Controling Welding Fumes: Hexavalent Chromium

Welding Fume Extraction: An Engineering Control for Hexavalent Chromium

Since May 31, 2010, companies have been required to implement engineering controls for reducing employee exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (CR6). For those of you that have done so...great! For those that have not, please keep in mind that this is a Federal OSHA regulation and really should do so. On a weekly basis, I run into companies that have not yet begun controlling employee exposure to this carcinogenic compound. I often hear the same excuses from companies that they find the research cumbersome and difficult. Many of my clients tell me that there is no simple "cookie-cutter" control available on the market. This is not necessarily true! I did a piece on choosing a fume extractor last year that reviewed several different models that may be solid engineering controls. The most popular unit that I see in the field is the Sentry Air Systems Welding Fume Extractor (SS-300-PFS). The obvious advantage of this HEPA filtered fume extractor is that it has been tested for Hexavalent Chromium with a MIG welding process. I would say the challenge implemented by Sentry Air Systems was extremely legitimate and would be reflective of what would seen in "industry". The test was conducted by a Robert Adams and Associates of Houston, Texas. They are obviously proud of the Hexavalent Chromium test results as they are published prominently on their web site http://www.sentryair.com/. The system had over 99% efficiency of removal of Hexavalent Chromium from the air stream. Well within the range of OSHA's stringent standard.

Features of the SS-300-PFS:

The Welding Fume Extraction system that Sentry Air has is extremely small. At first you may be surprised by how compact the unit is measuring 13"x13". I was impressed with the suction and the removal rate of the unit when I saw it in action. The unit did an excellent job of removing welding smoke from both a TIG welding process as well as MIG welding bench. I noticed that on Sentry Air's website they also have a similar system that has a long flexible hose for hard to reach areas. This may be a better alternative for some of you that have to weld in hard to reach areas. Overall, I would rate the Sentry system an excellent solution for welding fume control especially when dealing with Hexavalent Chromium.

Video courtesy of YouTube showing the Sentry welding fume extractors in action:





If you believe that you are being exposed to Hexavalent Chromium, or may have a problem at your workplace please consult your safety department. If you do not have safety department, please inform senior manger that there may be a problem, and safety guidelines should be followed. It is important to protect your own health and those surrounding you. Hexavalent Chromium is a known human carcinogen and has been linked to lung cancer, and other terminal illnesses. Remember, safety comes first!



For more information on engineering controls, or regarding the health issue with Hexavalent Chromium please visit our website at:

http://www.hexavalentchromiumdangers.com

OSHA DEADLINE: May 31, 2010

Hexavalent Chromium-Approaching Quickly

With the May 31, 2010 OSHA (OSHA 1910.134) deadline vastly approaching it is going to be imperative that engineering safety controls are in place to reduce employee exposure to Hexavalent Chromium. This is for those companies that are at the action level or above the Personal Exposure Limit (PEL). There are many companies on the market that offer solutions for reducing and protecting operators from Hexavalent Chromium. Multiple engineering controls are recommended to ensure operators are thoroughly protected and the exposure limit is not exceeding OSHA regulations. Many of the welding fume extractor companies that I researched are well aware of this regulation and have knowledgeable staff that can assist with choosing the appropriate fume extractor for your application. There will be a major difference in price depending on the size and style of fume extractor that you choose. The configuration and specifications of the welding fume extractor will be dependant on the overall welding process and several other factors. My research yielded that there is a huge fluctuation between air volume, filtration media, efficiency of the media, unit size, and overall performance of the fume extractors. I suggest asking the companies if you can evaluate the models before buying a system. This will allow you or the operator to get totally comfortable with the unit, and make sure it works appropriately with your system. The three companies that I researched included: Lincoln Electric, Sentry Air Systems, and Air Quality Engineering. All three companies had plenty of information on their web-pages, and seem to be the highest in quality and performance. I would encourage you to visit the websites and find the appropriate type of system for your welding process. Some of the helpful links that I ended up finding include:

Lincoln Electric:

This company is on the ball and has a lot of useful information on their website. They seem to be the leaders in the field and even have a campaign to educate welders called “Are you Ready”. They have multiple styles and configurations of welding fume extractors, and seem to be reasonably priced.
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/weld-fume-control/


Sentry Air Systems:

This company had a publication on their website with third party industrial hygiene testing data. If you do not want to read the report they have a video on the page that explains the testing and results in great detail. I found this to be a very useful bit of information and it definitely gave them some credibility. They also offer several unique configurations of systems that would work in a large magnitude of chrome welding applications. http://www.sentryair.com/specs/Welding-Fume-Extractor-Arm-300-WFE.htm


Air Quality Engineering:

Here is another solid outfit with a lot of knowledge on this OSHA standard. They have several different units and a very helpful sales staff that will assist you with the proper piece of equipment for your application. http://www.air-quality-eng.com/chrome6.php


Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium is very serious and should not be taken lightly. If you believe that you have a problem, or are being exposed please contact your safety manager or shop foreman. Multiple engineering controls are suggested to keep employees under the action level and PEL. For more information on safety guidance or specific standards read the OSHA guidelines on compliance OSHA Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Hexavalent Chromium Standards, page 9, OSHA 3320-10N 2006).

Hexavalent Chromium-Respirator Protection

Respirator Protection:

August 13, 2009


Respirators can be an effective engineering safety control when dealing with Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI). This option is very easy to implement, and can be cheaper then some of the other solutions such as fume extractors, and air evacuation systems. Further, operators have greater range and flexibility with respirators. Engineering controls should be utilized whenever the permissible exposure limit (PEL) is exceeded. Per OSHA guidelines, the permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 5 (mg/m³) for Hexavalent Chromium. Please keep in mind that the action level is 2.5 (mg/m³). This is the level that special medical attention and monitoring will be required.

A wide range of respirators is available on the marketplace. One of the more superior brands is 3M. They are well aware of the current regulations with Hexavalent Chromium. According to 3M’s website they recommend a N95 filter cartridge when no oil or aerosols are present in the application. For applications where oil or mist may be present they suggest utilize an R or P95 filter cartridge for their respirators. For specific details and selections on 3M respirators visit their site at www.3m.com/occsafety .

If you believe that you are being exposed to Hexavalent Chromium, or may have a problem at your workplace please consult your safety department. If you do not have safety department, please inform senior manger that there may be a problem, and safety guidelines should be followed. It is important to protect your own health and those surrounding you. Hexavalent Chromium is a known human carcinogen and has been linked to lung cancer, and other terminal illnesses. Remember, safety comes first!


For more information on Hexavalent Chromium please visit:
http://www.hexavalentchromiumdangers.com/