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BHSC 2026 Spring Meeting
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500/1-001 - Main Auditorium (CERN)
Beth Walker
(BHSC),
Chris Dorn
(BHSC),
Isabel Bejar Alonso
(CERN),
Josef Sobieraj Sobieraj
(NNSA)
Description
The Beryllium Health and Safety Committee (BHSC) promotes activities/efforts that help people better understand and prevent beryllium-induced conditions and illnesses, including Beryllium Sensitization (BeS) and Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD).
The 2026 Spring Meeting, which will take place on 29-30 April 2026, and will be hosted by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Meyrin, Geneva, Switzerland.
Registration
BHSC 2026 Spring meeting
Participants
206
View full list
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08:30
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Presentations 29th a.m. 500/1-001 - Main AuditoriumConvener: Isabel Bejar Alonso (CERN)
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Engineering Solutions for Safe Processing of Beryllium at CERN
The CERN Beryllium Facility is a specialized infrastructure dedicated to the machining, chemical and heat treatment, welding, inspection, testing, and qualification of beryllium components for high-energy physics applications, particularly components exposed to high radiation and operating in ultra-high vacuum environments, such as those found in particle accelerators. The facility is engineered to address beryllium dust and chemical hazards at their source, while meeting strict cleanliness requirements.
The facility incorporates key engineering parameters, including controlled-atmosphere enclosures to prevent particulate dispersion and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems that maintain negative pressure gradients for safe operation. Environmental controls regulate temperature and humidity to ensure dimensional accuracy and contamination control. Dedicated ventilation systems provide multiple air changes per hour, with continuous airborne particle monitoring to ensure concentrations remain below occupational exposure limits.
The presentation will focus on the engineering solutions developed and the challenges encountered during implementation.
Speaker: Roberto Ales Bozzi (CERN) -
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Application of Remote Sensing Technologies in Addressing Beryllium Challenges
Remote sensing techniques serve a critical role in the identification, exploration and prediction of beryllium. Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, developed continental-scale mineral maps in 1999 using data from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery. These maps were groundbreaking at the time but are now considered too coarse in many situations to be highly accurate for mineral prospecting. More recent examples applied to beryllium include:
Dr. Bryony Richards, a senior research scientist with the Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI) at the University of Utah, is developing a satellite-based exploration framework to map hydrothermal alteration associated with beryllium mineralization at Spor Mountain, Utah, the world’s largest known bertrandite (Be) resource. Because the ore mineral itself lacks strong spectral signatures, Richards integrates multispectral data from NASA and JAXA platforms, including Sentinel-2, Landsat-8/9, and ASTER, with advances in computing to detect alteration-proxy minerals such as Al-OH clays, silica fronts, iron oxides, and fluorine-enriched lithologies.
By combining satellite imagery, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) structural analysis, and field validation, her work delineates fracture-controlled fluid pathways and alteration domains across areas exceeding 100 km². In addition, Richards is advancing hyperspectral imaging analysis to acquire higher-resolution data closer to the ground, enabling refinement of mineral targets and supporting scalable, domestic critical mineral resource assessment.
Li et al. (2025) and Gao et al. (2025) successfully mapped beryllium deposits in the central Altyn region in Xinjiang, China by integrating remote sensing data with geological datasets that were validated by field observations in areas with harsh natural conditions. Remote sensing image enhancement techniques including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Independent Component Analysis (ICA), and Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) were used to create a spectral library of rocks and minerals that successfully differentiated lithium-beryllium-bearing dikes from non-beryllium dikes within the Tugeman mining area and its surrounding prospective zone.
Hu et al. (2024) applied ASTER multispectral data and ZY1-02D hyperspectral data to map the structural distribution and hydrothermal alteration in the polymetallic ore district in southern Shangri-La City, Yunnan Province, China. The study area hosts several polymetallic deposits, including the Mahuaping tungsten–beryllium deposit, which has significant mineral exploration potential. Khaleal et al. (2023) assessed environmental and radiological impacts and lithological mapping of beryl-bearing rocks in Egypt using high-resolution sentinel-2 remote sensing images.
This presentation explains the principles and applications of remote sensing techniques in mapping beryllium deposits and introduces innovative methods for using remote sensing technology for industry and research in other ways including site safety and risk management, land reclamation and resource management, infrastructure planning, production monitoring, emergency management, regulatory compliance, and post-mining assessment.
