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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Administrative data

First-aid measures

Inhalation:
Breathing difficulty caused by inhalation of particulate requires immediate removal to fresh air and medical assistance if needed.

Skin:
Thoroughly wash skin cuts or wounds to remove all particulate debris from the wound. Seek medical attention for wounds that cannot be thoroughly cleansed. Treat skin cuts and wounds with standard first aid practices such as cleansing, disinfecting and covering to prevent wound infection and contamination before continuing work. Obtain medical help for persistent irritation. Material accidentally implanted or lodged under the skin must be removed.

Eyes:
As with any particulate, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally.

After Ingestion:
Beryllium oxide does not present an ingestion hazard.

Information to Physician:
Treatment of Chronic Beryllium Disease:
There is no known treatment which will cure chronic beryllium disease. Prednisone or other corticosteroids are the most specific treatment currently available. They are directed at suppressing the immunological reaction and can be effective in diminishing signs and symptoms of chronic beryllium disease. In cases where steroid therapy has had only partial or minimal effectiveness, other immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, or methotrexate, have been used. These latter agents remain investigational. Further, in view of the potential side effects of all the immunosuppressive medications, including steroids such as prednisone, they should be used only under the direct care of a physician. In general, these medications should be reserved for cases with significant symptoms and/or significant loss of lung function. Other symptomatic treatment, such as oxygen, inhaled steroids or bronchodilators, may be prescribed by some physicians and can be effective in selected cases.

The decision about when and with what medication to treat is a judgment situation for individual physicians. For the most part, treatment is reserved for those persons with symptoms and measurable loss of lung function. The value of starting oral steroid treatment, before signs or symptoms are evident, remains a medically unresolved issue.

The effects of continued low exposure to beryllium are unknown for individuals who are sensitized to beryllium or who have a diagnosis of chronic beryllium disease. It is generally recommended that persons who are sensitized to beryllium or who have CBD terminate their occupational exposure to beryllium.

Fire-fighting measures

Beryllium oxide and beryllium oxide products are not flammable. Beryllium oxide is the oxide of an alkaline earth metal. Be(II) is the highest oxidation state and the only stable ionic state of beryllium. The standard enthalpy of formation is -609.4 kJ/mol underlining the stability of the substance (as comparison: standard enthalpy for water (H2O) = -285.8 KJ/mol).
If beryllium oxide becomes airborne as a respirable particulate during a fire situation, pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn by firefighters or any other persons potentially exposed.

Accidental release measures

For beryllium oxide powder spills, establish a restricted entry zone based on the severity of the spill. Persons entering the restricted zone must wear adequate respiratory protection and protective clothing appropriate for the severity of the spill. Cleanup spills with a vacuum system utilizing a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system followed by wet cleaning methods. Special precautions must be taken when changing filters on HEPA vacuum cleaners used to clean up hazardous materials. Be careful to minimize airborne generation of particulate and avoid contamination of air and water.

Handling and storage

Handling:
Particulate may enter the body through cuts, abrasions or other wounds on the surface of the skin. Wear gloves when handling parts with loose surface particulate or sharp edges.

If in powder form, keep storage container tightly sealed and material transfers in closed systems or within a completely hooded containment with local exhaust ventilation. Prevent spillage, contact with clothing and flush container clean before discarding.

Storage:
Store in a dry area.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:
UN1566
Shipping information
Proper shipping name and description:
Beryllium Compound, N.O.S. (Beryllium Oxide)
Chemical name:
Beryllium oxide
Language:
English
Labels:
Toxic
Special provisions / remarks
Special provisions:
Placard required when shipping 454 kg (1,000 lbs.) aggregate gross weight.

Inland waterway transport (UN RTDG/ADN(R))

UN number:
UN1566
Shippingopen allclose all
Labels:
Toxic
Remarksopen allclose all

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:
1566
Shipping information
Proper shipping name and description:
Beryllium Compound, N.O.S. (Beryllium Oxide)
Chemical name:
Beryllium Oxide
Labels:
Toxic
Remarksopen allclose all

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:
1566
Shipping information
Proper shipping name and description:
Beryllium Compound, N.O.S. (Beryllium Oxide)
Chemical name:
Beryllium Oxide
Labels:
Toxic
Remarksopen allclose all
SpecialProvisionsopen allclose all

Exposure controls / personal protection

VENTILATION AND ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Whenever possible, the use of local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls is the preferred method of controlling exposure to airborne particulate. Where utilized, exhaust inlets to the ventilation system must be positioned as close as possible to the source of airborne generation. Avoid disruption of the airflow in the area of a local exhaust inlet by equipment such as a man-cooling fan. Check ventilation equipment regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. Provide training on the use and operation of ventilation to all users. Use qualified professionals to design and install ventilation systems.

