Anyone work with Beryllium?

Anybody here work with beryllium? More specifically in a machining aspect ? I’m a CNC machinist/programmer and am currently eyeing a job at a different shop. The new shop offers a lot of good higher pay, better benefits etc.... but they strictly machine beryllium which is known to be extremely toxic and cancer causing. I know this new shop will have all the safety measures in place to prevent contact and any health issues but to be honest it scares the hell out of me especially being young (26). I guess I’m taking a long shot and hoping someone who has worked with beryllium has some input for me.

 

I would not take that offer unless I am 120% sure it is safe. I assume you will be handling Be alloys and they could be less toxic. Still, just by scanning internet, the poisoning mechanism of Be has not been well established. Pay could be better, but I do not think it worth to risk your life.

Handling toxic/life threatening materials is not always bad. But you will need to have proper knowledge, equipment, and facility. You need to search if your prospective company offers dependable safety system. It will be wise to search as much as you can without believing your prospective company's assurance blindly.

 

To be honest I was ignorant to the material and its dangers until I just researched it now.

At a young age you have to think of the long term. I am sure there are all sorts of safety protocols both voluntary and I am sure some mandated. In my experience some companies will do whatever they have to in terms of meeting regulations. Some limit their liability. Others will do everything under the sun to protect their workers so there is no chance in hell of you ever being at risk. How do you know the true ideology of a company in terms of safety until you are on the floor at your new employer?

I am all for the higher pay but at what cost? That is something I can’t answer for you. I currently make a stellar wage but I work rotating days to nights on a continental shift. I wish I was still straight 8 hour days with every weekend off. But that job pays 1/2 of what I currently do. I can only hope to ride this to retirement or find something for less later on and get back my free time on a schedule that is more in sync with the rest of the world. Cash isn’t everything. Benefits aren’t everything. You have to look at the whole thing and in your case the health risks. Everyone will say take the job they will take care of your safety and those same people will tell you how stupid you were to take the job if you get sick years from now.

I am sure you have more access to the risks and safety directly from the company. Consider everything. Be willing to walk away if your safety is at risk if you do take the job.

Good luck in whatever decision you make.

 

It seems like the main form of contact is through airborne particles which to be honest really scares me especially since I will be machining the material. I know all the machines will be equipped with vacuum systems but from experience cutting graphite on a top of line cutting edge brand new Mitsubishi mill with built in vacuum system you can’t catch it all no matter what.

I have it made where I’m at right now to be honest. I make my own hours can come an go as I please and work in a superlaid back environment with an awesome boss who actually has a huge separate garage with two post car lift he lets me use. It’s great good environment vacation time whenever I want etc etc. It’s all good and well except I’m currently in the process of buying a home and could really use more money. I am currently “limited out” on my pay though is what they tell me. So I’m currently kinda of exploring my options not jumping into anything right away

The thing does kinda of Appeal to me about this beryllium shop is its very high level work and also a smaller place like I’m at now. I’m still probably going to go in and interview and check the place out but the more research I do the more apprehensive I become

 

I haven't worked around beryllium but I have worked around a lot of toxic chemicals while in the military and it's taken a toll on my body. The money isn't worth it. You only get one body, don't risk messing it up.

 

I work will Beryllium on occasion, as well as many other toxics and highly toxics. The type of stuff that will kill you at 1ppm. Its not worth it. That shit will get on your clothes, or shoes, then you will track it home, get it in your carpet and breath it eventually. Even if you dont have any issues from it, you have to worry about it for the rest of your life. Even more so if you have kids. Sounds like you have a pretty sweet gig. I'd stick with it. More opportunities will come along.