Corresponding Author:
Dr. Josef Sobieraj
National Nuclear Security Administration
Email: josef.sobieraj@nnsa.doe.govSpeaker: Dr Josef Sobieraj (National Nuclear Security Administration) -
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Scaling Up FLiBe Operations In the Fusion Industry
Building on our 2024 update to the BHSC regarding the initial hurdles of establishing a glovebox-scale FLiBe safety program, Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has transitioned from foundational setup toward operational maturity and infrastructure expansion. While our early efforts centered on basic lab design and the rollout of company-wide medical surveillance, our current trajectory is defined by the industrialization of beryllium management in preparation for the larger facility build-out. Beyond achieving significant scientific advances in molten salt characterization, we have refined our Beryllium Management Program through extensive sampling to differentiate between high- and low-risk work zones. By integrating the BeFinder system for ghost wipe analysis alongside traditional personal air monitoring, we have moved toward near real-time surface contamination feedback, allowing for a much deeper understanding of cleaning efficacy and environmental control.
As we navigated the expected challenges of program implementation, we also encountered and addressed critical unexpected hurdles, most notably the impact of heat stress on our personnel. Given the rigorous PPE requirements necessary to prevent beryllium exposure, the working environment can become incredibly taxing; consequently, we have spent the last few years troubleshooting diverse solutions for heat stress management in high-heat environments. Understanding that these operational friction points will only scale with our facility, CFS is now focused on sustainable, manufacturing-ready solutions. We continue to lean on lessons learned from our glovebox operations, but our priority has shifted to the ability to predict and prevent failures in much larger systems. Through deep Hazop reviews and rigorous change management, we have established a framework to control risks ahead of our scale-up, ensuring our safety margins keep pace with our technical ambitions.Speaker: Meghan Devine, CIH, CSP
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Coffee break - Group Picture 61/1-201 - Pas perdus - Not a meeting room -
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Presentations 29th a.m. - 2 500/1-001 - Main Auditorium
Convener: Roberto Bozzi
Convener: Roberto Ales Bozzi (CERN)-
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Challenges and solutions for Respiratory Equipment in Beryllium Industry
Specifying the correct respiratory protection equipment (RPE) for environments with potential for beryllium exposure is challenging due to the ultra-low permissible exposure limits (PELs), the high toxicity of the metal, and the need to integrate RPE into a broader, complex control program. Because beryllium causes chronic beryllium disease (CBD) and cancer, RPE must be carefully selected, fitted, and maintained to handle both particulates and potential exposure. In addition, the importance of engaging wearers is paramount to achieve wearer compliance and consistent performance.
Over several years, Sundström safety technical experts at have worked closely with safety professionals in the beryllium field to develop, trial, and deploy high performance PAPR units, product after service support and certificated employee training to protect employees potentially exposed to beryllium.
The objectives were not only to offer the most effective solutions, delivering the highest levels of protection, wearer comfort and sustainability, but also provide critical value to the beryllium industry by ensuring that high-performance respirators maintain their performance through rigorous, documented servicing while ensuring that wearer compliance is consistently maintained.
Sundstrom technical support engineers developed an effective solution for the beryllium environment and extended the lifecycle warranty of Sundström PAPR devices for up to five years in service. In this presentation we look at the challenges and successes of the process.
Speaker: Mr Paul Walsh (Sundstrom) -
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Quantitative Assessment of Particulate Generation in Beryllium Processing Operations at CERN
The CERN Beryllium Facility has developed a comprehensive methodology to quantify particulate generation arising from beryllium processing operations. This study focuses on the measurement of particle production during cutting, turning, precision machining, welding, heat treatment, and chemical processing, with particular attention to airborne, waterborne, and surface-deposited particulates. Given the toxicity of beryllium dust and the stringent cleanliness requirements of ultra-high vacuum components, accurate characterization of particle generation is critical for both occupational safety and product qualification.
For mechanical processes such as cutting and turning, real-time airborne particle monitoring was implemented using optical particle counters and gravimetric sampling to determine particle size distribution and mass concentration. Welding operations were assessed through localized fume extraction monitoring and post-process surface contamination mapping. Heat treatment campaigns included in-situ air sampling combined with surface concentrations. Chemical processing lines were evaluated through water sampling, filtration analysis, and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy to quantify dissolved and suspended fractions. Surface contamination was characterized by using wipe sampling, microscopy, and Inductively Coupled Plasma analytical techniques.
The article presents the measurement techniques developed for each process, correlates particle generation mechanisms with operational parameters, and discusses mitigation strategies implemented to reduce emissions at the source while ensuring compliance with occupational and environmental standards.
Speaker: Mickael Denis Crouvizier (CERN) -
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Beryllium Health & Safety in Fusion Materials Research and Laboratory Decommissioning at KBHF
Beryllium metal has been important in fusion research since the 1980s, first as a plasma-facing material in JET (Joint European Torus). Research progressed on beryllium for use as a neutron- multiplier material in solid breeder-blanket concepts in the designs of magnetically confined fusion machines, such as ITER and DEMO (Demonstration Power Plant). Those investigations included higher-temperature performance materials, such as beryllide intermetallic compounds,in the form of pebble beds and blocks. With the rise of commercial fusion companies over the past several years, beryllium in the form of FLiBe (lithium-beryllium-fluoride) molten salt is now being considered as a liquid breeder material.
