On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, representatives from Strategic Materials, Inc., EHS Abrasives, and GMA Garnet met with OSHA to discuss issues related to the beryllium content of coal slag, as opposed to alternative abrasive media, and the beryllium standard for construction and shipyards. The presenters represent glass and garnet recyclers. They stated their materials are a cost-effective way to avoid beryllium exposure in abrasive blasting. They stated that the beryllium rule is correct as written because ancillary provisions allow workers to know what is in the materials they are working with, and they have a right to know what they are being exposed to. They stated that medical surveillance in particular is important for this reason. They brought an empty Harsco bag of coal slag to point out that the writing on the bag says beryllium is a nuisance dust and implies that coal slag is safe. They questioned whether existing respiratory protection for abrasive blasters is sufficient. 


Participants:
 Paul J. Mellon Jr., Strategic Materials Inc., Director of Government Affairs
 Bronce Henderson, EHS Abrasives, President 
 Pete Mitchell, GMA Garnet, Vice President of Sales
 Loren Sweatt, Deputy Assistant Secretary, OSHA
 Maureen Ruskin, Deputy Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, OSHA
 Radha Vishnuvajjala, Attorney, Office of the Solicitor, Department of Labor


