['Toxic and Hazardous Substances - OSHA']
['Hexavalent Chromium']
01/04/2024
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Chromium hexavalent (CrVI) compounds, often called hexavalent chromium, exist in several forms. Industrial uses of hexavalent chromium compounds 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 performing “hot work” such as welding on stainless steel or melting chromium metal. In these situations the chromium is not originally hexavalent, but the high temperatures involved in the process result in oxidation that converts the chromium to a hexavalent state.
Scope
The Cr(VI) rule applies to occupational exposures to Cr(VI) in all forms and compounds in general industry.
Exemptions
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.
Regulatory citations
- 29 CFR 1910.1026 — Chromium (VI)
Key definitions
- Action level: A concentration of airborne chromium (VI) of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (2.5 µg/m3) calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
- Chromium (VI) [hexavalent chromium or Cr(VI)]: Chromium with a valence of positive six, in any form and in any compound.
- Emergency: Any occurrence that results, or is likely to result, in an uncontrolled release of chromium (VI). If an incidental release of chromium (VI) can be controlled at the time of release by employees in the immediate release area, or by maintenance personnel, it is not an emergency.
- Employee exposure: The exposure to airborne chromium (VI) that would occur if the employee were not using a respirator.
- High-efficiency particulate air [HEPA] filter: A filter that is at least 99.97 percent efficient in removing mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter or larger.
- Physician or other licensed health care professional [PLHCP]: Aan individual whose legally permitted scope of practice (i.e., license, registration, or certification) allows him or her to independently provide or be delegated the responsibility to provide some or all of the particular health care services required by 1910.1026(k).
- Regulated area: An area, demarcated by the employer, where an employee’s exposure to airborne concentrations of chromium (VI) exceeds, or can reasonably be expected to exceed, the PEL.
Summary of requirements
Employers must:
- Survey operations for potential exposure to hexavalent chromium. Employers can consult their suppliers or examine material safety data sheets or safety data sheets (MSDSs/SDSs) to identify Cr(VI)-containing materials that are present in the workplace. Also, remember Cr(VI) can be formed when performing “hot work” such as welding on stainless steel, melting chromium metal, or heating refractory bricks in kilns.
- Conduct an exposure determination. Employers must determine the 8-hour time-weighted average exposure to Cr(VI) for each employee exposed to Cr(VI). This assessment allows the employer to identify and prevent overexposures; collect exposure data so that proper control methods can be selected; and evaluate the effectiveness of those methods. An accurate exposure determination also provides important information concerning occupational Cr(VI) exposures to the physician or other licensed health care professional who performs medical examinations on employees.
- Notify employees of exposure determination results. Within 15 days, employers must provide written notification to affected employees of the results of the exposure determination (or post the results in a common area). Additionally, if the exposure determination indicates exposures exceeding the PEL, the employer notification must describe control measures being used to reduce exposures to levels at or below the PEL.
- Establish a regulated area. Employers must establish regulated areas wherever an employee’s exposure to Cr(VI) is, or can reasonably be expected to be, in excess of the PEL.
- Limit eight-hour time-weighted average hexavalent chromium exposure in the workplace to 5 micrograms or less per cubic meter of air. Engineering and work practice controls should be the primary control methods. When these controls are not sufficient, then employers must provide and ensure employees wear personal protective equipment, such as respiratory protection.
- Perform periodic monitoring. Employers can choose between two options for monitoring: either a scheduled monitoring option based on minimum OSHA requirements (e.g., every 3 months if exposures are above the PEL) or a performance-oriented option.
- Implement good personal hygiene and housekeeping practices to prevent hexavalent chromium exposure.
- Provide medical examinations to employees within 30 days of initial assignment, annually, to those exposed in an emergency situation, to those who experience signs or symptoms of adverse health effects associated with hexavalent chromium exposure, to those who are or may be exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days a year, and at termination of employment.
- Train employees. In addition to the general training under the hazard communication standard, employers must also train employees exposed to hexavalent chromium on the contents of the Chromium (VI) standard, 1910.1026.
- Provide changing rooms and washing facilities.
- Maintain accurate records. This includes records of air monitoring, medical examination, and exposure records.
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