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany is one of the world leaders in fusion materials research. In the course of that work, KIT has fostered the development of on-site, autonomous laboratory and pilot industrial resources. First came GVT (Goraieb Versuchstechnik) in 1993, and that led to the eventual founding of the Karlsruhe Beryllium
Handling Facility (KBHF) in 2009. KBHF was a “spin-in” organization that has been located on the KIT North Campus and worked closely with other research labs within KIT, while GVT could still function independently and seek projects with fusion collaboration partners external to KIT.
The last two years KBHF and GVT also supported CERN with cutting and polishing beryllium samples and the design of their new beryllium fabrication facility.
Since its inception, KBHF has worked continuously with all forms of beryllium. The importance of safety in all aspects of fusion research cannot be overstated, and that includes this specialized work with beryllium, which brings its own particular EHS (Environmental, Health and Safety) challenges. This presentation will delve into KBHF’s work with beryllium over the years, focusing on the systems that have been put in place to ensure the safe handling of the various forms of the material to protect both the workers and the environment. Since this collaboration with KIT ended last year, we will also deal with the question of the shut down and dismantling of such facilities.Speaker: Mr Aniceto GORAIEB (Independent Consultant) -
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The Benefits of Wet Decontamination for the Beryllium Industry
Wet decontamination is a critical safety process when dealing with hazardous materials, such as asbestos and beryllium, and includes the use of water and a surfactant to wash away contaminants during and after high-risk works. Wet decontamination is one of the preferred processes when dealing with dangerous materials as it is the only method with the ability to remove ground in materials and decontaminate all areas easily, getting into all hard to reach areas including creases and folds.
Wet decontamination is a commonly used process in many industries, and has been a legally required feature in the UK asbestos removal industry after the introduction of the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983. Since 1994, SMH Products has supplied the asbestos removal industry and been leading manufacturers of decontamination equipment, including industrial shower units which utilise wet decontamination methods for personnel working in hazardous environments.
Throughout the years, SMH Products has grown beyond the asbestos removal industry and has experience developing decontamination solutions for both the chemical and nuclear industries. This experience led to SMH Products working with CERN to develop a modular decontamination system that could be located inside CERN’s new beryllium facility.
With an in-house team of design engineers, SMH worked closely with Isabel Bejar Alonso, Senior Project Manager at CERN, to develop a bespoke modular decontamination system. The system was not too dissimilar from the systems already manufactured within the UK, but included some notable design features to make it fit-for-purpose for CERN.
The modular decontamination system allows personnel working in the beryllium facility to shower and decontaminate at the end of each working day, preventing the spread of hazardous particles and protecting the team at CERN.
Speaker: Daniel Williams (SMH Products)
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12:00
Lunch (Free time)
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Presentations 29th pm 500/1-001 - Main AuditoriumConvener: beth walker
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Preparation and planning considerations for decontamination and decommissioning
This session aims to deliver a concise overview of the early-stage considerations of projects and pre operations undertaken to complete the evaluation of a contaminated building. This will comprise of, selecting an approach, surveying, evaluation, minimising spread of contamination and waste handling activities within a restricted area, drawing on the principles of COSHH & ALARP. The content outlines the three stage protected area methodology, initial contamination assessment, evidence capture, and controlled waste hand back and support throughout by reassurance monitoring and mandatory RPE and PPE controls. It also emphasises key risk control mechanisms, including hold points and critical operational protocols.
It should be noted that part of this must include recognition of competent personnel, the importance of contamination control discipline, and the need for accurate record keeping in maintaining operational integrity. Overall methodology must provide a clear, structured, and visually supported overview of the operation, safety, and compliance framework governing restricted area work, enabling informed decision making and promoting best practice. The session also may offer an opportunity to discuss similarities and differences in approach with the audience.
Speaker: joanne cousins -
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The Origins and Current State of FLiBe Research at U.S. Department of Energy Facilities
The Origins and Current State of FLiBe Research at U.S. Department of Energy Facilities
Annalyn Jensen1, Sergey Tolmachev2, Josef Sobieraj3, Chris Dorn4
1University of Utah, 2Washington State University, 3National Nuclear Security Administration, 4Be4FUSION
FLiBe is a mixture of lithium fluoride (LiF) and beryllium fluoride (BeF2), which can be used as a molten-salt coolant or part of the fuel in fission reactor applications. In molten salt reactors, FLiBe salts are used as coolants and breeder materials due to their stability in high temperatures and favorable heat transfer characteristics. The push for sources of renewable, clean energy over the past decade has spawned significant investment both in improved fission power (e.g., Small Modular Reactors), and in a commercial fusion industry, which is determined to get fusion power onto the grid in a relatively short timeframe. This presentation chronicles FLiBe research and investment from its origins with the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) up to the present day at United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) facilities. This presentation expands upon previous FLiBe chronologies by UC Berkeley and by the Beryllium Health and Safety Committee (i.e., Chapter 14 of A Practitioner’s Guide to Beryllium Hazard Management, 2nd edition).
