OAR 437-002-2033: Housekeeping

This rule covers housekeeping requirements for all employers covered under the beryllium rule scope, 437-002-2024. (1) Ensure that all spills and emergency releases of beryllium are cleaned up promptly and in accordance with the written exposure control plan required by 437-002-2029. (2) When cleaning beryllium-contaminated areas, or surfaces in beryllium work areas, ensure the use of HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood and level of airborne exposure. (3) Do not allow dry sweeping or brushing for cleaning surfaces unless HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood and level of airborne exposure are not safe or effective. (4) Do not allow the use of compressed air for cleaning beryllium- contaminated surfaces unless the compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system designed to capture the particulates made airborne by the use of compressed air. (5) Do not allow dry sweeping or dry brushing where such activity could contribute to employee exposure to beryllium unless wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure are not feasible. (6) Where employees use dry sweeping, brushing, or compressed air to clean beryllium-contaminated surfaces, the employer must provide, and ensure that each employee uses, respiratory protection and personal protective clothing and equipment in accordance with this subdivision. (7) Ensure that cleaning equipment is handled and maintained in a manner that minimizes the likelihood and level of airborne exposure and the re-entrainment of airborne beryllium in the workplace. (8) On fixed sites, maintain all surfaces in beryllium work areas as free as practicable of beryllium and in accordance with the written exposure control plan required by 437-002-2029. (9) Disposal. (a) When transferring beryllium-containing materials from construction activities to another party for use or disposal, ensure that party is provided with a label that meets OAR 437-002-2036. (b) When transferring beryllium-containing materials from fixed sites: (A) Ensure that materials designated for disposal that contain or are contaminated with beryllium are disposed of in sealed, impermeable enclosures, such as bags or containers, that are labeled in accordance with OAR 437-002-2036. (B) Ensure that materials designated for recycling that contain or are contaminated with beryllium are cleaned to be as free as practicable of surface beryllium contamination and labeled in accordance with OAR 437-002-2036.