OSHA Reduces Hexavalent Chromium PEL to 5.0 Micrograms/Cubic Meter
WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on Feb. 27,2006, lowered the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium (CrVI) to 5.0 micrograms/cubic meter as an 8-hour time-weighted-average (TWA) exposure. The agency had originally proposed a 1.0 microgram PEL, but OSHA concluded that level was neither technologically nor economically feasible.
The new limit constitutes a substantial reduction from the current limit of 52.0 micrograms/cubic meter. Employers must meet the PEL through use of engineering controls to the maximum extent feasible. Even if the employer can demonstrate that available engineering controls are unable to achieve control of chromium exposure to the PEL, it must still install and use such controls to control exposures to the lowest achievable level. There are also provisions for medical monitoring, hygiene facilities, protective clothing and equipment, and regulated areas where hexavalent chromium is present in the workplace.