The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) recently announced that it is proposing new standards for workplace exposure to beryllium, a metal used in the manufacture of aircraft, nuclear weapons, and electronics components. Current standards, which have been in effect since 1971, set exposure limits at 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter. The proposed standards would reduce the permissible exposure level to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter.

The proposal is the result of collaboration between a manufacturer of beryllium and the United Steelworkers union.

OSHA director Dr. David Michaels has expressed his pleasure that the plan is moving forward. The agency will accept public comments on the proposed rule until November and hopes to have it completed by late 2016.