FAQ:
Frequently Asked Questions
< Back to FAQ Home Page| I have heard of Hexavalent Chromium and the new regulations that are in effect, but how does this affect my operations? |
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If your operations involve welding on Stainless Steel or metals containing chrome alloys, you need to be aware of the laws in effect since May, 2010. Under the OSHA Hexavalent Chromium Standard [Chromium (VI) 1910.1026 App A], engineering controls are required to be implemented no later than May 31, 2010 to reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium to less than 5 micrograms per cubic meter measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average. This applies to all employers, regardless of size. Many companies who work with Stainless Steel should already be well on their way to addressing this issue. Companies with 20 or more employees were to have completed their base-line exposure testing by November 27, 2006. Those with 19 or fewer employees had until May 30, 2007 to conduct testing. May 31, 2010 was established as the date for all companies to implement Engineered Controls for the removal of CRVI fumes. Recently, U S Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis addressed 4,000 Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental professionals at the American Society of Safety Engineers conference in San Antonio, TX. “The Department of Labor is back in the enforcement business”, Solis said. “We will be working with all stakeholders because as you know, workplace safety is everyone’s business.” Solis continued by stating that “we are ready to get to work as we have a lot to do to prevent workplace injuries and illness. I want OSHA to get back to being active and robust. We want to return respect to OSHA.” Much of these remarks are specifically in relation to the new OSHA Hexavalent Chromium Standard that have beenimplemented. Clearly those of us who have processes involving the welding of Stainless Steel would do well to sit up and pay attention. |
