ATL's Beryllium Expertise

Characterization and remediation of beryllium contamination at a site where there is a high level of scrutiny can succeed through thoughtful planning and careful execution, something that ATL International, Inc. accomplishes by using a systematic, graded approach and scrupulously applying proven techniques:

ATL's Most Recent Experience with Beryllium
Once beryllium contamination is discovered, the focus is on protecting site workers, the public, and the environment from potential risks. The Department of Energy (DOE) has adopted a program to protect workers against Chronic Beryllium Disease (10 CFR 850), the first step of which is to inventory the beryllium contamination at each DOE site. ATL has been working with DOE since 2005 to fulfill their commitment to eliminate any potential health risks posed by beryllium at one of their sites. ATL has provided consulting, industrial hygiene, data management, data validation, analytical and sampling services to DOE. ATL has produced sampling and analysis plans specifying bulk (settled dust), wipe (surface loading), and air (area and personal) sampling, using techniques that satisfy even the most demanding researcher. ATL closely coordinates with senior industrial hygienists from DOE when applying statistical analyses to guide decision-making regarding which buildings need remediation.

ATL's Expert Staff
ATL has a staff of experienced, 10 CFR 850/851-trained, and qualified field samplers who are proficient in the meticulous collection of beryllium samples. Experienced in the analysis and management of beryllium data, chemists, engineers, data managers, and environmental scientists populate databases, perform statistical analyses, and provide guidance to DOE regarding which buildings pose a health risk to site workers and must be remediated. Experienced senior technical managers provide valuable guidance and perspective, and ensure that all aspects of the project meet ATL's strict requirements for quality and safety (as per DOE's 10 CFR 850/851).

Obtaining Accurate and Meaningful Data
ATL uses DOE-endorsed random sample-generating software to located samples on building blueprints. We also use DOE-approved statistical packages to analyze data. Whether to wipe in a "zig-zag" or "S" pattern may not seem significant to most people, but these nuances sometimes make a real difference in the analytical results that are produced from sampling. These results are subjected to statistical analyses to quantify uncertainties because data quality is essential when making decisions affecting workers' health. Remedial decisions are made in light of established compliance criteria and the "Beryllium Rule."

Making Data Useful to Our Customers
Generating reams of data is not useful unless they can be evaluated from different perspectives and can be presented and updated in real time. ATL uses our information technology expertise to present large quantities of tabulated data visually, so our customer can obtain a three-dimensional "feel" for the distribution of beryllium at the site. What traditionally is a 200-page appendix now can be presented as a series of picture maps that can be called up through web-based technology to highlight the details and sampling history of any given area. Beryllium distributions can be presented graphically, showing "hot spots" (restricted, controlled areas), buffer zones and unrestricted areas by building, by floor, by room, or by surface. Sampling results can be presented chronologically, quantitatively, or geographically based on our customer's needs.

If you would like more information about ATL's beryllium management capabilities, please contact ATL's Senior Program Manager, Katy Makeig, at kmakeig@atlintl.com or 301-515-6799.