The New OSHA Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6) Standard

On February 28, 2006, OSHA published a new standard for hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) in air.  Occupational exposures occur mainly among workers who may handle pigments containing dry chromate, spray paints and coatings containing chromate, operate chrome plating baths, and weld or cut metals containing chromium, such as stainless steel.  It is estimated that this standard affects an estimated 558,000 workers nationwide.  The most significant change in the new standard is the lowering of the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) to a more stringent level of 5 micrograms/cubic meter (µg/m3).  An Action Level was also set at 2.5 micrograms/cubic meter (µg/m3).

Any employer with 20 or more employees must satisfy all requirements of the standard (with the exception of the engineering controls) by November 27, 2006.  For employers with 19 or fewer employees, the deadline is May 30, 2007.  Any required engineering controls must be in place by May 31, 2010.

Monitoring Requirements

Affected manufacturing plants and welding shops must determine the 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) exposure for any employee who may be exposed to Cr+6.  Subsequent monitoring is based upon the initial monitoring results.  If initial monitoring determines that exposures are less than the Action Level of 2.5 µg/m3, then the employer must confirm these results at least seven (7) days later in order to avoid additional monitoring.  If the results are between the Action Level and the PEL, then monitoring must continue every six (6) months.  If the results are above the PEL, then monitoring must continue every three (3) months.  In instances where the results exceed the PEL, the employer must take steps in order to reduce the exposure levels.

How Microbac Can Help You

Microbac Laboratories, Inc. is a full-service highly diversified analytical laboratory group, with specialty capabilities in air and emissions testing, including hexavalent chromium.  Experienced field and technical support professionals will help you obtain representative samples for accurate results, and our laboratories employ experienced chemists following NIOSH Method 7600 and ISO 17025 laboratory quality assurance standards.

Additional Information

OSHA Trade News Release

OSHA National News Release

OSHA Fact Sheet on Hexavalent Chromium

For more information, please contact: microbac_info@microbac.com.