US Department of Labor cites Massachusetts alloys manufacturer for failing to protect employees against exposure to toxic beryllium

Summary:

Date: [Insert Date]

Document: OSHA Inspection Finds IBC Engineered Materials Inc. Failed to Protect Employees from Beryllium Exposure

Summary: The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an inspection at IBC Engineered Materials Inc., a fabricator of advanced alloys based in Massachusetts, and found numerous violations related to the exposure of employees to the toxic substance beryllium. The inspection revealed that the company failed to implement adequate measures to protect employees from beryllium exposure, leaving them at risk of developing serious adverse health effects.

Key Findings:

1. Exposure to airborne concentrations of beryllium: OSHA inspectors found that employees were exposed to airborne concentrations of beryllium as they performed handheld grinding and parts fabrication operations on beryllium aerospace components in the foundry and grinding room.
2. Failure to implement an exposure control plan: IBC failed to implement a proper exposure control plan and maintain adequate engineering controls to reduce and minimize employees’ exposures to beryllium.
3. Lack of follow-up monitoring: The company did not conduct follow-up beryllium exposure monitoring in a timely manner.
4. Inadequate storage and disposal: IBC failed to properly store beryllium-contaminated clothing in a designated area and did not dispose of rags, gloves, paper towels, and other beryllium-contaminated items properly.
5. Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) program: The company failed to provide an adequate change room for employees required to change into personal protective equipment and did not ensure that reused and laundered protective coveralls were free of beryllium contamination.
6. Failure to post warning signs: OSHA found that IBC did not post adequate warning signs to alert employees of the hazards associated with beryllium exposure.

Penalties:

OSHA has cited IBC for 11 serious violations and one other-than-serious violation, proposing a total of $69,251 in penalties.

Conclusion:

The inspection highlights the importance of companies taking appropriate measures to protect employees from exposure to hazardous substances such as beryllium. Beryllium is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious health effects, including chronic beryllium disease and lung cancer, if inhaled. OSHA urges employers to ensure that they provide adequate safeguards to protect employees against this hazardous substance.

Recommendations:

u2022 Implement a proper exposure control plan and maintain adequate engineering controls to reduce and minimize employees’ exposures to beryllium.
u2022 Conduct regular follow-up beryllium exposure monitoring.
u2022 Provide adequate storage and disposal facilities for beryllium-contaminated items.
u2022 Implement an effective personal protective equipment (PPE) program, including a designated change room and ensuring that reused and laundered protective coveralls are free of beryllium contamination.
u2022 Post adequate warning signs to alert employees of the hazards associated with beryllium exposure.

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