Safety with beryllium copper

[BHChieftain]

Hi,
I know we talk about being careful when sharpening/balancing beryllium copper props. I looked up the following from OSHA on working with this material:

http://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19990902.html

What are the common safety practices folks use when sharpening/balancing props? IE, what type of respirators do you use, etc?

Chief

[tth]

The person working with said material should be using particulate filtration. Preferably with a N95 or N99 designation.

These are what I use.

Here and Here

[Basstronics]

I live a few miles from one of the largest Beryllium plants in the world. I know people with the berylliosis disease. Its not pretty.

In the said plant, in certain areas that dont meet OSHA regulations for safe particle amounts you must wear a respirator.

Also note in said plant when you come to work you wear there clothes, yes all of it. When you are done working you take a mandatory shower and give them back their clothes and wear yours back home.

Since the Beryllium is in a alloy form with copper- its probably not overly dangerous. but CAUTION SHOULD STILL BE TAKEN.

The disease is pretty ugly.

[mschaffer66]

I just started doing the balancing/sharpening thing. But my first prop I did the filing under running water...probably not as safe as a mask, but worked fine for me I suppose.