NEW OSHA STANDARD FOR HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM
In the 1910.1026 standard, OSHA has reduced the permissible exposure
limit (PEL) for Cr(VI) and all of its related compounds from 52 to 5
micrograms per cubic meters of air (ug/m3) for all work sectors.
Employers are required to meet this new standard with the use of
engineering and work practice controls, with a few exceptions. The
standard also requires air monitoring be conducted to determine the
level of employee exposure. This will help determine what
engineering or work practice controls may be required to meet the 5
ug/m3 standard, as calculated as an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA).
The action level for Cr(VI) is defined as 2.5 ug/m3 , as calculated
as an 8 hour TWA, according to the new standard
There are two monitoring options for the employee
exposure determination, which is now required. The standard indicates
you must do either Scheduled Monitoring or Performance-Oriented
Monitoring. The Scheduled Monitoring includes an initial representative
sampling event, which would be conducted on personnel expected to have
the highest Cr(VI) exposure. The 8 hour TWA will be calculated based
upon the analytical results. Based upon the results of the initial
monitoring, if the exposure levels are below the action level of 2.5 ug/m3,
monitoring can be discontinued. Periodic air monitoring shall be
conducted every six months if the exposure levels prove to be at or
above the action level. If the initial monitoring indicates Cr(VI) above
the PEL (5 ug/m3), employers are required to monitor personnel every
three months. If the Performance-Oriented Monitoring is selected by the
employer, each individual employee at the facility must be evaluated.
Depending upon these results, additional monitoring could be required
for personnel who exceed the action level. The additional periodic
monitoring would be the same as discussed above for the Scheduled
Monitoring.
Employers are required to use engineering and work practice controls to
reduce and maintain employee exposure to Cr(VI) at levels below the PEL.
Respiratory protection is required when the engineering and work
practice controls cannot reduce Cr(VI) enough to meet the PEL.
There are limitations and exceptions to this extensive standard
including, but not limited to, Cr(VI) related to painting activities in
the aerospace industry and exposures to portland cement. There are many
other requirements that are also associated with this new standard.
Details of the entire regulation are available on OSHA’s web site at
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hexavalentchromium
If your facility needs assistance in determining current Hexavalent
Chromium exposures, CTI is prepared to assist you with air monitoring
and other compliance assistance related to this new OSHA standard.
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