The Naval Association

The Naval Association

of Australia

NAVY / DEFENCE NEWS

CPA 041/05 Tuesday, 25 January 2005

EXPOSURE TO BERYLLIUM

The safety and wellbeing of all members of the Navy is of the utmost importance to Navy. This includes an ongoing interest in the general health and wellbeing of all former members of Navy.

Navy no longer uses jason pistol needles containing beryllium but acknowledges that jason pistol needles containing beryllium were used in the past.

Jason pistols are hydraulic tools used to strip paint from ships. They work by vibrating a set of 'needles' against the painted metal. This causes wear on the needles, generating dust.

We are currently investigating the extent to which jason pistol needles containing beryllium were used in the Navy, in which ships, and over what time frame. This is a difficult undertaking that may take some time. Relevant records from decades ago will need to be sourced and collated to help us build a clear picture of the extent of this problem.

Navy is committed to ensuring that all reasonable avenues for providing information on the concerns raised by our people are investigated.

Ex-servicemen or women can lodge a claim with the Department of Veterans' Affairs if they believe they have a service-related health problem, including those who believe they have had exposure to beryllium dust which has had a detrimental health impact.

Defence will use the results of its investigations to assist the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Currently serving members who believe they may have been exposed to beryllium dust are encouraged to speak with their unit medical staff.

Records from over 20 years ago may not be comprehensive or consistent in the way possible exposure was identified and recorded. Medical records are medical-in-confidence and Defence is unable to comment on individual cases.

In very rare cases, respiratory exposure to Beryllium dusts can lead to the development of chronic lung disease in sensitised individuals.

Navy is currently unaware of any proven cases of occupationally-caused beryllium disease, but is committed to working with DVA on this issue.

© The Naval Association of Australia