OSHA publishes final Hexavalent Chromium Standard in three versions.

OSHA published the final Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)] Standard in three version--General Industry (1910.1026), Construction (1926.1126) and Shipyards (1915.1026). The requirements of each standard are very similar.

Chromium is a metal used as a pigment in paints, inks, plastics and as an anti-corrosion agent in protective coatings and in chrome plating. Chromium occurs mainly in three forms:

* Metallic Chromium (CrO)--a steel gray solid with a high melting point used to make steel and other alloys.

* Trivalent Chromium (CrIII)--a naturally occurring element used industrially for brick linings in high temperature furnaces and to make metals, metal alloys and chemical compounds.

* Hexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)]--covered under this new standard, it is commonly produced by industrial processes.

The permissible exposure limits (PEL) for all industries is 5pg/[m.sup.3]. The PEL, respiratory protection and engineering controls are slated to take effect on the following start up dates:

* employers with more than 20 employees--November 27, 2006;

* employers with less than 20 employees--May 30, 2007;

* feasible engineering controls must be in place--May 31, 2010.

The previous PEL was 521[micro]g/m3. The new standard represents a substantial reduction in the PEL for Cr(VI). Much lower levels of the substance than previously thought can have serious health implications.

Jonathan Snare, acting assistant secretary, OSHA, said that the new PEL "is the lowest level that is feasible both technologically and economically." Respiratory protection requirements are the same in all three standards. Respirators are required in the following situations whenever exposure levels exceed the PEL:

* while engineering and work practice controls are under development;

* during maintenance and repair activities for which engineering and work practice controls are not feasible;

* when all feasible engineering and work practice controls are implemented but are still not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL;

* when employees are exposed above the PEL for fewer than 30 days per year and the employer has elected not to implement engineering and work practice controls;

* emergencies.

There is no respirator selection table specific to Cr(VI) standards. Consistent with current respirator selection, the following is recommended:

* N95 filters may be used where no oil aerosols are present;

* R or P95 filters may be used where oil aerosols are present. Refer to packaging for time use limitations;

* elastomeric or filtering half facepieces with class 95 particulate filters may be used up to 10 X the PEL;

* full facepiece respirators with appropriate filters may be used to 10 PEL when qualitatively fit tested or up to 50 X PEL when quantitatively fit tested;

* loose-fitting facepieces may be used to 25 X PEL;

* tight-fitting facepieces may be used to 1000 X PEL.