A new and more rigorous OSHA standard on Hexavalent Chromium took effect last February 28. Here’s a look at the standard, who it affects and what it requires.

Dangers of Hexavalent Chromium

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr) is a compound used by metal fabricators in stainless steel, iron, and the production of steel to increase structural integrity and fight corrosion in the welding and painting process. Scientific evidence has definitively linked Cr to health problems like ulcerations of the skin and nose, skin rashes, allergic reactions and in severe cases, asthma and lung cancer.

Steel fabricators are exposed to Cr in various forms depending on the project. For instance, a welder can inhale it in a mist while chrome plating; a painter can breathe in a dust version from pigments or painted surfaces; fumes can also be inhaled while arc welding; and Cr can penetrate the skin and cause damage merely by being touched.

Whatever the medium of exposure, Cr poses a significant work hazard.

The New Hexavalent Chromium Standard

The new OSHA standard significantly lowers the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for Cr from 52 micrograms to 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air. The PEL is the total exposure allowed as part of eight-hour time-weighted average, or TWA.

The OSHA standard affects just about any metal fabricating operation as well as the welding industry. Over 40,000 companies in the U.S. engage in welding each year. Each company’s risk factors are unique. For example, a shipbuilding company will be at a higher risk than a small trucking company that tac welds occasionally. But while it’s impossible to create a blanket category for the risk, the OSHA standard lays down general protections that all companies must respect.

How to Comply with the New Standard

As of February, 2009, employers must find the eight-hour TWA exposure for every employee exposed .
The danger line, or more precisely the action level, is 1/2 of the PEL, or 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter. Employers must then establish regulated areas in which monitoring will be carried out.

In addition, employers must: 

• Monitor exposure, maintain monitored exposure areas and implement practice safe hygiene practices, providing medical monitoring of employees in the exposure areas;
• If possible, eliminate Cr exposure or maintain the lowest PEL possible below the limit in regulated areas utilizing engineering controls such as ventilation systems or compressed air or by substituting less toxic materials;
• Keep respiratory protection, protective clothing and equipment for skin protection readily available where engineering controls and/or substitutes can’t be used to eliminate Cr  hazards;
• Educate and train workers on Cr hazards and safety practices; and
• Keep detailed records documenting compliance with the Standard.  

Conclusion

OSHA has long insisted that 52 micrograms per cubic meter was a safe exposure level for Cr. Now, at long last, OSHA has brought the metal fabrication industry into line. Sadly, though, the damage can’t be completely undone. In the years that OSHA dragged its feet countless welders, painters and other workers were exposed to dangerous levels of Cr.

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