HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM OVERVIEW

1
HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM OVERVIEW

• 29 CFR 1926.1126 CHROMIUM (VI)
• Susan Harwood Grant
• 46E6 HT34

2
Background Information

• Chromium is a metal that exists in several
  oxidation or valence states, ranging from
  chromium (-II) to chromium (VI).
• Chromium compounds are very stable in the
  trivalent state and occur naturally in this state
  in ores such as ferrochromite, or chromite ore.
• The hexavalent, Cr(VI) or chromate, is the second
  most stable state. It rarely occurs naturally
  most Cr(VI) compounds are man made.

3
Background Information

• OSHA has determined that the PEL of 5 µg/m3 is
  technologically feasible for all affected welding
  job categories
• OSHA has concluded that no carbon steel welders
  are exposed to Cr(VI) above 5 µg/m3, with the
  exception of a small portion of workers welding
  on carbon steel in enclosed and confined spaces.
• Many welding processes, such as tungsten-arc
  welding (TIG) and submerged arc welding (SAW),
  already achieve Cr(VI) exposures below the PEL
  because they inherently generate lower fume
  volumes.

4
Is Chrome a Carcinogen or Necessary Element?

• Chrome III is an essential nutrient for
  maintaining blood glucose levels
• Chrome VI is classified as a known human
  carcinogen

5
Health Effects

• Cancer
• Hexavalent chromium is considered a potential
  lung carcinogen.
• Studies of workers in the chromate production,
  plating, and pigment industries consistently show
  increased rates of lung cancer.
• Insoluble forms such as zinc chromate are the
  most potent
• 20 year cancer latency

6
Health Effects

• Ingestion Hazards
• Erosive to stomach
• Hemorrhaging and death are likely
• Treatment for ingestion - dilution with milk or
  water and/or asorbic acid. This should only be
  given by someone qualified in first aid.
• Ingestion of ascorbic acid to reduce Cr VI to Cr
  III will work, but may cause renal failure
  (conversion of ascorbic acid to oxalate plugs the
  kidneys)
• Recommended that you seek medical assistance
  first.

7
Health Effects

• Eyes
• Direct eye contact with chromic acid or chromate
  dusts can cause permanent eye damage.
• Treatment for eye contact Flush eye(s) for 15
  min. Seek medical assistance.
• Respiratory Tract
• Hexavalent chromium can irritate the nose,
  throat, and lungs.
• Repeated or prolonged exposure can damage the
  mucous membranes of the nasal passages and result
  in ulcers.
• In severe cases, exposure causes perforation of
  the septum (the wall separating the nasal
  passages).

8
Health Effects

• Skin
• Prolonged skin contact can result in dermatitis
  and skin ulcers.
• Some workers develop an allergic sensitization to
  chromium. In sensitized workers, contact with
  even small amounts can cause a serious skin rash.
  
• Kidney damage has been linked to high dermal
  exposures.
• Treatment for skin contact - Irrigate with water
• Possible use of 10 ascorbic acid topically (the
  acid reduces/changes Cr VI to Cr III)
• Recommended that you seek medical assistance
  first.

9
New Cr VI OSHA Standard

• Suit by Public Citizen Health Research Group
  Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical, and Energy
  Workers Union (1997 2002)
• 4/2/2003 - 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruling
  for OSHA Cr(VI) proposal to be published by
  10/4/2004 and standard by 1/18/2006
• 2/28/2006 - Final Rule published

10
Greater Risk Than Asbestos

• Cancer risk from Cr (VI) at new PEL is higher
  than asbestos risk at asbestos PEL
• Asbestos 6.7 deaths per 1000 workers
• Benzene 10 deaths per 1000 workers
• Chrome VI 10-45 excess lung cancer deaths per
  1000 workers for 45 years of exposure at new PEL
  of 5 ug/m3

11
Past Cr VI Sampling

• Under the old PEL
• little sampling was performed
• Chrome plating was the main focus
• Some overexposures were noted
• Little welding sampling was performed
• A few spray painter exposures were evaluated
• They were VERY HIGH.
• Painting a plane in a bunker was 1000 X the PEL
• Consultation found 3250 ug/m3, 650 X the new PEL
• Not much prior sampling for Cr VI exposures

12
Coverage

• General Industry
• Basic difference Construction and Shipyards Cr
  VI standards lack sections on
• Regulated Areas
• Housekeeping

13
Scope

• This standard applies to occupational exposures
  to chromium (VI) in all forms and compounds in
  construction, except
• Exposures that occur in the application of
  pesticides
• Exposures to portland cement or
• Where the employer has objective data
  demonstrating that a material containing chromium
  or a specific process, operation, or activity
  involving chromium cannot release dusts, fumes,
  or mists of chromium (VI) in concentrations at or
  above 0.5 µg/m³ as an 8 hour time weighted
  average (TWA) under any expected conditions of
  use.

29 CFR 1926.1126(a)
14
What is Covered?

• Welding - Stainless Steel
• Welding - Carbon Steel
• Painting
• Woodworking
• Refractory Brick Restoration Maintenance
• Hazardous Waste Site Work
• Industrial Rehabilitation and Maintenance
• Portland Cement Producers Portland Cement?
• Ready Mix Concrete Portland Cement?
• Precast Concrete Products Portland Cement?

