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Hanford Facility Beryllium Fact Sheet


Building Number/Name:
Date prepared:
Responsible Contractor:
Contact:
PSL
November 17, 2000
PNNL
R. E. Johanson


PAST OPERATIONS
Beryllium brought in facility: YES
Form of beryllium: SOLID
Period of beryllium operations (dates): Start: 1981 End: 1980s
Location(s) in facility that contained beryllium materials: Insulated thermocouples

Description of beryllium activities: A September 1981 memo identified potential beryllium exposure from lapping and polishing of mounted metallographic samples of beryllium oxide insulated thermocouples.

Building monitoring data summary: One swipe sample was collected which was below the detection limit of 0.06 mg/in2.

Personnel monitoring data summary: None identified. However, the 1981 memo from HEHF stated that "no exposures to beryllium compounds would be anticipated" based on the limited number of materials, minimal lapping and polishing required, minute concentrations of beryllium present, and thoroughly oiled contact surfaces.

Specify Engineering/Administrative controls used during operations: The memo recommended the use of surgeons gloves when handling the materials, changeout of lapping and polishing solutions upon completion of use with beryllium materials, and HEHF support to evaluate cleanup efforts.

Maximum Estimated Past Be exposure: NONE (per HEHF)


CURRENT OPERATIONS
Building still present: YES
Beryllium present: NO
Current building occupancy/activity: Research, 99 occupants.

2000 Characterization: Statistical beryllium wipe sampling was conducted in the shop areas in the basement of this facility (Rooms 249, 251, 200, 201N, 201S) on April 25, 2000 to characterize residual beryllium levels from past operations. All 29 samples taken had less than the public release limit of removable beryllium (<0.2 µg/100 cm2).

Maximum Estimated Current Be exposure: NONE

Basis for above information: Stone and Webster report and interviews with site personnel
Comments, including any additional information needed (specify): None


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

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