WORK PRACTICES
Develop work practices and procedures that prevent particulate from coming in contact with worker skin, hair, or personal clothing. If work practices and/or procedures are ineffective in controlling airborne exposure or visual particulate from deposition on skin, hair, or clothing, provide appropriate cleaning/washing facilities. Procedures should be written that clearly communicate the facility’s requirements for protective clothing and personal hygiene. These clothing and personal hygiene requirements help keep particulate from being spread to non-production areas or from being taken home by the worker. Never use compressed air to clean work clothing or other surfaces.
Fabrication processes may leave a residue of particulate on the surface of parts, products or equipment that could result in employee exposure during subsequent material handling activities. As necessary, clean loose particulate from parts between processing steps. As a standard hygiene practice, wash hands before eating or smoking.
To prevent exposure, remove surface scale or oxidation formed on cast or heat treated products in an adequately ventilated process prior to working the surface.

WET METHODS
Machining operations are usually performed under a liquid lubricant/coolant flood which assists in reducing airborne particulate. However, the cycling through of machine coolant containing finely divided particulate in suspension can result in the concentration building to a point where the particulate may become airborne during use. Certain processes such as sanding and grinding may require complete hooded containment and local exhaust ventilation. Prevent coolant from splashing onto floor areas, external structures or operators’ clothing. Utilize a coolant filtering system to remove particulate from the coolant.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
When airborne exposures exceed or have the potential to exceed the occupational limits (recommended exposure guideline (REG) of 0.0002 milligrams beryllium per cubic meter of air), approved respirators must be used as specified by an Industrial Hygienist or other qualified professional. Respirator users must be medically evaluated to determine if they are physically capable of wearing a respirator. Quantitative and/or qualitative fit testing and respirator training must be satisfactorily completed by all personnel prior to respirator use. Users of tight fitting respirators must be clean shaven on those areas of the face where the respirator seal contacts the face. Exposure to unknown concentrations of particulate requires the wearing of a pressure-demand airline respirator or pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Use pressure-demand airline respirators when performing jobs with high potential exposures such as changing filters in a baghouse air cleaning device.

OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Protective overgarments or work clothing must be worn by persons who may become contaminated with particulate during activities such as machining, furnace rebuilding, air cleaning equipment filter changes, maintenance, furnace tending, etc. Contaminated work clothing and overgarments must be managed in a controlled manner to prevent secondary exposure to workers of third parties, to prevent the spread of particulate to other areas, and to prevent particulate from being taken home by workers.

PROTECTIVE GLOVES
Wear gloves to prevent contact with particulate or solutions. Wear gloves to prevent metal cuts and skin abrasions during handling.

EYE PROTECTION
Wear safety glasses, goggles, face shield, or welder’s helmet when risk of eye injury is present, particularly during melting, casting, machining, grinding, welding, powder handling, etc.

HOUSEKEEPING
Use vacuum and wet cleaning methods for particulate removal from surfaces. Be certain to de-energize electrical systems, as necessary, before beginning wet cleaning. Use vacuum cleaners with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA). Do not use compressed air, brooms, or conventional vacuum cleaners to remove particulate from surfaces as this activity can result in elevated exposures to airborne particulate. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when performing maintenance on HEPA filtered vacuums used to clean hazardous materials.

MAINTENANCE
During repair or maintenance activities the potential exists for exposures to particulate in excess of the occupational standards. Under these circumstances, protecting workers can require the use of specific work practices or procedures involving the combined use of ventilation, wet and vacuum cleaning methods, respiratory protection, decontamination, special protective clothing and, when necessary, restricted work zones.

Stability and reactivity

BeO is in its highest oxidation state +2. The substance is inert and will not further decompose upon heating.

Disposal considerations

BYPRODUCT RECYCLING
When recycled (used in a process to recover metals), this material is not classified as hazardous waste. Seal particulate or particulate containing materials inside two plastic bags, place in a DOT approved container, and label appropriately.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
When spent products are declared solid wastes (no longer recyclable), they must be labeled, managed and disposed of, in accordance with federal, state and local requirements. This material is not classified a hazardous waste.