Beryllium Handling in the High Temperature Materials Laboratory and Hot Cells
Information on Hazardous Materials The institute for work protection of the German statutory casualty insurance provides an information system for hazardous materials: GESTIS-Database http://www.dguv.de/ifa%3B/gestis/gestis-stoffdatenbank/index-2.jsp (English version) Beryllium powder Identification | Characterisation | Formula | Toxicology / Ecotoxicology | Physical and chemical properties | Occupational health and first aid | Safe handling | Regulations | Links | Literature register
Internal regulations For the proper handling of beryllium samples in the first place the following regulation applies at FZJ „Operating Instructions according to §14 Hazardous Substances Ordinance” („Betriebsanweisung gem. § 14 Gefahrstoffverordnung“) In addition there is a supplementary handling instruction for our laboratories: JUDITH 1 facility in the hot cells JUDITH 2 facility in the controlled area thermo-physics laboratory in the controlled area metallographic laboratory in the controlled area other laboratory areas (in the controlled area)
Personal protective equipment ALWAYS: protective gloves in case of (potential) dust contamination: respiratory masks, FFP3 (qualification of respiratory protection) further measures depending on facility and performed work
Receipt of beryllium specimens use of personal protection equipment cleaning via ultrasonic bath (independent of the given contamination values) – exception: surface dust should be analyzed Storage sealing twice in plastic-bags (with desiccant, e.g. silica gel) lockable steel lockers – depending on the size of the component storage is also done in the transport boxes in designated rooms
JUDITH 1 / JUDITH 2: open vacuum chamber Personal protection protective gloves, respiratory mask (FFP3), paper-suit, over-shoes Automatic start of a filtering system when the chamber is opened directed air stream into the chamber air cleaning via particle filter type EN-1822, class H13 Additional safety measures for JUDITH 2: covering of the surface with plastic foils protection tent: extends the vacuum chamber and allows working on the set-up directly in front of the chamber
Post-testing treatment cleaning from dust via ultrasonic bath tested specimens / components parts from the facility, that might be contaminated and can be easily removed used tools transport from vacuum chamber to ultrasonic bath in a container with water - in case the component is too large, the ultrasonic bath needs to be placed directly beside the facility
JUDITH 2: End of Be-campaign removal of the tent cleaning in a special laundry facility at FZJ cleaning of the vacuum chamber (wet) with full protection and all other safety measures in place after cleaning wipe tests in the facility and outside for contamination surveillance
Contamination surveillance Wipe tests: after finalizing a Be-campaign in case of longer campaigns (> 2 months) intermediate tests for each working place the place for the sampling is determined (depending on the probability for contamination) and documented wipe tests, if possible, on an area of 30 x 30 cm2 calculation to determine contamination at 1 m2 wipe test pads are wetted with distilled water No other surveillance methods are used!
Special regulations – air monitoring Machining of Beryllium Samples by Wet Cutting and Grinding in the Fume Hood In principle work with beryllium requires the highest safety level according to GefStoffV (regulation on hazardous materials), and must be carried out in closed areas. The air must be monitored. Reference to standardised procedures can be made when working on a laboratory scale under typical laboratory conditions (cross section of the cut approx. 2 cm2, 1 – 2 campaigns per month, certified and functioning fume hood, instructed operators). Working in the fume hood is allowed and monitoring is not necessary. Cutting and grinding with laboratory machines is carried out automatically in the closed fume hood and in a wet condition. Aerosols are extracted with the air flow and can not get into the breathing zone of the operator. The operator can get in contact with the sample only during installation and de- installation in the metallographic machines. Observation of the processes is allowed only through the closed front window. Personal safety protection must be worn (laboratory coat is allowed), regular medical check-ups are required. Detection of contamination with swipe samples.
Other laboratory areas Requirement no mechanical or thermal loads of beryllium (e.g. microscopy, profilometry) Measures clear identification and separation samples need to be dust free ultrasonic bath transport only in closed plastic bag beryllium samples never left unattended working area to be covered, e.g. by plastic foil personal protection: gloves, (respiratory mask)
Beryllium – Disposal Radioactive beryllium samples and waste disposal route identical to those for radioactive waste (special casks with combustible and incombustible waste), but stored and treated separately clear identification liquid beryllium containing waste needs to be stored in suitable casks/canisters clear identification Non-radioactive samples disposal route according to FZJ regulations (specialized department): beryllium = chemical waste; in general, sealed in plastic bags (twice) and finally stored in special canisters
Beryllium – Shipment (EFDA approach) Requirements thorough cleaning (ultrasonic bath and drying) wipe tests sealing twice in plastic-bags (with desiccant, e.g. silica gel) beryllium-contamination on outer package ≤ 10 µg/m2 (FZJ aims for this value already for the inner package) warning at outside of outer package accompanying document: surface contamination for each sample package should prevent mechanical damage (hard shell case) transport will be organized by the logistics department of FZJ – this includes the notification to authorities in case the receiver is located outside of the EU
Additional information yearly instruction on beryllium safety in general and in operation of the dedicated facilities no particular training due to highly frequent handling of beryllium – also similar protection methods compared to radioactive materials handled in our controlled area contamination levels strongly varying: highest levels in fume hood after a campaign (up to mg/m2) – cleaning is done until a level < 10 µg/m2 is achieved
Fin!