FLiBe research originated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the 1940s during a heavy period of federal funded activity under the AEC. This activity culminated in the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE), which operated from 1965 to 1969 and established a legacy inventory of FLiBe that remains relevant today. After MSRE shutdown and AEC cancelation in the 1970s, FLiBe activity slowed down. However, collaborations between universities and DOE national laboratories were initiated in the 1990s, representing an expansion beyond ORNL. For example, the collaboration between UC Berkeley and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) shifted research focus into fusion chamber and blanket applications. In the early 2000s, Generation IV planning and renewed focus on nuclear energy prompted DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy to invest in FLiBe research with renewed salt reactor pathway support.
The current state of FLiBe research at DOE facilities across the U.S. reflects multiple routes of funding, many of which include Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), and infrastructure support for both fission and fusion applications. This includes redistribution of legacy inventories of FLiBe salts from the original MSRE, as well as financial support from National Energy University Program (NEUP) Integrated Research Projects (IRPs) across multiple universities and national laboratories. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding provides early-stage support to small U.S. businesses. INFUSE partnerships with private industry have advanced the development of fusion energy technologies. GAIN vouchers continue to reinforce partnership between national labs and private industry. In commercial industry, the DOE Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program has supported private industry involvement with the Kairos Hermes reactor representing the largest operational FLiBe molten salt system constructed to date and the Kairos Materion partnership producing the largest quantities of FLiBe to date.
Drawing upon publicly and readily available information, as well as industry subject matter expertise, FLiBe research and funding in U.S. DOE facilities is expected to increase in the future. The benefits of these research efforts have already and will continue to extend into the commercial and private sector.
Corresponding Author:
Annalyn Jensen
annalyn.jensen@utah.edu
University of Utah
USASpeaker: Annalyn Jensen (University of Utah) -
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Satellite-Based Alteration Mapping for Beryllium Resource Delineation at Spor Mountain: A Scalable Framework for Critical Mineral Exploration
Beryllium is designated a U.S. critical mineral due to its essential role in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, nuclear systems, and emerging electrification technologies. Spor Mountain, Utah, hosts the world’s largest known bertrandite resource and represents a strategic domestic supply. However, direct spectral detection of bertrandite is limited by weak diagnostic absorption features and fine-grained intergrowth with silica and clay minerals. This study develops a satellite-based exploration framework that emphasizes alteration-proxy mapping to support critical mineral assessment and resource targeting.
We integrate Sentinel-2, Landsat-8/9, and ASTER multispectral datasets with field-validation to characterize hydrothermal alteration assemblages genetically associated with bertrandite mineralization in Miocene topaz-bearing rhyolitic tuffs. Custom Sentinel-2 band ratios and composite indices were designed to enhance detection of Al-OH-rich clays (kaolinite-illite), silicification fronts, Fe-oxide alteration, and F-enriched lithologies. ASTER SWIR data further refine clay mineral discrimination in arid terrains where surface exposure is optimal. Structural interpretation from satellite imagery and SAR backscatter analysis constrains fracture-controlled fluid pathways linked to mineral emplacement.
Regional-scale (>100 km²) mapping delineates alteration domains consistent with known mineralized trends and previously developed mine footprints. Results demonstrate that indirect spectral indicators, particularly alteration intensity and clay chemistry variation, provide robust proxies for beryllium-bearing systems where the ore mineral itself lacks strong spectral contrast.
This work establishes a reproducible, satellite-based workflow for reconnaissance-to-target scale evaluation of bertrandite-hosted systems in peralkaline volcanic provinces. The approach supports domestic critical mineral supply assessments, reduces early-stage exploration risk, and provides a scalable template for evaluating analogous beryllium systems globally.Speaker: Bryony Richards -
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Safety and Health Aspects of FLiBe
Efforts are underway to develop nuclear fusion reactors for power production that have improved safety and efficiency. Existing reactor designs that rely on solid blanket breeder materials could potentially lead to failure situations. As such, there is growing interest in using liquid blanket breeder materials to extract heat generated by the reactor to use it to cool the reactor and to produce power and tritium. Among the available liquid breeder materials, molten salts made from lithium (Li), fluorine (F), and beryllium (Be) such as 2LiF-BeF2 or “FLiBe” has attractive properties for this application. The purposes of this presentation are: 1) review available data on the properties of FLiBe, 2) describe potential for adverse health effects from exposure, and 3) discuss how past experiences with beryllium can inform future efforts to protect nuclear workers from exposure to FLiBe.
