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

Hexavalent Chromium: May 31, 2010 Deadline

Deadline Update: May 31, 2010

Engineering Controls for Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6)

Time is running out to have engineering controls in place for Hexavalent Chromium. OSHA standard 1910.134 requires all business regardless of time to have engineering safety controls implemented prior to the 05/06/2010 time line.

A good reference to find out information on Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6) is from OSHA's site: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hexavalentchromium/index.html

This link is a quick fact sheet to review safety controls:

http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/hexavalent_chromium.pdf

In addition, the CDC and NIOSH have published some relevant information on the healtheffects of Hexavalent Chromium:

NIOSH Topic: Hexavalent Chromium CDC/NIOSH

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/

Dangers of Welding on Stainless Steel-Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6)

Dangers of Welding on Stainless Steel:

Stainless steel is a very popular and attractive looking metal. It has become particularly popular in recent years, and is becoming more readily available in labs, photo studios, garages, and kitchens. With the current change in OSHA’s Hexavalent Chromium standard to 5 micrograms per cubic meter the risk of exposing employees is not only real, it can be potentially expensive. Recently, I was visiting a fabrication studio and the employer told me that he was really concerned about his welder’s exposure to hex chrome. I explained that the concern was legitimate and he should not take his employees safety lightly. His first problem was determining if he indeed had a problem with CR6 exposure in the welding shop. My recommendation to him was to obtain some sampling pumps that utilize particulate based filters and test the air quality. I suggested taking samples in the operators breathing zone for the entire time he welded. In this case, the welder would weld all morning long, and return in the afternoon for another hour or so. I heard back from this individual a few weeks later, and he told me that he was slightly below OSHA’s new limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. His concern was if production picked up would he still be complainant. I also reminded him that this test was conducted during the summer when the bay doors in the warehouse are open. During the winter the overhead doors remain closed, thus increasing potential exposure. The client agreed that this was a valid concern and wanted to reduce exposure immediately. I recommended local ventilation exhaust as a means of drawing the contaminated air away from the operators. The only problem with the exhaust was the proximity of the welding shop. The facility was also leased and he was not permitted to install duct-work. I looked at several options for this client, and the most practical was a portable re-circulating system. Please do not be fooled, not all of these systems will be applicable for compliance on Hexavalent Chromium. It is important to identify the proper filtration media prior to making a purchasing decision. The client was really wrapped up on overall air volume, which is very important but I reminded him that the system needed to have a HEPA filter. Most medical grade, or “true HEPA” filters will be up to 99.97% efficient on particles .3 microns and larger. This is a very small particle size, and will be a good fit for removal of the Hexavalent Chromium particulate. I was able to implement a nice system at a fraction of the alternative exterior exhaust, and the next test proved that the system was extremely effective reducing employee exposure by twofold. Just remember, there are a lot of different options and engineering controls that you can be used to control employee exposure. Be sure to be diligent and research thoroughly. You need to find something that will actually do the trick and not just postpone the problem.

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