The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is enforcing strict regulations regarding worker exposure to hexavalent chromium in several industries. Hexavalent chromium, a volatized and oxidized form of chromium, has been identified as a carcinogen. OSHA has subsequently established stringent regulations for workers who are potentially exposed to it in the general, construction, shipyard, and marine terminal industries. The health hazards associated with the inhalation or direct contact with hexavalent chromium are well documented and include lung cancer, damage to the respiratory tract and harm or irritation to the eyes and skin, as cited in OSHA's Hexavalent Chromium Booklet.
The Hexavalent Chromium Standard is currently in effect, however employers have until May 31, 2010 to complete engineering controls, as necessary. All employers whose employees have potential exposures to hexavalent chromium should conduct sampling to determine what the exposures are. The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium is 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (5ug/m3). The "Action Level" is 2.5ug/m3. Specific requirements are mandatory if exposure meets or exceeds this level.
Sentry Air Systems, Inc., an air purification device manufacturer, has specifically tested their equipment for its effectiveness and efficiency in controlling exposure to hexavalent chromium from welding fume. Robert F. Adams, a Certified Industrial Hygienist, conducted and published an industrial hygiene report evaluating Sentry Air Systems' welding fume extractor (Model 300-WFE) and its ability to maintain safe levels of hexavalent chromium while using an electric welder. In these tests it was found that the machine effected a 99.3% reduction in the concentration of airborne hexavalent chromium (from 94ug/m3 to 0.1ug/m3) and a 97.2% reduction in potential worker exposure (from 46ug/m3 to 1.3ug/m3) to the carcinogen.
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