Citation
(2007), "New OSHA hexavalent chromium standard", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 36 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2007.12936fab.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
New OSHA hexavalent chromium standard
New OSHA hexavalent chromium standard
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a final standard for occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium in the February 28, 2006 Federal Register. The standard (29 CFR 1926.1126) covers occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium, or Cr(VI), in general industry, construction, and shipyards.
The new standard reduces the OSHA permissible exposure limit for hexavalent chromium (and for all Cr(VI) compounds) from 52 to 5mg of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air as an eight-hour time-weighted average. The standard also includes provisions relating to exposure determination, preferred methods for controlling exposure, respiratory protection, protective work clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, hazard communication and recordkeeping.
Hexavalent chromium compounds are widely used in a variety of industries including ingredients and catalysts in coating pigments. The major health affects associated with exposure to Cr(VI) include lung cancer, nasal septum ulcerations and perforations, skin ulcerations, and allergic and irritant contact dermatitis.
OSHA is providing a transition period for employers to implement the technologies and practices needed for compliance with this new standard. The timetable for implementation by employers is as follows:
• Effective date of the standard: 90 days from publication.
• Start-up date for all provisions, except engineering controls: 180 days from the effective date or November 27, 2006. One year, or May 30, 2007, from the effective date for employers with fewer than 20 employees.
• Start-up date for engineering controls: Four years from the effective date for all employers or May 31, 2010.
If you need assistance in complying with the new hexavalent chromium standard, please contact the KTA-Tator, Inc. Environmental, Health, and Safety Group. Call or Stan Liang at 412.788.1300, extension 219, or e-mail: sliang@kta.com