15
Welding

• Nearly half the workers covered under the new
  standard are welders
• Chromium in steel is oxidized to Cr VI by high
  welding temperatures
• 6,000 - 8,000 C for the SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW
  and SAW processes
• The hotter the process and the more oxygen that
  is present, more fume is generated

16
Welding

• Overexposures are POSSIBLE when welding stainless
  steel or high chrome steel and proper procedures
  are not followed.
• Stainless steel has between 10.5 - 27 chromium
• Nickel is also present in some types of stainless

17
Welding

• Potential for overexposure when welding CARBON
  steel and proper procedures are not followed.
• Position of head during welding is number one
  problem
• Anywhere the welding fume is more confined, such
  as welding in a tight corner
• Reason 10 of carbon steel has chromium in more
  than trace amounts

18
Welding

• Stick welding High likelihood of overexposure to
  Cr VI
• 50 of total Cr produced is Cr VI ( FR pg
  10262 col 3)
• TIG MIG generates lower fume amounts
• 4 of total Cr produced from MIG is Cr VI

19
Welding

• Submerged arc generates lower fume amounts
• Conclusion Switch to MIG from stick if you can

20
Definitions

• Action level - 2.5 µg/m³ (8-hour TWA).
• Permissible Exposure Limit - 5 µg/m³ (8-hour
  TWA).
• This has been lowered from the past level of 52
  micrograms per cubic meter of air (52 µg/m³).

29 CFR 1926.1126(b)
21
Definitions

• Objective data means
• Information such as air monitoring data from
  industry-wide surveys or
• Calculations based on the composition or chemical
  and physical properties of a substance

29 CFR 1926.1126(b)
22
Exposure Determination

• Each employer who has a workplace or work
  operation covered by this section shall determine
  the 8-hour TWA exposure for each employee exposed
  to chromium (VI).
• This determination shall be made in accordance
  with either of the following methods
• Scheduled Monitoring Option
• Performance-oriented Option

29 CFR 1926.1126(d)
23
Exposure Determination

• Scheduled Monitoring Option
• Perform initial monitoring to determine the
  8-hour TWA exposure for each employee.
• Additional monitoring when
• There has been any change that may result in new
  or additional exposures to chromium (VI), or
• When the employer has any reason to believe that
  new or additional exposures have occurred.

29 CFR 1926.1126(d)(2)
24
Exposure Determination

• Scheduled Monitoring Option
• Representative sampling may be performed instead
  of sampling all employees in order to meet this
  requirement.
• In this case, the employer shall sample the
  employee(s) expected to have the highest chromium
  (VI) exposures.

25
Exposure Determination

• If samples show lt Action Level
• May discontinue monitoring
• If samples show Action Level
• Periodic monitoring every six months
• If samples show Permissible Exposure Level
• Periodic monitoring every three months
• Additional monitoring where process has changed

29 CFR 1926.1126(d)(2)
26
Exposure Determination

• Performance-oriented Option
• The employer shall determine the 8-hour TWA
  exposure for each employee on the basis of any
  combination of
• Air monitoring data
• Historical monitoring data (prior to 5/30/2006)
  or
• Objective data.

29 CFR 1926.1126(d)(3)
27
Employee Notification

• If sampling shows gt PEL, 5 working days to post
  results or provide in writing
• Where sampling shows gt PEL, Employer must
  describe in the written notification the
  corrective action being taken to reduce employee
  exposure to or below the PEL

29 CFR 1926.1126(d)(4)
28
Accuracy of Sampling

• Accuracy
• Method and analysis /- 25 w/ a CI of 95
• Example would be the OSHA ID-215 Method

29 CFR 1926.1126(d)(5)
29
Observation of Monitoring

• Where air monitoring is performed to comply with
  the requirements of this section
• Provide affected employees or their designated
  representatives an opportunity to observe.
• The employer shall provide the observer with
  clothing and equipment and shall assure that the
  observer uses such clothing and equipment and
  complies with all other applicable safety and
  health procedures.

29 CFR 1926.1126(d)(6)
30
Methods of Compliance

• Use engineering and work practice controls to
  reduce and maintain employee exposure to or below
  the PEL.
• When not sufficient enough, Use of respiratory
  protection in Addition.
• No exposure above the PEL for 30 or more days per
  year or not feasible, Use of respiratory
  protection alone to comply.

29 CFR 1926.1126(e)
31
Methods of Compliance

• No rotation of employees to different jobs to
  achieve compliance with the PEL.

32
Engineering Controls

• To the extent feasible, designed to eliminate or
  reduce exposure to hazards based on the following
  principles
• If feasible, design the facility, equipment, or
  process to remove the hazard and/or substitute
  something that is not hazardous or is less
  hazardous.
• If removal is not feasible, enclose the hazard to
  prevent exposure in normal operations.
• Where complete enclosure is not feasible,
  establish barriers or local ventilation to reduce
  exposure to the hazard in normal operations.

33
Elimination by Design

• Some examples of designing facilities, equipment,
  or processes so that the hazard is no longer
  present are
• Redesigning, changing, or substituting equipment
  to remove the source of excessive temperature,
  noise, or pressure
• Redesigning a process to use less toxic
  chemicals
• Redesigning a workstation to relieve physical
  stress and remove ergonomic hazards and
• Designing general ventilation with sufficient
  fresh outdoor air to improve indoor air quality
  and generally to provide a safe, healthful
  atmosphere.

34
Enclosure of Hazards

• When you can not remove a hazard and cannot
  replace it with a less hazardous alternative, the
  next best control is enclosure.
• While this may control employee exposure during
  production, it may not control exposures during
  maintenance.

