The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a direct final rule (DFR) clarifying aspects of the beryllium standard for general industry as it applies to processes, operations or areas where workers may be exposed to materials containing less than 0.1 percent beryllium by weight.

The DFR clarifies the definitions of Beryllium Work Area, emergency, dermal contact and beryllium contamination. It also clarifies provisions for disposal and recycling, and provisions that the agency intends to apply only where skin can be exposed to materials containing at least 0.1 percent beryllium by weight.

The direct final rule will become effective on July 4, 2018, unless the agency receives significant adverse comments by June 4, 2018.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov.