Beryllium safety data
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.
GHS classification
Pictograms, signal word and hazard classes of the GHS classification
Hazard classes and categories
- Acute Tox. 3 (oral)
- Skin Irrit. 2
- Skin Sens. 1
- Eye Irrit. 2
- Acute Tox. 1/2 (inhalation)
- STOT SE 3 (respiratory irritation)
- Carc. 1A/1B (inhalation)
- STOT RE 1
Hazard statements
H codes grouped by type. Percentages show the share of classification notifications that report the statement
Health hazards
- H301Toxic if swallowed.
- H315Causes skin irritation.
- H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
- H319Causes serious eye irritation.
- H330Fatal if inhaled.
- H335May cause respiratory irritation.
- H350iMay cause cancer by inhalation.
- H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Precautionary statements
P codes for prevention, response, storage and disposal
Prevention
- P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
- P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
- P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
- P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
- P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
Response
- P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
- P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
- P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
- P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
- P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
- P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
- P330Rinse mouth.
- P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
- P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
- P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
- P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
Storage
- P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
- P405Store locked up.
Disposal
- P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
First aid
General first aid measures. Get medical advice if you feel unwell
Handling, storage and disposal
Summaries only, follow the supplier SDS for your grade
Safe handling
Fire: NO open flames. Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.
General: PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!
Inhalation: Use closed system.
Skin: Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Eyes: Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
Ingestion: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Storage
Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from strong acids, bases, chlorinated solvents and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Store only in original container. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Disposal
SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
Exposure limits and toxicity
Occupational exposure limits and toxicity data
- OSHA PEL, 8-hour TWA
- 0.2 µg/m³ [0.1 µg/m³ Action Level]
- OSHA PEL, STEL
- 2 µg/m³
- ACGIH TLV
- 8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 0.00005 mg/cu m (inhalable fraction), Skin. /Beryllium and compounds, as Be/
- IDLH
- 4 mg/m³ (as Be) (potential occupational carcinogen)
Short-term exposure: The substance is irritating to the respiratory tract. Inhalation of dust or fume may cause chemical pneumonitis. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. Exposure could cause death. Long-term exposure: Sensitization to the substance, through repeated or prolonged inhalation or skin contact, may result in serious granulomatous lung disease (chronic beryllium disease). This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
Transport information
UN dangerous goods classification for road, sea and air
- UN number
- UN 1567
- Transport hazard class
- 6.1
- Packing group
- II
Shipping rules depend on mode, quantity and packaging. Confirm the classification with the supplier SDS and your freight forwarder.
Supplier safety data sheets
SDS documents uploaded by suppliers who list this chemical
No supplier has uploaded an SDS for Beryllium yet. Suppliers usually send one with their quote. Request quotes
Safety questions
Quick answers about handling Beryllium safely
Is Beryllium hazardous?
Which GHS pictograms apply to Beryllium?
What is the UN number of Beryllium?
How should Beryllium be stored?
Where can I get the SDS for Beryllium?
GHS classification summary, not an SDS. Always check the supplier's SDS. Last updated 7 Oct 2026. Report an error