Remove Chromium 6
CORTLAND, NE, April, 19, 2010 -- OSHA has published detailed compliance requirements for lowering Hexavalent Chromium exposure, also known as Hexavalent Chrome, Chromium 6, Chromium VI, and Cr(V1). It is important to note that the deadline for implementing engineering controls is May 31, 2010. 1910.1026 Chromium (VI)*. In measurable terms the new standard for PEL or Permissible Exposure Limit has been established as: an 8-hour time-weighted average exposure limit of 5 micrograms of Cr(V1) per cubic meter of air (5 µg/m3). In other words, the average exposure to Cr(V1) cannot exceed (5 µg/m3) over the course of an 8 hour work shift over a 40-hour workweek.
What does it all mean? The new standards apply to all occupational exposures to Cr(V1) with very limited exceptions. Although OSHA has established separate standards for Chromium 6 exposure for the sectors of general industry, construction and shipyards most of the requirements are the same. OSHA has legislated the lowering of Chromium VI exposure limits based on findings that workers exposed to Cr(V1) suffer increased risk of serious health effects. It has now been well documented by the EPA that Hexavalent Chromium is an IARC-1 human carcinogen. Cr(V1) is present in many types of compounds used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. In the "hot work" of the welding process some materials such as stainless steel change chemically. In this example the chromium is not originally hexavalent but is converted by the high temperatures involved so it is important to know your materials as well as your processes.
Industrial Maid is a premier industrial air filtration equipment manufacturer specializing in removing welding smoke and fumes. Engineers with 30+ of knowledge and experience are on hand to help determine the best equipment for changing an air quality challenge into an OSHA compliant solution. For more information contact us at 877-624-3247. Also of utmost importance to note when striving for the new lower PEL standard, our EB 56 Series Side Drafts, and T-Series models can be fitted with final Hepa’s filters.