Background
Beryllium, atomic number 4, is a brittle, steel-gray metal found as a component of coal, oil, certain rock minerals, volcanic dust, and soil. Elemental beryllium is the second lightest of all metals and is used in a wide variety of applications. In its elemental form beryllium exhibits the unique properties of being light weight and extremely stiff, giving the metal several applications in the aerospace, nuclear, and manufacturing industries. In addition, beryllium is amazingly versatile as a metal alloy where it is used in dental appliances, golf clubs, non-sparking tools, wheel chairs, and electronic gadgets.

Abstract
Beryllium causes lung and skin disease in 2% to 10% of exposed workers. Occupational exposure most often occurs in mining, extraction, and in the processing of alloy metals containing beryllium. The adverse health effects of beryllium exposure are caused by the body's immune system reacting with the metal, resulting in an allergic-type response. Dust control is the primary preventative measure. 

Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is an inflammation in the lungs that can occur when a person is exposed to respirable beryllium fumes, dusts or powder, and subsequently demonstrates an allergic reaction to beryllium. CBD is an occupational disease that may occur in the manufacture of metallic beryllium, beryllium oxide ceramic, or alloys containing beryllium. Onset of this disease may be very slow with first symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, fevers and night sweats. One to six percent of exposed workers will eventually develop CBD within months after first exposure, while others may develop it years after exposure has ceased.  Most exposure in maritime industry occurs from abrasive blasting with coal slags.

Timetable
Winter 2005/2006
According to the October 2005 Six-Month Regulatory Agenda, the SBREFA process is expected to be completed by February 2006.

Winter 2004/2005
OSHA has indicated that the SBREFA is scheduled to begin in February 2005.  Guidance documents on the proposed rule are also being developed.

Fall 2004
On November 26, 2002 OSHA issued a federal register notice requesting information on occupational exposure to beryllium.  In their May 2003 6-month regulatory agenda, OSHA issued a Request for Information (RFI) to evaluate the research on the mechanisms of Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD), and to identify the best ways of reducing employee exposure to beryllium.  OSHA is now beginning to gather information for risk assessment.  At the August 2004, National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) meeting, OSHA indicated that the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) process would begin in early 2005.  The Agency indicates that a draft of the rule will be available then.