November 27, 2006 – Applies to all employers with 20 or more employees
May 30, 2007 – Applies to employers with 19 or less employees
May 31, 2010 – Engineering controls, if feasible, must be in place
Hex Chrome may be found in as many as 30 industries including:
Electroplating
Chromate ore
welding (specifically stainless steel)
Painting
Chromate pigment production and use
Steel mills
Iron and steel foundries
Shipyards
As with any hazard, it is paramount that a site assessment be conducted to determine your employees weighted average exposure over an 8 hour day. Keep in mind that if the PEL of Cr(VI), or Hex Chrome, is 5 µg/m3 or more, it will be necessary for the employer to place engineering controls where feasible. Where engineering controls are not feasible, respiratory protection will be required.
RESPIRATORYRequirements
Hex Chrome Level
(micrograms per cubic meter of air)
Level Description
Requirement
< 2.5 µg/m3
Under the action level
No respiratory protection is required.
< 5 µg/m3
Under the PEL
No respiratory protection is required.
5 µg/m3 - 49 µg/m3
Worksite condition up to 10 times the PEL
Use air-purifying masks with P100 filters. Please note that Hex Chrome can irritate the eyes and it is suggested that a full face respirator be used.
50 µg/m3 - 125 µg/m3
Worksite condition up to 25 times the PEL
Use PAPR loose fitting face piece with HEPA filters.
*This information was obtained from Industrial Safety and Hygiene News, August 2006 edition and is meant for notification purposes only. This is not a recommendation and no warranty is expressed or implied.
