Solid Height - Spring Manufacturers Institute

OSHA Issues
New Standard for
Hexavalent Chromium
What is hexavalent chromium? “Hexavalent
chromium” means chromium with a valence
of positive six, in any form and in any compound.
It is not a type of chromium, but rather the state of
the chromium. Here is the NIOSH definition:
“Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI] compounds
are a group of chemical substances that contain
the metallic element chromium in its positive-six
valence (hexavalent) state. Occupational exposures
to Cr(VI) occur during the production of stainless
steel, chromate chemicals, and chromate pigments.
Cr(VI) exposures also occur during other work activities,
such as stainless steel welding, thermal cutting,
chrome plating, painting and coating processes.”
In response to a 2003 court order, OSHA has
published a final standard for occupational exposure
to hexavalent chromium in the February 28, 2006,
Federal Register. The standard covers occupational
exposure in general industry, construction and shipyards,
and took effect on May 30, 2006.
The new standard lowers OSHA’s permissible
exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium, and
all Cr(VI) compounds, from 52 to 5 micrograms
of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air as an eight-hour
time-weighted average. The standard also includes
provisions relating to preferred methods for controlling
exposure, respiratory protection, protective
work clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and
practices, medical surveillance, hazard communication
and record keeping.
Hexavalent chromium compounds are widely
used in industry as ingredients and catalysts in
pigments, metal plating and chemical synthesis.
Cr(VI) can also be produced when welding, burn-
Jim Wood is an independent regulations
compliance consultant to SMI. A certified
instructor of the OSHA Out-Reach Program,
Wood conducts seminars, plant Safety
Audits and In-House Safety Training. These
programs help companies create safer work
environments, limit OSHA/Canadian Ministry
of Labor violations and insurance costs,
and prepare for VPP or SHARP certification.
He also offers safety advice and information
by phone at (630) 495-8597 or e-mail at regs@smihq.org.
Be
Aware
Safety Tips
from Jim Wood
ing, or grinding on stainless steel or Cr(VI)-painted
or -plated surfaces.
This standard, CFR 29, 1910.1026 applies to
occupational exposure to chromium (VI) in all forms
and compounds in general industry, except: Where
the employer has objective data demonstrating that
the material containing chromium, or a specific process,
operation or activity involving chromium, cannot
release dust, fumes, or mists of chromium (VI) in
concentrations at or above 0.5 micrograms per cubic
meter of air as an eight-hour time-weighted average.
Exposure Determination: Each employer who has
a workplace or work operation covered by this standard
shall determine the eight-hour time-weighted
average exposure for each employee exposed to
chromium.
Monitoring: The employer shall perform initial monitoring
to determine the eight-hour time-weighted
average exposure for each employee on the basis of
a sufficient number of personal-breathing-zone air
samples to accurately characterize full shift exposure
on each shift, for each job classification, in
each work area.
Action Level: If the concentration of airborne chromium
(VI) is 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air as
an eight-hour time-weighted average, the employer
shall perform monitoring every six months.
If monitoring reveals employee exposure to be
above the PEL, the employer shall perform monitoring
every three months and initiate a formal
hexavalent chromium program for the protection of
employees in the regulated areas.
Prohibition of Rotation: The employer shall not
rotate employees to different jobs to achieve compliance
with the PEL.
Jim’s Regulatory Tip: Don’t get caught short with
this standard. OSHA is taking it very seriously.
Ask your insurance carrier to perform air-sampling
tests in any department where stainless steel operations
include welding, burning, grinding, sawing or
cutting. The same goes for chromium-plated materials
or any other material containing chromium.
Document all test results as part of the compliance
program. v
SPRINGS July 2006 35