A literature search of the Scopus database was conducted to identify relevant publications on safety and health aspects of FLiBe. No original data specific to health-related properties and adverse health effects of FLiBe was identified by the search. Therefore, we summarized what is known about BeF2 by itself.
Properties of BeF2: One study characterized the physicochemical properties of aerosol collected from a fluoride furnace used to make BeF2, an intermediary in primary production of beryllium metal powder. The aerosol particles were mainly amorphous, though crystalline phases were present, including beryllium oxide and ammonium fluoride. Analysis of individual particles identified F and oxygen. Bulk analysis determined that the aerosol particles contained 1.5 – 3.5% beryllium by mass. It was unknown if BeF2 was present in an amorphous form in the particles.
Potential for adverse health effects: An epidemiological study identified elevated process related risk of chronic beryllium disease (CBD) among employees who worked at the fluoride furnace. Based on the particle physicochemical characterization data, it was postulated that dissociation of F from fluoride furnace particles that deposit in the lung could form acids that induce inflammation, thereby providing an environment conducive to adverse effects from the beryllium component of the particles. In the 1950s, it was shown that skin patch testing with BeF2 had higher capacity to induce beryllium sensitization (BeS) and caused a more vigorous positive skin reaction than other beryllium salts that contained the same amount of beryllium. Epidemiological evidence indicates that beryllium salts were significantly associated with skin symptoms and BeS in primary production workers.
Past experiences/future efforts: To our knowledge, there is no data available on the physicochemical properties and health risks of FLiBe. However, available historical evidence indicated that inhalation and skin exposure to particles generated at a fluoride furnace imparted elevated risk of BeS and CBD and that patch testing with BeF2 can induce BeS. Given the known toxicity of these process intermediary particles and BeF2 salt, several precautionary measures can be considered to mitigate exposures to FLiBe until there is understanding of its specific toxicity, exposure, and risk. Examples of such measures include 1) utilizing concepts of prevention-through-design when constructing reactors to engineer out exposure scenarios, 2) installing effective ventilation to remove airborne particles from workplace atmospheres and to reduce their settling onto surfaces that can be contacted by skin, and 3) implementing controls to prevent inhalation and skin contact with FLiBe.
Speakers: Aleksandr Stefaniak, Dr Aleksandr. B. Stefanizk (NIOSH) -
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Exposure Characteristics Relevant for Beryllium Sensitization
Interday or intraday high-intensity inhalation exposures (i.e., exposure peaks) may be relevant for initiating beryllium sensitization (BeS); such exposures may exceed a threshold necessary to activate the immune response. Other routes of exposure (i.e., skin exposure) and physicochemical characteristics (i.e., the chemical form of beryllium) may also be relevant for developing BeS. In this presentation, risk factors associated with BeS will be summarized to inform the prevention of sensitization.
NIOSH conducted a study of workers employed at a primary beryllium manufacturing facility. In this study, the investigators created a range of qualitative and quantitative peak inhalation metrics and skin exposure indices using: personal full-shift beryllium exposure measurements, 15 minutes to 24 hours process-specific, task and area measurements, glove measurements as an indicator of skin exposure, form of beryllium, process-upset information gleaned from historical reports and self-reported information on exposure events. Hierarchical clustering was conducted to systematically group participants based on similarity of patterns of 16 exposure variables. The associations of the exposure metrics with BeS and self-reported skin symptoms were evaluated using correlation analysis, log-binomial and logistic regression models.
A high degree of correlation existed among the various metrics of peak exposures. Metrics of peak inhalation exposure, indices of skin exposure, and use of material containing beryllium salts were significantly associated with skin symptoms and BeS; skin symptoms were a strong predictor of BeS. However, the independent effects of skin exposure and inhalation exposure on BeS could not be separated as both of these exposures occurred simultaneously and were highly correlated. Hierarchical clustering identified groups of participants with unique patterns of exposure characteristics resulting in different prevalence of BeS and skin symptoms. A cluster with high skin exposure index and use of material containing beryllium salts had the highest prevalence of BeS and self-reported skin symptoms. This group was followed by a cluster with high inhalation and skin exposure index and a very small fraction of jobs in which beryllium salts were used. A cluster with low inhalation and skin exposure, and no workers using beryllium salts had no cases of BeS.
This study showed multiple pathways and types of exposure were associated with BeS and may be important for informing BeS prevention. Prevention of BeS may benefit from 1) controlling airborne beryllium exposures with attention to peaks, 2) minimizing process-upset conditions, and 3) eliminating skin contact with beryllium salts and minimizing skin exposure to beryllium particles.
