OSHA issues minor amendment to hexavalent chromium final rule

OSHA made a minor amendment to its final rule governing occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium in general industry, which was promulgated on February 28, 2006.

The standard requires employers to use feasible engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposures to Cr(VI) at or below the permissible exposure limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (5 [mu]g/m/3/), calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average. The amendment implements a settlement agreement entered into among OSHA and the Surface Finishing Industry Council (SFIC) and other groups on October 25, 2006, to resolve SFIC's legal challenge to the standard.

The agreement creates an optional, alternative compliance timetable for metal- and surface-finishing operations at eligible worksites. Facilities that elect to participate must implement engineering controls on an expedited schedule (by December 31, 2008), but will have relief from certain respirator requirements in the interim. The amendment in will be effective November 29, 2006. Declarations of Party Status must be received by OSHA or postmarked on or before November 30, 2006.

Reprinted with permission. © CCH

OSHA made a minor amendment to its final rule governing occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium in general industry, which was promulgated on February 28, 2006.