35
Enclosure of Hazards

• Some examples of enclosure designs are
• Complete enclosure of moving parts of machinery
• Complete containment of toxic liquids or gasses
  from the beginning of the process using or
  producing them to detoxification, safe packing
  for shipment, or safe disposal of toxic waste
  products
• Glove box operations to enclose work with
  dangerous micro-organisms, radio nuclides, or
  toxic substances and
• Complete containment of noise, heat, or pressure.

36
Barriers or Local Ventilation

• When the potential hazard cannot be removed,
  replaced, or enclosed, the next best approach is
  a barrier to exposure, or, in the case of air
  contaminants, local exhaust ventilation to remove
  the air contaminant from the workplace.
• This engineered control involves potential
  exposure to the worker even in normal operations,
  consequently, it should be used only in
  conjunction with other types of controls, such as
  safe work practices designed specifically for the
  site condition and/or personal protective
  equipment.

37
Welding Controls

• Fume extractor for stick and MIG/TIG welding on
  stainless steel
• Fume extractor for enclosed welding on any kind
  of steel
• Weld using lower temperatures
• Avoid stick welding on steel
• containing chrome, if possible

38
How is welding fume controlled?

• Change the welding procedures
• Stick to MIG or even better TIG
• Use welding wires/rods designed for lower fume
  generation
• Change power sources
• Change shielding gases or
• Fume removal / extraction.

39
Fume Removal / Extraction

• Low Vacuum (High Volume)
• Low Vacuum systems remove a large amount of air
  at low velocity and low vacuum pressure.
• In welding fume extraction, low vacuum systems
  use articulated arms roughly 8 inches in
  diameter and can be from 12 to 18 inches from the
  welding arc.
• These arms typically draw between 600 and 900 CFM
  per arm.
• If access to the joint prevents the use of fume
  guns or suction heads, low vacuum may be the
  better solution.
• If the weldment smokes considerably after welding
  due to die oils or paint, fume guns will not work
  since they are removed after welding.

40
Low Vacuum (High Volume)

• Mobiflex 100-NF Portable Fan
• For hard to reach areas, exhaust the fume
• Connect to 6 in. diameter, 16 ft. long hose set
  with magnet mounted hood exhaust or extension
  hose set.
• Does not provide filtration.

41
Low Vacuum (High Volume)

• Mobiflex 200-M Base Unit - Mobile Welding Fume
  Extractor
• A portable, low vacuum/high volume disposable
  filtration system designed for intermittent or
  continuous extraction and filtration of welding
  fumes.
• On-board internal extraction fan and is designed
  specifically for weld applications.
• The particulate is collected on the inside of the
  cartridge, minimizing exposure to particulate
  during filter maintenance and disposal.

42
Fume Removal / Extraction

• High Vacuum (Low Volume)
• High Vacuum systems capture fume as close to the
  arc as possible using integrated fume extraction
  guns or heads that use small diameter hose
  1.51.75 inches, about 4 to 6 inches from the
  welding arc.
• These systems use much smaller hose or duct
  because they draw only between 35 and 150 CFM.
• Fume is captured before it reaches the operators
  breathing zone.
• Using fume guns, the suction automatically
  follows the arc, eliminating repositioning
  necessary with low vacuum arms.
• Since only a small volume of air is processed,
  the strain on heating and cooling systems is
  minimal.
• Portable and mobile high vacuum units are smaller
  and less expensive than mobile low vacuum units.

43
High Vacuum (Low Volume)

• Miniflex - Portable Welding Fume Extractor
• A portable, high vacuum, low volume system
  specifically designed for the removal and
  filtration of welding fumes.
• It can be completely disassembled in a matter of
  minutes for cleaning and maintenance.
• With an automatic start/stop function, the unit
  automatically turns on and off during welding.
• It can be used in confined spaces and other
  locations that are not accessible with other
  welding fume extractors.

44
Work Practice Controls

• Position of head during welding operations
• When welding outside, having the wind at your
  back with the fumes being pushed away from your
  head.
• Preplan your work.

45
Some Painting Controls

• Chromates provide excellent corrosion control.
• With what data exists, airborne spray painting
  exposures are high.
• Recommendations
• Substitute with non-Cr VI paint, if possible
• Conduct spray painting in an extremely
  well-designed and maintained booth. (Think of
  controlling lead-based spray paint exposures, but
  having to control 10 times better.)
• Airline respirators

46
Some Painting Controls

• Ventilated grinders have been designed for silica
  and lead exposures
• Some grinders have a ventilated shroud on the
  grinder or needle gun, others may also have a
  perforated grinder disk
• If the paint contains zinc chromate or other
  chromates, Cr VI exposures will be high

47
Some Painting Controls

• Ventilated tools, ventilated enclosures, and
  increased levels of PPE are recommended
• Use Paint strippers to eliminate airborne
  exposures

48
Personal Protective Equipment

• When exposure to hazards cannot be engineered
  completely out of normal operations or
  maintenance work, and when safe work practices
  cannot provide sufficient additional protection,
  a further method of control is using protective
  clothing or equipment.
• These include face shields, steel-toed shoes,
  hard hats, respirators, hearing protection,
  gloves and safety glasses.

49
Respiratory Protection

• Provide respiratory protection for employees
  during
• Installing or implementing feasible engineering
  and work practice controls
• Work operations where exposed above the PEL for
  fewer than 30 days per year and the employer has
  elected not to implement engineering and work
  practice controls to achieve the PEL or
• Emergencies.
• Where respirator use is required by this section,
  the employer shall institute a respiratory
  protection program in accordance with 29 CFR
  1910.134.

