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Chromium Hazard Analysis

ON-DUTY Workplace OSHA Corner OSHA Significant Issues Chromium Hazard Analysis
Chromium Hazard Analysis
Chromium Hazard Analysis
Hexavalent chromium (chromium (VI), Cr (VI), chromium 6) is the chromium in any chemical compound that contains the element in the +6 oxidation state (thus hexavalent).

WARNING: Per OSHA, workplace exposure to hexavalent chromium may cause lung cancer; irritation or damage to the nose, throat, and respiratory tract; and irritation or damage to the eyes and skin.

Hazard
Exposure to chromium occurs from ingesting contaminated food or drinking water or breathing contaminated workplace air. Breathing high levels of chromium(VI) can cause irritation to the lining of the nose, nose ulcers, runny nose, and breathing problems, such as asthma, cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing. The concentrations of chromium in air that can cause these effects may be different for different types of chromium compounds, with effects occurring at much lower concentrations for chromium(VI) compared to chromium(III).

Standard


Policy

  • HQDA EXORD 031-19 - Ensuring safe and healthy workplaces that generate or have potential for exposure to heavy metals. Army Occupational Exposure Limits. CAC login required

Technical Guidance


Common HRAs

  • Applying Paint or Primer with Hexavalent Chromium
  • Sanding Paint or Primer with Hexavalent Chromium
  • Cleaning/Housekeeping

Controls

  • Engineering
  • Regulated areas required if airborne concentrations of hexavalent chromium are expected to exceed the ACGIH TLV.
  • Sanding or Painting Booths with negative pressure and exhaust filtered by HEPA filters.
  • Enclose processes if process produces respirable particles.
  • Use local exhaust such a downdraft tables or vacuum system with HEPA filters if process produced respirable particles.
  • Industrial Hygiene must verify controls are adequate.

Administrative

  • Never grind, sand, paint or produce respirable particles without proper controls.
  • Shower and change into work uniforms before leaving work area if contaminated.
  • Minimize the number of workers who have potential to be exposed.
  • Safety data sheets (SDSs) for hexavalent chromium.
  • Medical screening.
  • HAZCOM training.

PPE

  • Respirators required if exposure exceed OSHA PEL, NIOSH REL or ACGIH TLV.
  • Face shielding, uniforms and gloves.