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Rynek pracy i bezpieczeństwo · 28.02.2006

Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is amending the existing standard which limits occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). OSHA has determined based upon the best evidence currently available that at the current permissible exposure limit (PEL) for Cr(VI), workers face a significant risk to material impairment of their health. The evidence in the record for this rulemaking indicates that workers exposed to Cr(VI) are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The record also indicates that occupational exposure to Cr(VI) may result in asthma, and damage to the nasal epithelia and skin. The final rule establishes an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 5 micrograms of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air (5 [mu]g/m\3\). This is a considerable reduction from the previous PEL of 1 milligram per 10 cubic meters of air (1 mg/10 m\3\, or 100 [mu]g/ m\3\) reported as CrO 3 , which is equivalent to a limit of 52 [mu]g/m\3\ as Cr(VI). The final rule also contains ancillary provisions for worker protection such as requirements for exposure determination, preferred exposure control methods, including a compliance alternative for a small sector

Source: Federal Register — Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationOpen original release →