• Hexavalent chromium is used in dyes, paints, inks and plastics, and used as an anti-corrosive agent or a protective coating.
• Stainless steel welding is the greatest source of hexavalent chromium exposure.

Chromium hexavalent (CrVI) compounds, often called hexavalent chromium, exist in several forms. Industrial uses include chromate pigments in dyes, paints, inks, and plastics; chromates added as anti-corrosive agents to paints, primers, and other surface coatings; and chromic acid electroplated onto metal parts to provide a decorative or protective coating. Hexavalent chromium can also be formed when welding on stainless steel or melting chromium metal. In these situations, the chromium is not originally hexavalent, but the high temperatures result in oxidation that converts the chromium to a hexavalent state.

The Cr(VI) rule at 1910.1026 applies to occupational exposures to Cr(VI) in all forms and compounds in general industry. The Cr(VI) rule does not apply to:

• Exposures that occur in the application of pesticides regulated by the EPA or another federal agency;
• Exposures to portland cement; or
• Where the employer can show that an operation with a material containing chromium cannot release Cr(VI) above the action level.

Occupational exposures occur mainly among workers who:

• Handle pigments containing dry chromate,
• Spray paints and coatings containing chromate,
• Operate chrome plating baths, and
• Weld or cut metals containing chromium, such as stainless steel.

Stainless steel welding involves the greatest exposure to hexavalent chromium.

The primary means of exposure are inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Hexavalent chromium can be inhaled when hexavalent chromium dust, mist, or fumes are in the air. Particles of chromium dust can contaminate hands, clothing, beards, food, and beverages.

Each employer who has a workplace or work operation covered by the standard must determine the eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure for each employee exposed to Cr(VI). The employer can do representative sampling of the employees expected to have the highest exposures, or can sample all employees.