Keywords
Citation
(2006), "3M helps customers respond to new OSHA hexavalent chromium standard", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 53 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2006.12853eab.023
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
3M helps customers respond to new OSHA hexavalent chromium standard
3M helps customers respond to new OSHA hexavalent chromium standard
Keywords: Quality standards, Specifications, Coatings
3M, St Paul, Minn., is providing information to help its customers meet requirements specified in the new hexavalent chromium standard recently released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). On February 28, OSHA published the final Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) Standard in three versions – General Industry (1910.1026), Construction (1926.1126) and Shipyards (1915.1026). The requirements of each standard are very similar.
Chromium is a metal used as a pigment in paints, inks, plastics and as an anti-corrosion agent in protective coatings and in chrome plating. Chromium occurs mainly in three forms: Metallic Chromium (CrO), Trivalent Chromium (CrIII) and Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)], covered under this new standard and commonly produced by industrial processes.
Common sources of exposure to chromium include inorganic-pigment handling and manufacturing, spraying anti-corrosion coatings, electroplating, and stainless steel welding and cutting. OSHA lists 32 different affected industries, including welding, electroplating, and paint and coatings production.
The permissible exposure limits (PEL) for all industries is 5mg/m3. The PEL, respiratory protection and engineering controls are slated to take effect on the following startup dates:
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Employers with more than 20 employees – November 27, 2006.
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Employers with less than 20 employees – May 30, 2007.
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Feasible engineering controls must be in place – May 31, 2010.
The previous PEL was 52mg/m3. The new standard represents a substantial reduction in the PEL for Cr(VI). A primary reason for announcing the new standard is the realization that much lower levels of the substance than previously thought can have serious health implications.
The 3M document describes situations where respirators are required because exposure levels exceed the PEL. While there is no respirator-selection table specific to Cr(VI) standards, 3M makes recommendations consistent with current respirator selection based on situations encountered.
See: www.3M.com/OccSafety for product information. To contact an AIHA accredited laboratory or an industrial hygienist for assistance with exposure assessment, go to: www.aiha.org and select Laboratories or Consultants. For a complete copy of the standard, refer to OSHA's web site: www.osha.gov