Hexavalent Chromium Safety: General Industry

Course Description:

Generated by industrial processes such as plating and pickling passivation, hexavalent chromium, a man-made form of the metal chromium, can be found in the form of chromate, chromic acid, sodium bichromate dehydrate, and cadmium chromate. This session is intended for those employees whose work involves exposure or potential exposure to this substance.

Why “Hexavalent Chromium Safety: General Industry” Matters:

• Adverse health effects associated with hexavalent chromium exposure include:
  • Dermal irritation, skin ulceration, and allergic contact dermatitis,
  • Occupational asthma,
  • Eye irritation and damage, and
  • Kidney and liver damage.
• To guard against both the acute and chronic health effects of hexavalent chromium, scientists have identified occupational exposure limits for it
• The safety data sheet (SDS) gives you the most complete and detailed information for each chemical.
• Knowing proper emergency procedures is another important part of chemical safety.

Key Points:

• Hexavalent chromium is very hazardous to health. Short-term effects include skin ulceration and dermatitis. Long-term effects include eye injury, asthma, and lung cancer. It can be inhaled, swallowed, and absorbed through skin and eyes.
• The determination of your exposure to hexavalent chromium is made through initial air monitoring and, if required, additional monitoring, until the risk of exposure is below the Action Level (2.5 micrograms per cubic meter).
• You will be given written notice of exposure determination within 15 days.
• Follow all work and housekeeping practices; they are for your protection.
• You have the right to examine all of your personal medical records and workplace air sampling results for hexavalent chromium.