Speaker: M. Abbas Virji (CDC/NIOSH)
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14:40
Break 61/1-201 - Pas perdus - Not a meeting room -
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CERN Visit (HL-LHC And Beryllium Facility) 500/1-001 - Main Auditorium
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19:00
Social Dinner 61/1-201 - Pas perdus - Not a meeting room -
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08:30
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Presentations 30th am 500/1-001 - Main AuditoriumConvener: Mickael Denis Crouvizier (CERN)
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An Introduction to the Beryllium Associated Worker Registry: Past, Present, and Future
Beryllium is a critical industrial material and a potent occupational toxicant capable of causing beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Persistent disease occurring even at regulated exposure levels led the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to adopt a surveillance‑driven prevention strategy.
Under 10 CFR Part 850, DOE established the Chronic Beryllium Disease Prevention Program (CBDPP) in 1999, centered on medical surveillance using the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) to identify BeS in asymptomatic workers. To enable effective, long‑term surveillance across a large and mobile workforce, the Beryllium‑Associated Worker Registry (BAWR) began operation in 2002.
The BAWR collects and maintains health and exposure information for individuals potentially at risk for CBD due to current or past work at DOE‑owned or leased facilities. Supported by the DOE Office of Health Studies and Former Worker Programs, the Registry serves as a surveillance system for workers with known or potential beryllium exposure. Registry data are analyzed to improve understanding of disease risk. In addition, BAWR data are used to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of DOE’s CBDPP.
Information derived from the BAWR has informed improvements in engineering controls, work practices, contamination management, and institutional understanding of both current and legacy beryllium hazards across DOE facilities. As beryllium use expands into advanced nuclear construction and emerging fusion energy technologies—introducing potentially novel exposure pathways—the BAWR remains an essential, evidence‑based tool for early risk detection, regulatory decision‑making, and sustained protection of worker health while supporting national security and energy missions.
Speaker: Gregory Nichols (Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education) -
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Integrated Legislative and Training Approach to Beryllium Hazard Control at CERN
The use of beryllium and its alloys in high-energy physics applications at CERN requires a robust and institution-specific regulatory approach due to the material’s toxicity and the stringent cleanliness constraints associated with accelerator components. This article presents the development and implementation of a dedicated internal framework formalized through Safety Guideline SG-C-0-0-6, reaffirming mandatory requirements for risk assessment, exposure prevention, contamination control, waste management, and medical surveillance related to beryllium activities at CERN.
SG-C-0-0-6 provides detailed instructions for the implementation of existing CERN Safety Rules which define clear roles and responsibilities for line management, safety officers, supervisors, and operational personnel. It introduces a graded risk-based approach covering design of engineering controls at source, organizational measures and access restrictions, air and surface monitoring strategies and qualification of work areas. The guideline integrates occupational exposure limits and acceptable surface contamination levels with operational constraints specific to CERN’s technical infrastructure.
To ensure effective implementation, a structured safety training programme was developed and deployed. The programme addresses supervisors, persons working directly with beryllium and its alloys, and personnel handling beryllium-containing components. Training combines regulatory requirements, toxicological fundamentals, safe work practices, emergency response, and hands-on contamination control exercises.
The article discusses the risk-based methodology underpinning SG-C-0-0-6 and the challenges encountered during institutional deployment,
Speaker: Jonathan Gulley (CERN) -
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United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries: Human Data on Beryllium
The United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries (USTUR) was established in 1968 as Plutonium Registry by the Atomic Energy Commission. Today, the USTUR and the associated National Human Radiobiological Tissue Repository (NHRTR) is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Health Studies and Former Workers Programs (EHSS-12).
The USTUR mission is to study biokinetics (uptake, translocation, retention, and excretion), and tissue dosimetry of plutonium, americium, uranium, and other actinides by following up former nuclear workers with documented intakes of these elements, who volunteered their bodies for scientific use posthumously (Registrants). The Registries collects tissue samples at autopsies and holds detailed work history, radiation exposure, and industrial hygiene records including self-reported information on beryllium exposure. Out of 384 Registrants, 104 self‑reported working with beryllium, and most of these individuals were accidentally exposed to plutonium at DOE facilities.
There is limited data published on beryllium concentrations and distribution in the human body. A pilot study was conducted by the USTUR to measure beryllium in various tissues from selected whole-body cases. It was found that systemic beryllium primarily accumulated in the skeleton followed by the liver and other soft tissues. These analyses provided important information on beryllium distribution in the human body. The Registries currently holds more than 3,000 acid‑digested tissue samples that were previously analyzed for actinides and are now available for beryllium measurements. Frozen and paraffin‑embedded tissues are also available, providing a unique opportunity to advance scientific understanding of beryllium biokinetics, and long‑term distribution in the human body - critical knowledge for improving exposure models, refining health‑protection standards, and supporting evidence‑based worker safety programs across the DOE complex.