29 CFR 1926.1126(f)
50
Respiratory Program Requirements

• 29 CFR 1910.134

51
Respiratory Protection Program

• The employer shall implement a written
  respiratory protection program with required
  worksite-specific procedures and elements for
  required respirator use including
• Procedures for selecting respirators for use in
  the workplace
• Medical evaluations of employees required to use
  respirators
• Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting
  respirators
• Procedures for proper use of respirators in
  routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency
  situations

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1)
52
Respiratory Protection Program

• The employer shall implement a written
  respiratory protection program with required
  worksite-specific procedures and elements for
  required respirator use including
• Procedures and schedules for cleaning,
  disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing,
  discarding, and otherwise maintaining respirators
• Procedures to ensure adequate air quality,
  quantity, and flow of breathing air for
  atmosphere-supplying respirators
• Training of employees in the respiratory hazards
  to which they are potentially exposed during
  routine and emergency situations
• Training of employees in the proper use of
  respirators, including putting on and removing
  them, any limitations on their use, and their
  maintenance and
• Procedures for regularly evaluating the
  effectiveness of the program.

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1)
53
Respiratory Protection Program

• Where respirator use is not required
• An employer may provide respirators at the
  request of employees or permit employees to use
  their own respirators, if the employer determines
  that such respirator use will not in itself
  create a hazard.
• If the employer determines that any voluntary
  respirator use is permissible, the employer shall
  provide the respirator users with the information
  contained in Appendix D to this section
  ("Information for Employees Using Respirators
  When Not Required Under the Standard") and
• In addition, the employer must establish and
  implement those elements of a written respiratory
  protection program necessary to ensure that any
  employee using a respirator voluntarily is
  medically able to use that respirator, and that
  the respirator is cleaned, stored, and maintained
  so that its use does not present a health hazard
  to the user.

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2)
54
Respiratory Protection Program

• The employer shall designate a program
  administrator who is qualified by appropriate
  training or experience that is commensurate with
  the complexity of the program to administer or
  oversee the respiratory protection program and
  conduct the required evaluations of program
  effectiveness.

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(3)
55
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment

• Dust, Fume and Mist Respirators
• Mechanical filter respirators offer protection
  against airborne matter including dusts, mists,
  metal fumes and smoke.
• Mechanical filter respirators do not provide
  protection against gases, vapors, or oxygen
  deficiency.

56
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment

• Chemical Cartridge Respirators
• Chemical Cartridge Respirators afford protection
  against concentrations of certain acid gases and
  organic vapors utilizing various chemical agents
  to purify the inhaled air. They shall not be
  used in atmospheres which are oxygen deficient.
• Chemical Cartridge Respirators (1/2 mask) shall
  not be used for protection against
• Gaseous material that is extremely toxic in small
  concentrations (hydrogen cyanide and sulfide).
• Exposure to harmful gaseous material which cannot
  be detected by odor (carbon monoxide).
• Gaseous material in concentrations which are
  highly irritating to the eyes.

57
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment

• Air Supplied Hood
• The Air Supplied Hood is normally used where the
  user only requires protection against levels of
  material or requires an air flow for cooling
  purposes.
• This equipment shall not be used in any situation
  where the user would be endangered.

58
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment

• Airline Respirator
• The airline respirator consists or a full face
  mask supplied with breathing air by a compressor
  or multiple stationary cylinders.
• Care must be exercised to prevent damage to the
  hose and regulator while in use, and the assembly
  shall be stored in such a way that damage will be
  avoided.

59
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment

• Cylinder Type Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
• The SCBA utilizes compressed breathing air and
  will provide protection in any atmosphere
  regardless or contamination or oxygen.
• Although this equipment should provide breathing
  air for approximately 30 minutes, caution or
  emotional strain may reduce the rated time.
• Users of this equipment shall immediately begin
  exiting the hazardous atmosphere when the low
  pressure alarm sounds.

60
Selection of Respirators

• An appropriate NIOSH-certified respirator will be
  selected and provided based on the respiratory
  hazard(s) to which workers are exposed and all
  relevant workplace and user factors that affect
  respirator performance and reliability.
• An evaluation of the respiratory hazard(s) in the
  workplace will be conducted and will include a
  reasonable estimate of employee exposures to
  respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of
  the contaminant's chemical state and physical
  form.
• Where the respiratory hazards or a reasonable
  estimate of the employee exposure cannot be
  identified, the atmosphere will be considered
  IDLH.

29 CFR 1910.134(d)
61
Selection of Respirators

• Employees will be allowed to select the
  respirator to be used from a sufficient number of
  respirator models and sizes so that the
  respirator is acceptable and correctly fits.
• In IDLH atmospheres, one of the following
  respirators must be used
• A full facepiece pressure demand SCBA certified
  by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty
  minutes, or
• A combination full facepiece pressure demand
  supplied-air respirator (SAR) with auxiliary
  self-contained air supply.
• Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH
  atmospheres shall be NIOSH-certified for escape
  from the atmosphere in which they will be used.
• All oxygen-deficient atmospheres shall be
  considered IDLH.

29 CFR 1910.134(d)
62
Selection of Respirators

• In atmospheres that are not IDLH, one of the
  following respirators must be used
• For protection against gases and vapors, one of
  the following respirators must be used
• An atmosphere-supplying respirator, or
• An air-purifying respirator, provided that
• The respirator is equipped with an
  end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) certified by
  NIOSH for the contaminant or
• If there is no ESLI appropriate for conditions in
  the employer's workplace, the employer implements
  a change schedule for canisters and cartridges
  that is based on objective information or data
  that will ensure that canisters and cartridges
  are changed before the end of their service life.

