Hanford Facility Beryllium Fact Sheet

PAST OPERATIONS
Beryllium brought in facility: YES
Form of beryllium: SOLID
Period of beryllium operations (dates): Start: 1959 End: 1971
Location(s) in facility that contained beryllium materials: Laboratory, Room 502

Description of beryllium activities: This building, known as the Central Services Laboratory, was built in 1959 and used for analytical chemistry work in support of HW reactors until the early 1970s. In 1971, it was transferred to PNL and used by many departments including craft services; fuels and metallurgy; and atmospheric sciences. Beryllium and other wastes were generated from the analytical work in the 1960s a major beryllium decontamination effort was undertaken by PNL in 1972.

Building monitoring data summary: Thirteen swipe samples were collected in 1972 from the laboratory beryllium zone to identify potential contamination from previous users of the building. Nine swipes were below detection limits of 0.001 to 0.0013 mg/in². Four samples had detectable beryllium including the grinder cast surface (0.0026 mg/in²), large hood on east wall (0.0085 mg/in²), grinding motor and wheel (0.0831 mg/in²), and the top of the grinder (0.0130 mg/in²). In 1980, two swipe samples were collected from a ventilation duct prior to planned renovations with reported results below detection limits of 0.002 mg/in².
In May 1990, wipe and breathing zone samples were obtained during a cutting and polishing operation in Room 502. Wet methods were utilized and breathing zone samples were below detection limits. Wipe samples ranged from <0.08 to 0.18 mg/in².

Personnel monitoring data summary: Breathing zone samples obtained during a cutting and polishing operation in 1990 were below detection limits.

Specify Engineering/Administrative controls used during operations: Wet methods are used during a cutting and polishing operations. Lab work is conducted in ventilated hoods.

Maximum Estimated Past Be exposure: LOW

CURRENT OPERATIONS
Building still present: YES
Beryllium present: Contamination.
Current building occupancy/activity: Laboratory research.

1999 Characterization of Lab 502: Twenty-six (26) wipe samples were taken in November 1999. The results of the samples revealed high concentrations of beryllium inside the glove box located on the south wall (590ug/100cm2). On the outside surface of the glove box, levels of beryllium were at 1.9 ug/100 cm2. Concentrations of beryllium in the fume hoods varied from 0.61ug/100 cm2 to 1.2ug/100 cm2. The top surface of the HEPA filter located on the east side of the lab had beryllium contamination levels of 0.83 ug/100 cm2. All other locations sampled (floor, counter tops, cabinet shelf, canopy hood, light fixtures, and drawers) were below the level of detection (<0.5ug/100 cm2). The lab is currently posted as beryllium contaminated and access into the lab is restricted requiring building management approval.

Maximum Estimated Current Be exposure: Lab 502 has restricted access. For staff performing building walkthroughs in all areas except Lab 502, exposure to beryllium will be none. For non-routine activities associated with Lab 502, such as breaching facility systems, exposure levels are unknown.

Basis for above information: Stone and Webster report, publication WHC-MR-0388, personnel interviews, chemical inventory information, IH Case # 99-075.

Comments, including any additional information needed (specify): Beryllium may be present as a contaminant in the exhaust ventilation duct and associated hood where machining of beryllium was conducted. Swipe samples are recommended to determine potential beryllium concentrations prior to work activities inside the ductwork.

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For questons or comments, please send email to Elton_R_Hewitt@rl.gov