Speaker: Sergey Tolmachev -
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Occupational Hygiene Review of Women’s Occupational Health Issues and Beryllium
While the health risks associated with occupational beryllium exposures such as chronic beryllium disease can affect both men and women, there is need for additional research into women's occupational exposures to chemical agents including beryllium. Historically, across sectors, hazards, and geographies, women have been underrepresented in occupational health studies, standards and guidance. Specific exposure risks and routes and rates of exposure have not been adequately assessed for women. Women are often underrepresented in research and in particular within male-dominated industries (e.g., mining, construction, some subsectors of manufacturing). In the literature, women are reported to carry more of the burden of occupational disease. Recent research indicates that while men traditionally have higher rates of fatal work injuries, women are more likely to experience chronic occupational diseases. Women can experience different rates of chemical exposure through the skin and lungs when compared with men. This is due to contributing biological differences such as skin thickness and hormonal variations. Research indicates that women often have higher rates of dermal absorption than men (and this could be very relevant for soluble beryllium species that have a skin notation assigned by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). Throughout a women’s lifecycle, hormones can impact lung function and respiratory mechanics, altering chemical absorption rates during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
More research is required that includes:
• Exposure routes and rates of absorption for women
• Diseases with delayed onset and systemic sensitivity
• Effects of estrogen and progesterone on lung function and respiratory mechanics, and
• Studies with more women and research data that is disaggregated by sexThis presentation will provide a brief review of women’s occupational health issues with a focus on beryllium. It will explain the current challenges in the area of women’s occupational health and the need for improved occupational health research, standards and guidance for women. References and resources will be provided along with suggested next steps.
Speaker: Ms Nancy Wilk (International Occupational Hygiene Association) -
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Beryllium safety in the Swiss watch industry
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Speaker: Mr Thierry Peseux -
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Diagnosing Beryllium Sensitization and Chronic Beryllium Disease in Beryllium Exposed Workers
Workers occupationally exposed to beryllium are at risk of developing beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Risk of developing disease is related to both exposure and genetics. Some workforces use the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) as part of medical surveillance. BeLPT testing identifies workers with abnormal BeLPT’s and recommends additional clinical testing to ascertain whether an individual has developed lung pathology consistent with CBD. These individuals are at risk of developing symptoms affecting quality of life and require regular follow-up and collaboration between their local primary care providers and pulmonary specialists.
This presentation will review the tests utilized in a diagnostic clinical evaluation and the findings consistent with beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). These include:
• Detailed history and physical, with focus on occupational exposures
• Pulmonary function tests
• Radiography (chest x-ray with B read, or chest CT)
• Lung lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
• BeLPT of lavage fluidDr. Maier will discuss recommendations for both PPE, and/or removal from further occupational exposure. Recommendations for follow-up of individuals with both BeS and CBD will be provided. Treatment options for workers who have progressed to symptomatic disease will be outlined.
Speaker: Ms Lisa Barker (National Jewish Health)
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15
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10:30
Coffee 61/1-201 - Pas perdus - Not a meeting room -
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Industrial partners 500/1-001 - Main AuditoriumConvener: beth walker
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21
Presentation Color Tech Holdings, IncSpeaker: Benjamin Hall (Color Tech Holdings Inc)
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23
Presentation SMH ProductsSpeaker: Daniel Williams (SMH Products)
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24
Presentation Fusion-for-Future
From lab scale to pilot production
Speaker: Aniceto Goraieb (GVT GmbH und Co KG)
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21
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12:00
Lunch (free)
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Presentations 30th pm 500/1-001 - Main AuditoriumConvener: Isabel Bejar Alonso (CERN)
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25
Effective Beryllium Release Incident Response
Beryllium release incidents could potentially present a significant risk to workers and the public. Increased use of beryllium in fusion energy tritium breeding, lithium beryllium fluoride (FLiBE)/ beryllium molten salts and continued beryllium use in nuclear reactors as neutron moderators, reflectors, and fuel element cladding and in nuclear weapons components have created greater potential for unexpected beryllium release incidents. Operational and production facilities should have a procedure for unplanned releases.
Deactivation and demolition of legacy nuclear reactors, production and support facilities have unique risks. Legacy beryllium contamination in decommissioned facilities could complicate efforts in source identification and control and in development of mitigation strategies. Unexpected releases can pose difficult challenges to occupational and environmental health and safety professionals.
