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Hexavalent Chromium |
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Solutions |
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There are several ways to reduce exposure to hexavalent chromium.
Recommended controls vary from operation to operation. The
preferred approach is to use engineering controls such as ventilation or
equipment and process modification. If
these controls are not sufficient, other controls may be implemented,
including the use of respirators, eye protection, showering, and changing into
street clothes before leaving the plant. The following references provide possible solutions for hexavalent chromium hazards in the workplace.
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Preventing Skin Problems from Working with Portland Cement. OSHA, (2008).
Employees may suffer dermal hazards in working with wet cement such as
cement burns (due to its caustic nature) and inflammation of the skin
(either due to irritant or allergic contact dermatitis). This guidance
addresses ways to prevent or minimize skin problems through the proper
selection and use of gloves, boots and other personal protective equipment
such as kneepads; proper skin care and work practices such as use of pH
neutral or slightly acidic soaps; and ways of making cement products less
hazardous.
- Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Hexavalent Chromium Standards. OSHA Publication 3320, (2006), 286 KB
PDF, 63 pages.
Includes guidance on regulated areas, methods of control, respiratory
protection, protective work clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and
practices, housekeeping, medical surveillance, communication of hazards to
employees, recordkeeping covered by the new standards and an extensive appendix of industry operations or processes
associated with occupational exposure to Cr(VI).
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Hexavalent Chromium. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Safety and Health Topic. Includes NIOSH comments in response to OSHA's
request for Information, NIOSH databases, resources, health hazard evaluations
and other related safety and health topics.
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Hexavalent Chromium. California Department of Health Services
(CDHS), (1992, June). Warns
employers, workers, worker representatives, and others about the serious risk of lung cancer and
provides these groups with information on how
to control exposures.
Welding
- Felker Brothers Corporation, Marshfield. National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) Health Hazard Evalution (HHE) Report No. HETA 2003-0114-2924, (2004, January),
377 KB
PDF,
24 pages. Evaluation of worker exposures
to chromium and other metals during manufacture of stainless steel products
and fabricated piping systems.
Electroplating
- Hard Chrome Fume Suppressants and Control
Technologies. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (1998, December),
476 KB
PDF, 34 pages.
Autobody Repair
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Control of Dusts From Sanding in Autobody Repair Shops. US Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute of Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-105. Also available as a 148 KB
PDF, 2 pages.
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Control of Paint Overspray in Autobody Repair Shops. US Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute of Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-106. Also available as a 160 KB
PDF, 2 pages.
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In-Depth Survey Report: Control Technology for Autobody Repair and Painting
Shops at Team Chevrolet Colorado Springs, Colorado.
US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Report ECTB 179-18a, (1993,
December). Evaluates the ability of three cross draft spray
painting booths to control exposure to air contaminants, including chromium.
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In-Depth Survey Report: Control Technology for Autobody Repair and Painting
Shops at Cincinnati Collision Autobody Shop. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH)
Report ECTB 179-16a, (1993, September). Evaluates the ability of several types of
equipment to reduce worker exposure to air contaminants, including chromium.
- Control
technology for Autobody Repair and Painting Shops at Kay Parks/Dan Meyer Autorebuild Tacoma, Washington. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Report
ECTB 179-12a, (1992, September). Provides a study of orbital and in-line sanders with built-in
high-velocity, low volume exhaust hoods.
- For additional information on general safety and health concerns, see
OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Page on:
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