 |
Cadmium |
|
| Possible
Solutions |
|
|
|
Controlling exposure to cadmium can be done through engineering controls,
administrative actions, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Engineering controls
include such things as isolating the source and using ventilation systems.
Administrative actions include limiting the worker's exposure time and providing
showers. PPE includes wearing the proper respirator protection and clothing.
Controls
Primary control should focus on inhalation. Inhaled
cadmium is more readily absorbed into the body than is ingested cadmium. Intake
of cadmium by ingestion and skin absorption are considered to be of relatively
less importance in occupational settings.
-
Cadmium. OSHA Publication 3136-08R, (2003),
491 KB PDF, 29
pages. Provides a general overview of cadmium related to OSHA standards.
For additional information regarding controlling exposures
to cadmium, see the following OSHA Safety and Health Topics Pages:
Case Studies
- Zero-Waste Dry Plating Commercialization. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). Describes a unique dry plating concept that has been developed. Electroplating is known
to generate large quantities of hazardous waste. Cadmium electroplating in
cyanide baths is of significant environmental concern. This alternative Dry Plating
method eliminates liquid chemicals and recycles metals in situ without waste.
Dry plating uses a novel vapor deposition technique for cadmium or zinc. Cadmium
coatings of acceptable quality and uniformity have been plated on batches of
steel fasteners.
- Williams, Dionne.
Highlighting IH Successes: OSHA's industrial hygienists demonstrate their
far-reaching work and its direct impact on workers' safety and health. Job Safety & Health Quarterly (JSHQ)
14.1, (2002, Fall).
Determines that the facility used coatings that
contained cadmium prevent corrosion. Although the coating process was done
elsewhere, employees at the facility involved in sandblasting and finished work
were exposed to cadmium levels in excess of the OSHA permissible exposure limit
(PEL). The
employer, who had ignored several earlier warnings from a consultant to monitor
for cadmium, finally installed a downdraft table for the buffing and polishing
operation, as well as a more effective abrasive blasting booth. These actions,
combined with improved housekeeping, now protect workers from overexposure to
cadmium.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