Prompt remedial action and good, open, honest, timely and frequent communication are extremely important to effectively manage a release incident of any potentially hazardous substance, including beryllium. Risk assessment is necessary to make informed judgement decisions. The purpose of this presentation is to offer guidance in effective beryllium release incident response with the objective of providing meeting attendees with a basic understanding of risk communication. The presentation underscores the importance of providing an industry standard-of-care in responding to beryllium release incidents using a methodical recovery strategy.
Speaker: Vern Holden (Independent Consultant) -
26
AI in Occupational Health & Safety
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), offering innovative solutions for enhancing workplace safety and health. This presentation introduces the fundamental applications of AI in OHS, positioning AI as a crucial supportive tool designed to augment, not replace, human expertise. We will explore AI's potential to revolutionize and enable proactive risk communication.
A key focus will be on AI's contributions to risk communication, an area where its impact can be profound. AI can significantly improve how OHS information is disseminated and understood across various stakeholder groups:
• Public Communication: AI can personalize safety messages, analyze public perception of risk, and tailor educational content to different demographics, making complex OHS information more accessible and engaging.
• Leadership/Management Communication: AI-powered dashboards and predictive analytics can provide leaders with clear, concise, and actionable insights into OHS performance, benchmarking, facilitating informed decision-making and resource allocation.
• Worker Communication: Through interactive modules, personalized training, and real-time alerts delivered via wearable devices, AI can improve workers' understanding of hazards and safe work practices. This is particularly valuable for complex and nuanced risks, such as communicating the dangers and necessary precautions associated with beryllium exposure, ensuring that critical knowledge is effectively transferred and retained.
While AI offers immense promise, it is imperative to address significant challenges, including implementation costs, data quality, algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and the 'black box' nature of some AI systems. Ultimately, this presentation underscores the enduring necessity of a “human-in-the-loop” approach, emphasizing that human critical thinking, nuanced judgment, ethical consideration, and effective risk communication remain indispensable. Responsibly integrating AI requires a clear understanding of its limitations, ensuring it augments human capabilities to create safer workplaces while upholding the principles of ethical practice and human oversight.Speaker: Shian Yada (Pantex Field Office) -
27
Beryllium as an Effect Modifier of Radiation Mortality Risk at the Rocky Flats Plants
Beryllium is a lightweight metal with physical properties that make it indispensable across various industries, including nuclear and aerospace. Despite its industrial utility, beryllium poses significant occupational health risks, including chronic beryllium disease (CBD), beryllium sensitization (BeS), and its classification as a human carcinogen. In many workplaces, workers are frequently exposed to beryllium alongside other hazardous substances, creating complex co-exposure scenarios that may influence long-term health outcomes. Historically, beryllium exposure has been a notable health concern at several U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, including the Rocky Flats Plant (RF), which fabricated components for weapons productions. At RF, workers were routinely rotated between radiological and beryllium work areas, resulting in concurrent exposures to beryllium and ionizing radiation from plutonium, americium, and uranium.
The Million Person Study (MPS), a comprehensive investigation of chronic low-dose radiation exposure among 1 million U.S. workers and veterans, recently assessed mortality risks among RF workers. As part of this analysis, the MPS incorporated beryllium exposure data from the Beryllium Health Surveillance Program, categorizing workers into three groups: (1) no indication of beryllium surveillance, (2) beryllium surveillance without disease, and (3) indication of CBD or BeS. Statistical methods employed included Cox proportional hazard models, excess relative risk (ERR) models, and Spearman correlation coefficients.
The study cohort comprised 9,397 RF workers first employed between 1951 and 1989 for at least 30 days. Approximately 90% of the cohort underwent radiation monitoring, with a mean lung dose of 59.0 mGy. Over 40% of workers had indications of beryllium surveillance, and 6% showed evidence of BeS or CBD. A slightly positive correlation (rho = 0.25, p < 0.001) was observed between absorbed lung dose and beryllium surveillance. For lung cancer risk, the ERR per 100 mGy increased from -0.02 (95% CI: -0.11, 0.08) to 0.06 (95% CI: -0.07, 0.19) after adjusting for beryllium surveillance. Similarly, the risk estimate for non-malignant respiratory disease rose from 0.06 (95% CI: -0.04, 0.17) to 0.11 (95% CI: -0.01, 0.23). These findings suggest potential effect modification, although the limited statistical power of the models may influence the results. Further research into co-exposure scenarios is necessary to better understand and assess long-term health risks.
Speaker: Ashley Golden
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25
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14:00
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Subcommittees
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28
Subcommittee Breakouts
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29
Reports from Subcommittee Breakouts
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28
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31
Announcement of BHSC 2026 Autumn MeetingSpeakers: Beth Walker (BHSC), Chris DORN (Be4FUSION LLC), josef sobieraj
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32
Closing Remarks / Wrap-upSpeakers: Beth Walker (BHSC), Chris DORN (Be4FUSION LLC), josef sobieraj
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08:00