29 CFR 1910.134(d)
63
Selection of Respirators

• In atmospheres that are not IDLH, one of the
  following respirators must be used Cont.
• For protection against particulates, one of the
  following respirators must be used
• An atmosphere-supplying respirator or
• An air-purifying respirator equipped with a
  filter certified by NIOSH under 30 CFR part 11 as
  a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter,
  or an air-purifying respirator equipped with a
  filter certified for particulates by NIOSH under
  42 CFR part 84 or
• For contaminants consisting primarily of
  particles with mass median aerodynamic diameters
  (MMAD) of at least 2 micrometers, an
  air-purifying respirator equipped with any filter
  certified for particulates by NIOSH.

29 CFR 1910.134(d)
64
Selection of Respirators

• The respirator selected must have an assigned
  protection factor adequate for the particular
  workplace exposure. Divide the airborne
  contaminant concentration by the Threshold Limit
  Value (TLV) to obtain a hazard ratio. To select
  an appropriate respirator, select from the
  following table a respirator with an equal or
  greater protection factor.

29 CFR 1910.134(d)
65
Assigned Protection Factors
66
Respirator Selection Steps

• Identify the air contaminants present in the
  workplace. Include chemical name and form (i.e.
  dust, mist, fume, gas, or vapor).
• DUST - Dusts are created when solid material
  breaks down and gives off fine particles that
  float in the air before settling by gravity.
• MISTS - Mists are particles formed from liquid
  materials by atomization and condensation
  processes.
• FUMES -Fumes are created when solid materials
  vaporize under high heat. The metal vapor cools
  and condenses into small particles, with a size
  generally less then one micrometer in diameter.
• GASES - Gases are substances that are similar to
  air in their ability to diffuse or spread freely
  throughout a container or area.
• VAPORS - Vapors are the gaseous state of
  substances that are either liquids or solids at
  room temperature. They are formed when solids or
  liquids evaporate.

67
Respirator Selection Steps

• Determine the concentration of the contaminant.
  Air sampling is recommended.
• Note If the concentration is unknown, select
  either a positive pressure self-contained
  breathing apparatus (SCBA) or positive pressure
  supplied air respirator with an auxiliary SCBA.

68
Respirator Selection Steps

• Is the oxygen concentration or could the oxygen
  concentration become less than 19.5.
• Note If the concentration of oxygen is less than
  19.5,select either a positive pressure
  self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or
  positive pressure supplied air respirator with an
  auxiliary SCBA.

69
Respirator Selection Steps

• What are the exposure limits as published by the
  American Conference of Governmental Industrial
  Hygienists or by the National Institute for
  Occupational Safety and Health.
• Is the chemical airborne concentration greater
  than the IDLH concentration?
• Note If the airborne concentration is greater
  than the IDLH concentration, select either a
  positive pressure self-contained breathing
  apparatus (SCBA) or positive pressure supplied
  air respirator with an auxiliary SCBA

70
Respirator Selection Steps

• Is the chemical airborne concentration greater
  than 1000 times the TLV?
• Note If the airborne concentration is greater
  than 1000 times the TLV, select either a positive
  pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
  (SCBA) or positive pressure supplied air
  respirator with an auxiliary SCBA.

71
Respirator Selection Steps

• Is the chemical airborne concentration greater
  than 50 times the TLV?
• If the chemical airborne concentration is greater
  than 50 times the TLV go to 8.
• If the chemical airborne concentration is not
  greater than 50 times the TLV go to 9.
• Is the contamination form identified in step 1 a
  particulate?
• If yes, select either a Powered AIR Purifying
  Respirator (PAPR) or a supplied air respirator
  (except Half-Mask versions).
• If NO, select a supplied air respirator (except
  Half-Mask versions).

72
Respirator Selection Steps

• Is the chemical airborne concentration greater
  than 10 times the TLV?
• If yes, go to 10.
• If no, select the Maintenance free or dual
  cartridge Half-Mask respirator that is design for
  the chemical involved.
• Is the contaminant form identified is step 1 a
  particulate?
• If yes, select a full facepiece respirator with
  appropriate particulate filters (high efficiency
  filters recommended) or supplied air respirator.
• If no, select a full facepiece respirator with
  cartridges designed for the chemical involved.

73
Respirator Selection Steps

• Are any other air contaminants present at the
  same time?
• If yes, note the respirator suggested, and repeat
  the entire procedure.
• If no, go to step 12.
• Was more than one respirator recommendation
  required for a specific exposure situation?
• If yes, note all respirator recommendations. If
  your list contains more than one respirator and
  all are air purifying respirators, select the one
  with the highest assigned protection factor ( see
  the beginning of this section ) and the one that
  can remove all of the contaminants, if available.

74
Respirator Medical Evaluation

• Using a respirator may place a physiological
  burden on employees that varies with the type of
  respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions
  in which the respirator is used, and the medical
  status of the employee. Accordingly, all
  employees required to use a respiratory
  protective device will be given, before the
  employee is fit tested or required to use the
  respirator in the workplace, a medical evaluation
  to determine the employee's ability to use a
  respirator.

29 CFR 1910.134(e)
75
Respirator Medical Evaluation

• Medical evaluations may be performed by using a
  medical questionnaire or an initial medical
  examination that obtains the same information as
  the medical questionnaire.
• A follow-up medical examination will be provided
  for an employee if the PLHCP determines the need
  from the questionnaire or the initial medical
  examination demonstrates the need for a follow-up
  medical examination.

