Some of our target materials may pose a serious safety concern. At this moment the only two special target materials we own are ceramic Beryllium-Oxide (BeO) and Beryllium (Be). In solid form, BeO is completely safe under normal conditions of use. The product can be safely handled with bare hands. However, in powder form all Beryllia is toxic when airborne. Overexposure to airborne Beryllium particulates may cause a serious lung disease called Chronic Berylliosis. Beryllium has also been listed as a potential cancer hazard. Furthermore exposure to Beryllium may aggravate medical conditions related to airway systems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.). Since beryllia are mainly dangerous in powdered form, do not machine, break, or scratch these products. Machining of the Beryllia can only be performed after consulting the EH&S staff. It is good practice to wash your hands after handling the ceramic BeO. If handling the pure Beryllium target wear gloves and an air filter mask. These target materials are stored in the yellow target storage cabinets, either in the back room of the counting house or in the black safe downstairs in the Hall C experimental area.
Note that the lead shielding blocks we use also form a potentially toxic material. Unwrapped or painted lead blocks may only be handled by certified lead workers who have undergone lead worker training. Gloves must be worn when handling uncovered blocks (this excludes blocks that are completely painted or wrapped in Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil). Lead worker training is not required for the handling of lead bricks contained plastic bags. However, steel-toed shoes must always be worn when handling lead bricks of any type. Do not machine lead yourself, contact the EH&S personnel or the Jefferson Lab workshop to ask for the procedure to machine lead.