OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CHROMIUM (vI)
OSHA
§1910.1026 Chromium (VI)
(a) Scope. (1) This standard applies to occupational exposures to chromium (VI) in all forms and compounds in general
industry, except:
(2) Exposures that occur in the application of pesticides regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency or another
Federal government agency (e.g., the treatment of wood with preservatives);
(3) Exposures to portland cement; or
(4) Where the employer has objective data demonstrating that a material containing chromium or a specific process,
operation, or activity involving chromium cannot release dusts, fumes, or mists of chromium (VI) in concentrations at or
above 0.5 µg/m³ as an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) under any expected conditions of use.
This section means this 1910.1026 chromium (VI) standard.
(c) Permissible exposure limit (PEL). The employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne
concentration of chromium (VI) in excess of 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (5 µg/m³), calculated as an 8
hour time weighted average (TWA).
Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent
Chromium
[Federal Register: October 4, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 191)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 59305-59474]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04oc04-28]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
29 CFR Parts 1910, 1915, 1917, 1918, and 1926
[Docket No. H054A]
RIN 1218-AB45
Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium
AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
Department of Labor.
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments and scheduling of informal
public hearings.
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SUMMARY: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
proposes to amend its existing standard for employee exposure to
hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The basis for issuance of this proposal
is a preliminary determination by the Assistant Secretary that
employees exposed to Cr(VI) face a significant risk to their health at
the current permissible exposure limit and that promulgating this
proposed standard will substantially reduce that risk. The information
gathered so far in this rulemaking indicates that employees exposed to
Cr(VI) well below the current permissible exposure limit are at
increased risk of developing lung cancer. Occupational exposures to
Cr(VI) may also result in asthma, and damage to the nasal epithelia and
skin.
This document proposes an 8-hour time-weighted average permissible
exposure limit of one microgram of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air (1 mg/
m3) for all Cr(VI) compounds. OSHA also proposes other
ancillary provisions for employee protection such as preferred methods
for controlling exposure, respiratory protection, protective work
clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical
surveillance, hazard communication, and recordkeeping. OSHA is
proposing separate regulatory texts for general industry, construction,
and shipyards in order to tailor requirements to the circumstances
found in each of these sectors.