Hexavalent Chromium

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a toxic form of the element chromium. It is widely used in pigments, metal finishing, wood preservatives, and fungicides. Hexavalent chromium may also be present in fumes generated during the production or welding of chrome alloys. The steel industry is a major consumer of chromium metal.

Exposure to hexavalent chromium may cause lung cancer or irritation or damage to the nose, throat, eyes, skin, and lungs.

29 CFR 1915.1026 covers the safe use and handling of hexavalent chromium in the maritime industry. The final hexavalent chromium rule establishes an 8-hour TWA PEL of 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). This means that over the course of any 8-hour work shift, the average exposure to hexavalent chromium cannot exceed 5 µg/m³. The action level is set at 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2.5 µg/m³) of hexavalent chromium calculated as an 8-hour TWA. Exposures above the action level trigger specific requirements, and exposures above the PEL trigger additional requirements.

Employers must conduct either scheduled monitoring or performance-oriented monitoring to determine the exposure level. To protect workers from hexavalent chromium hazards, whenever exposures exceed the PEL, employers must use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain exposures to or below the PEL. This includes appropriate respiratory protection, PPE, adequate washing facilities, and housekeeping procedures.

Employers must provide medical surveillance to workers who are:

• Exposed or may be exposed to hexavalent chromium at concentrations at or above the Action Level for 30 or more days per year
• Experiencing signs and symptoms of adverse health effects associated with hexavalent chromium exposures
• Exposed in an emergency situation

In addition, a medical examination must be given:

• Within 30 days after the initial assignment to a job involving hexavalent chromium exposure
• Annually
• Within 30 days after a written medical recommendation
• Whenever a worker shows signs or symptoms of the adverse health effects associated with hexavalent chromium exposure
• Within 30 days after exposure during an emergency that results in an uncontrolled release of hexavalent chromium
• At the termination of employment, unless the last examination provided was less than six months prior to the date of termination.

To learn more about Shipyard Chemical Hazards visit our Shipyard Chemical Hazards & Toxic Substances Online Training web page.