Exposure from Routine Activities: NONE
OPERATIONAL CONTROLS: Work activities occurring in this facility will be planned and reviewed with consideration given to the potential for beryllium exposure. Controls will be prescribed when the work activity may potentially enter or disturb an area not yet characterized through beryllium sampling or monitoring. Work will be carefully planned with IH&S professional support to help assure potential exposure risks are identified and minimized through the use of appropriate controls and additional sampling/monitoring as appropriate.
Basis for above information: Stone and Webster report and publication WHC-MR-0388, FDH beryllium assessment report.
Comments, including any additional information needed (specify): Beryllium was likely removed during radiological decontamination, swipe samples in former laboratory exhaust systems and adjacent attic areas are recommended to determine levels of beryllium prior to disturbing those areas.
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