29 CFR 1910.134(e)
76
Respirator Medical Evaluation

• The follow-up medical examination shall include
  any medical tests, consultations, or diagnostic
  procedures that the PLHCP deems necessary to make
  a final determination.
• The medical questionnaire and examinations shall
  be administered confidentially during normal
  working hours or at a time and place convenient
  to the employee.

29 CFR 1910.134(e)
77
Respirator Medical Evaluation

• The following information will be provided to the
  PLHCP before the PLHCP makes a recommendation
  concerning an employee's ability to use a
  respirator
• The type and weight of the respirator to be used
  by the employee
• The duration and frequency of respirator use
  (including use for rescue and escape)
• The expected physical work effort
• Additional protective clothing and equipment to
  be worn and
• Temperature and humidity extremes that may be
  encountered.

29 CFR 1910.134(e)
78
Respirator Medical Evaluation

• Any supplemental information provided previously
  to the PLHCP regarding an employee need not be
  provided for a subsequent medical evaluation if
  the information and the PLHCP remain the same.
• In determining the employee's ability to use a
  respirator, the employer must obtain a written
  recommendation regarding the employee's ability
  to use the respirator from the PLHCP including
  any limitations on respirator use, and the need,
  if any, for follow-up medical evaluations.

29 CFR 1910.134(e)
79
Respirator Medical Evaluation

• Employees will be provided with a copy of the
  PLHCP's written recommendation.
• If the respirator is a negative pressure
  respirator and the PLHCP finds a medical
  condition that may place the employee's health at
  increased risk if the respirator is used, a PAPR
  will be used, if the PLHCP's medical evaluation
  finds that the employee can use such a respirator.

29 CFR 1910.134(e)
80
Respirator Medical Evaluation

• At a minimum, additional medical evaluations that
  comply with the requirements of this program will
  be provided if
• An employee reports medical signs or symptoms
  that are related to ability to use a respirator
• A PLHCP, supervisor, or the respirator program
  administrator informs the employer that an
  employee needs to be reevaluated
• Information from the respiratory protection
  program, including observations made during fit
  testing and program evaluation, indicates a need
  for employee reevaluation or
• A change occurs in workplace conditions (e.g.,
  physical work effort, protective clothing,
  temperature) that may result in a substantial
  increase in the physiological burden placed on an
  employee.

29 CFR 1910.134(e)
81
Fit Testing

• Before an employee is required to use any
  respirator
• The employee must pass an appropriate qualitative
  fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT)
  with the same make, model, style, and size of
  respirator that will be used.
• Fit testing is required
• Prior to initial use of the respirator,
• Whenever a different respirator facepiece (size,
  style, model or make) is used, and
• At least annually thereafter.

29 CFR 1910.134(f)
82
Fit Testing

• An additional fit test will be required
• Whenever the employee reports, or
• The PLHCP, supervisor, or program administrator
  makes visual observations of changes in the
  employee's physical condition that could affect
  respirator fit.
• The fit test shall be administered using an
  OSHA-accepted QLFT or QNFT protocol.

29 CFR 1910.134(f)
83
Use of Respirators

• Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces cannot
  be worn by employees who have
• Facial hair that comes between the sealing
  surface of the facepiece and the face or that
  interferes with valve function or
• Any condition that interferes with the
  face-to-facepiece seal or valve function.

29 CFR 1910.134(g)
84
Use of Respirators

• If an employee wears corrective glasses or
  goggles or other personal protective equipment,
  such equipment must be worn in a manner that does
  not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to
  the face of the user.
• For all tight-fitting respirators, a user seal
  check must be preformed each time they put on the
  respirator.

29 CFR 1910.134(g)
85
User Seal Check

• Positive pressure check.
• Close off the exhalation valve and exhale gently
  into the facepiece.
• The face fit is considered satisfactory if a
  slight positive pressure can be built up inside
  the facepiece without any evidence of outward
  leakage of air at the seal.
• For most respirators this method of leak testing
  requires the wearer to first remove the
  exhalation valve cover before closing off the
  exhalation valve and then carefully replacing it
  after the test.

29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix B
86
User Seal Check

• Negative pressure check.
• Close off the inlet opening of the canister or
  cartridge(s) by covering with the palm of the
  hand(s) or by replacing the filter seal(s),
  inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses
  slightly, and hold the breath for ten seconds.
• The design of the inlet opening of some
  cartridges cannot be effectively covered with the
  palm of the hand. The test can be performed by
  covering the inlet opening of the cartridge with
  a thin latex or nitrile glove.
• If the facepiece remains in its slightly
  collapsed condition and no inward leakage of air
  is detected, the tightness of the respirator is
  considered satisfactory.

29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix B
87
User Seal Check

• Manufacturer's recommended user seal check
  procedures
• The respirator manufacturer's recommended
  procedures for performing a user seal check may
  be used instead of the positive and/or negative
  pressure check procedures provided that the
  employer demonstrates that the manufacturer's
  procedures are equally effective.

29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix B
88
Use of Respirators

• Employees will be allowed to leave the respirator
  use area
• To wash their faces and respirator facepieces as
  necessary to prevent eye or skin irritation
  associated with respirator use or
• If they detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes
  in breathing resistance, or leakage of the
  facepiece or
• To replace the respirator or the filter,
  cartridge, or canister elements.

