Motorola VSWR, Service Manual Supplement

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Beryllium health and safety precautions
5th Feb 99 Service Manual Supplement: VSWR Monitor for M-Cell 6
68P02900W86-O
9
Beryllium health and safety precautions
Introduction
Beryllium (Be), is a hard silver/white metal. It is stable in air, but burns brilliantly in
Oxygen.
With the exception of the naturally occurring Beryl ore (Beryllium Silicate), all Beryllium
compounds and Beryllium metal are potentially highly toxic.
Health issues
Beryllium Oxide is used within some components as an electrical insulator. Captive within
the component it presents no health risk whatsoever. However, if the component should
be broken open and the Beryllium Oxide, which is in the form of dust, released, there
exists the potential for harm.
Inhalation
Inhalation of Beryllium Oxide can lead to a condition known as Berylliosis, the symptoms
of Berylliosis are similar to Pneumonia and may be identified by all or any of the
following:
Mild poisoning causes fever, shortness of breath, and a cough that produces
yellow/green sputum, or occasionally bloodstained sputum. Inflammation of the mucous
membranes of the nose, throat, and chest with discomfort, possibly pain, and difficulty
with swallowing and breathing.
Severe poisoning causes chest pain and wheezing which may progress to severe
shortness of breath due to congestion of the lungs. Incubation period for lung symptoms
is 2-20 days.
Exposure to moderately high concentrations of Beryllium in air may produce a very
serious condition of the lungs. The injured person may become blue, feverish with rapid
breathing and raised pulse rate. Recovery is usual but may take several months. There
have been deaths in the acute stage.
Chronic response. This condition is more truly a general one although the lungs are
mainly affected. There may be lesions in the kidneys and the skin. Certain features
support the view that the condition is allergic. There is no relationship between the
degree of exposure and the severity of response and there is usually a time lag of up to
10 years between exposure and the onset of the illness. Both sexes are equally
susceptible. The onset of the illness is insidious but only a small number of exposed
persons develop this reaction.
First aid
Seek immediate medical assistance. The casualty should be removed immediately from
the exposure area and placed in a fresh air environment with breathing supported with
Oxygen where required. Any contaminated clothing should be removed. The casualty
should be kept warm and at rest until medical aid arrives.