DEFENCE is investigating the extent to which beryllium has been
used in the Navy and determining the level of risk for members
who may have encountered the element in their work.
Air Force has also used beryllium.
Group Captain Peter Wilkins, an occupational physician in the
Directorate of Air Force Safety, said personnel who have worked
on F/A-18 gun maintenance and cleaning, F-111 Pave Tack and F/A-18
foward-looking infra-red mirror assemblies, machined berylliumcopper
stock or used beryllium-copper tools could be most at risk of
exposure.
“Maintenance procedures involving potential beryllium exposure
are subject to engineering controls and use of effective PPE [personal
protective equipment],” GPCAPT Wilkins said.
“Our investigations continue, but currently available information
suggests little risk to most RAAF personnel from beryllium.”
Director-General of Defence Health Service Air Commodore Dr Tony
Austin said while this investigation was underway, it was important
to appreciate that exposure does not automatically mean an ADF
member will experience ill-effects.
“The risk of developing an adverse health condition as a direct
result of using the beryllium-copper needles is very, very small.
It is now known that only a small number of people exposed to
beryllium dust in this manner will develop any symptoms.
These symptoms are mainly seen in people who become sensitised
and may take up to 20 years to develop,” AIRCDRE Austin said.
A urine test to determine beryllium exposure is only useful in
assessing people who have had recent significant exposures, not
for people who have had chronic low-dose exposures many years
previously.
For people with chronic lung disease, a special blood test can
help determine whether with past exposure to beryllium containing
dusts they have become “sensitised” to beryllium.
“Current serving members who believe they may have been exposed
to beryllium dust and have health concerns are encouraged to speak
with their unit medical staff. All reasonable steps are being
taken to provide information about the issues involved as quickly
as possible.
Information has also been added to the Defence Health Service
web site at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dhs,”
AIRCDRE Austin said.
Former serving members who believe they may have a service-related
health problem are encouraged to lodge a claim with the Department
of Veterans Affairs on 133 254.
OHS and Compensation Branch head Steve Grzeskowiak said today’s
OH&S policy and legislation was designed to prevent these types
of workplace health issues arising in the future.