29 CFR 1910.134(g)
89
Use of Respirators

• If the employee detects vapor or gas
  breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or
  leakage of the facepiece, the respirator must be
  replaced or repaired before the employee will be
  allowed to return to the work area.

29 CFR 1910.134(g)
90
Use of Respirators

• For all IDLH atmospheres, the following
  procedures must be followed
• At least one employee must be located outside the
  IDLH atmosphere
• Visual, voice, or signal line communication must
  be maintained between the employee(s) in the IDLH
  atmosphere and the employee(s) located outside
  the IDLH atmosphere
• The employee(s) located outside the IDLH
  atmosphere must be trained and equipped to
  provide effective emergency rescue

29 CFR 1910.134(g)
91
Use of Respirators

• For all IDLH atmospheres, the following
  procedures must be followed
• The direct supervisor or designee must be
  notified before the employee(s) located outside
  the IDLH atmosphere enter the IDLH atmosphere to
  provide emergency rescue
• Employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmospheres
  must be equipped with
• Respiratory protection
• Appropriate retrieval equipment.
• Equivalent means for rescue where retrieval
  equipment is not required.

29 CFR 1910.134(g)
92
Maintenance and Care of Respirators

• All respirator users will be provided with a
  respirator that is clean, sanitary, and in good
  working order.
• The respirators shall be cleaned and disinfected
  at the following intervals
• Assigned respirators
• Ccleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to
  be maintained in a sanitary condition
• Multi user respirators
• Cleaned and disinfected before being worn by
  different individuals
• Respirators maintained for emergency use shall be
  cleaned and disinfected after each use and

29 CFR 1910.134(h)
93
Maintenance and Care of Respirators

• Respirators must be stored to protect them from
  damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme
  temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging
  chemicals, and they shall be packed or stored to
  prevent deformation of the facepiece and
  exhalation valve.
• Emergency respirators shall be
• Kept accessible to the work area
• Clearly marked and
• Stored in accordance with any applicable
  manufacturer instructions.

29 CFR 1910.134(h)
94
Maintenance and Care of Respirators

• Respirators must be inspected as follows
• All respirators used in routine situations shall
  be inspected before each use and during cleaning
• All respirators maintained for use in emergency
  situations shall be inspected at least monthly
  and in accordance with the manufacturer's
  recommendations, and shall be checked for proper
  function before and after each use and
• Emergency escape-only respirators shall be
  inspected before being carried into the workplace
  for use.

29 CFR 1910.134(h)
95
Maintenance and Care of Respirators

• Respirator inspections must include the
  following
• A check of respirator function, tightness of
  connections, and the condition of the various
  parts and
• A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and
  signs of deterioration
• All self-contained breathing apparatus shall be
  inspected monthly.
• All regulators and warning devices must function
  properly.

29 CFR 1910.134(h)
96
Maintenance and Care of Respirators

• For respirators maintained for emergency use, the
  following must be completed
• Certify the respirator by documenting the date
  the inspection was performed, the name (or
  signature) of the person who made the inspection,
  the findings, required remedial action, and a
  serial number or other means of identifying the
  inspected respirator and
• Provide this information on a tag or label that
  is attached to the storage compartment for the
  respirator, is kept with the respirator, or is
  included in inspection reports stored as paper or
  electronic files.

29 CFR 1910.134(h)
97
Maintenance and Care of Respirators

• Any respirator that fails an inspection or is
  otherwise found to be defective must be removed
  from service, and discarded or repaired or
  adjusted in accordance with the following
  procedures
• Repairs or adjustments to respirators are to be
  made only by trained and authorized persons
• Repairs shall be made according to the
  manufacturer's recommendations and
  specifications and
• Reducing and admission valves, regulators, and
  alarms shall be adjusted or repaired only by the
  manufacturer or a technician trained by the
  manufacturer.

29 CFR 1910.134(h)
98
Breathing Air Quality and Use

• All compressed air, compressed oxygen, liquid
  air, and liquid oxygen used for respiration must
  meet the following specifications
• Compressed and liquid oxygen shall be medical or
  breathing oxygen and
• Compressed breathing air shall meet at least the
  requirements for Type 1-Grade D breathing.
• Oxygen concentrations greater than 23.5 must be
  used only in equipment designed for oxygen
  service or distribution.

29 CFR 1910.134(i)
99
Breathing Air Quality and Use

• Cylinders used to supply breathing air to
  respirators must meet the following requirements
• Cylinders are tested and maintained as prescribed
  in the Shipping Container Specification
  Regulations of the Department of Transportation
• Cylinders of purchased breathing air have a
  certificate of analysis from the supplier that
  the breathing air meets the requirements for Type
  1--Grade D breathing air and
• The moisture content in the cylinder does not
  exceed a dew point of -500 F (-45.60 C) at 1
  atmosphere pressure.

29 CFR 1910.134(i)
100
Breathing Air Quality and Use

• Compressors used to supply breathing air to
  respirators must be constructed and situated so
  as to
• Prevent entry of contaminated air into the
  air-supply system
• Minimize moisture content so that the dew point
  at 1 atmosphere pressure is 10oF (5.56o C) below
  the ambient temperature
• Have suitable in-line air-purifying sorbent beds
  and filters to further ensure breathing air
  quality.
• Have a tag containing the most recent change date
  and the signature of the person authorized by the
  employer to perform the change. The tag shall be
  maintained at the compressor.

