Beryllium safety at JET

Abstract

The measures detailed in the 'Code of Practice for the Safe use of Beryllium at JET' are summarized. JETs (Joint European Torus') policy of segregating beryllium related work into BeCAs (beryllium controlled areas) has ensured that the general workplace (torus hall, assembly hall, etc.) remain free of airborne and surface contamination, and hence no safety precautions have had to be adopted in these areas. There have been no beryllium incidents leading to airborne concentrations in excess of 0.2 mu gm/sup -3/ outside of any BeCA. Aerial discharges of beryllium have generally been undetectable and have never approached the limit of 0.01 mu gm/sup -3/. No cases of acute or chronic beryllium intoxication have been diagnosed; some minor cuts have been sustained in BeCAs (no contamination of the wound was found on samples) and no treatment has been required beyond conventional first-aid procedures. In-vessel work has continued to be possible despite high levels of surface contamination and variable air concentrations, but the logistics support for in-vessel operation has increased very noticeably as a result of beryllium.<>