Rule Change: Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI)

Several changes will have significant workplace impact:


• Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): Reduced from the present 100 ug/m3 to 5.0 ug/m3 on an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA). An action level of 2.5 ug/m3 is included.
• Exposure Monitoring: ALL workplaces where employees are exposed to CrVI are required to determine employee levels of exposure. Testing must be conducted on a representative number of employees whose duties expose them to CrVI. Depending on results, monitoring may need to be repeated at three month intervals.
• Regulated Work Areas: Must be established where expected exposures could exceed the PEL. Entry into the areas is to be restricted.
• Personal Protective Equipment: Must be provided at no cost to all employees whose duties expose them to CrVI. This includes respiratory protection if the PEL is exceeded and must be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.134.
• Hygiene Areas and Practices: Employers must provide washing facilities, clothes changing facilities and prohibit certain activities (eating/drinking/smoking) in regulated areas.
• Medical Surveillance: Medical assessment of employees who exhibit signs and symptoms associated with CrVI or are exposed to levels exceeding the PEL for more than 30 days per year.
• Employee Communications: The hazards of CrVI must be communicated through warning labels, signs and formal training sessions.
• Recordkeeping: Exposure and medical records must be maintained in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020. Training records must be retained for a period of three years.

Implementation Schedule:


• Except for engineering controls, employers with 20 or more employees must comply by November 27, 2006.
• Except for engineering controls, employers with 19 or fewer employees must comply by May 30, 2007.
• Engineering controls must be implemented no later than May 31, 2010.