29 CFR 1910.134(i)
101
Breathing Air Quality and Use

• Compressors used to supply breathing air to
  respirators must be constructed and situated so
  as to
• For compressors that are not oil-lubricated,
  carbon monoxide levels in the breathing air can
  not exceed 10 ppm.
• For oil-lubricated compressors, a
  high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarm, or
  both must be used to monitor carbon monoxide
  levels.
• All breathing air couplings must be incompatible
  with outlets for nonrespirable worksite air or
  other gas systems.
• All breathing gas containers must be marked in
  accordance with the NIOSH respirator
  certification standard.

29 CFR 1910.134(i)
102
Identification of Filters, Cartridges, and
Canisters

• All filters, cartridges and canisters used in the
  workplace must be and remain labeled and color
  coded with the NIOSH approval label.

29 CFR 1910.134(j)
103
Training and Information

• Employees required to use a respirator must
  receive comprehensive, understandable, and
  annual training prior to using a respirator in
  the work place.

29 CFR 1910.134(k)
104
Training and Information

• Training must cover at least the following
• Why the respirator is necessary and the dangers
  of improper fit, usage, or maintenance
• What the limitations and capabilities of the
  respirator are
• How to use the respirator effectively in
  emergency situations
• How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check
  the seals of the respirator
• What the procedures are for maintenance and
  storage of the respirator
• How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that
  may limit the effective use of respirators and
• The general requirements of this section.

29 CFR 1910.134(k)
105
Training and Information

• Retraining shall be administered annually, and
  when the following situations occur
• Changes in the workplace or the type of
  respirator render previous training obsolete
• Inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use
  of the respirator indicate that the employee has
  not retained the requisite understanding or
  skill or
• Any other situation arises in which retraining
  appears necessary to ensure safe respirator use.

29 CFR 1910.134(k)
106
Training and Information

• The basic advisory information on respirators, as
  presented in Appendix D of this section, shall be
  provided by the employer in any written or oral
  format, to employees who wear respirators when
  such use is not required by this program.

29 CFR 1910.134(k)
107
Program Evaluation

• Evaluations will be conducted of the workplace as
  necessary to ensure that the provisions of the
  current written program are being effectively
  implemented and that it continues to be effective.

29 CFR 1910.134(l)
108
Recordkeeping

• Records of medical evaluations required by this
  program must be retained and made available in
  accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020.

29 CFR 1910.134(m)
109
Recordkeeping

• A record will be established of the qualitative
  and quantitative fit tests administered to an
  employee including
• The name or identification of the employee
  tested
• Type of fit test performed
• Specific make, model, style, and size of
  respirator tested
• Date of test and
• The pass/fail results for QLFTs or the fit factor
  and strip chart recording or other recording of
  the test results for QNFTs.
• Fit test records shall be retained for respirator
  users until the next fit test is administered.

110
Protective Work Clothing and Equipment

• Where a hazard is present or is likely to be
  present from skin or eye contact with chromium
  (VI)
• Provide appropriate personal protective clothing
  and equipment at no cost to employees, and
• Ensure that employees use such clothing and
  equipment.

29 CFR 1926.1126(g)
111
Removal and Storage

• All protective clothing and equipment
  contaminated with chromium (VI) must be
• Removed at the end of the work shift or at the
  completion of their tasks, whichever comes first
• Stored and transported in sealed, properly
  labeled, impermeable bags or other closed,
  impermeable containers.

29 CFR 1926.1126(g)
112
Removal and Storage

• No employees may remove chromium
  (VI)-contaminated protective clothing or
  equipment from the workplace, except for those
  employees whose job it is to launder, clean,
  maintain, or dispose of such clothing or
  equipment.

29 CFR 1926.1126(g)
113
Cleaning and Replacement

• All protective clothing and equipment required by
  this section shall be cleaned, laundered,
  repaired and replaced as needed to maintain its
  effectiveness.
• The removal of chromium (VI) from protective
  clothing and equipment by blowing, shaking, or
  any other means that disperses chromium (VI) into
  the air or onto an employee's body is prohibited.

29 CFR 1926.1126(g)
114
Hygiene Areas and Practices

• Where protective clothing and equipment is
  required, the employer shall provide change
  rooms.
• Separate storage for contaminated and clean
  clothes
• Where skin contact with chromium (VI) occurs, the
  employer shall provide washing facilities
• Such facilities shall be in near proximity to the
  worksite and shall be so equipped as to enable
  employees to remove such substances. MUST BE
  WATER BASED CLEANING SYSTEM.
• Washing facilities shall be maintained in a
  sanitary condition.
• Use of these facilities when necessary shall be
  enforced.

29 CFR 1926.1126(h)
115
Eating and Drinking Areas

• Eating and drinking areas and surfaces must be
  maintained as free as practicable of chromium
  (VI).
• Employees must not enter eating and drinking
  areas with protective work clothing or equipment
  unless surface chromium (VI) has been removed.

29 CFR 1926.1126(h)
116
Prohibited Activities

• Employees must not eat, drink, smoke, chew
  tobacco or gum, or apply cosmetics in areas where
  skin or eye contact with chromium (VI) occurs or
• Carry the products associated with these
  activities, or store such products in these areas.

29 CFR 1926.1126(h)
117
Medical Surveillance

• Medical surveillance must be made available at no
  cost to the employee, and at a reasonable time
  and place, for all employees
• Who are or may be occupationally exposed to
  chromium (VI) at or above the action level for 30
  or more days a year
• Experiencing signs or symptoms associated with
  chromium (VI) exposure or
• Exposed in an emergency.

29 CFR 1926.1126(i)
118
Medical Surveillance

• Medical examination provided
• Within 30 days after initial assignment, a