29 CFR 1910.1026: OSHA Hexavalent Chromium in General Industry

Regulatory citation: 29 CFR 1910.1026, Chromium (VI) (General Industry)

What Is the OSHA Hexavalent Chromium Standard?

Section 1910.1026 covers occupational exposure to chromium (VI), or Cr(VI), in all forms and compounds in general industry. Common sources include welding and cutting stainless steel, chrome plating, chromate pigments and coatings, and aircraft painting.

The standard does not apply to exposure from applying pesticides regulated by EPA or another federal agency, such as wood preservatives, or to exposure to portland cement. It also does not apply where objective data show a material or process cannot release Cr(VI) at or above 0.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) under any expected conditions.

Why Cr(VI) Matters

The standard requires hazard communication to address cancer, eye irritation and skin sensitization. Inhaled Cr(VI) is linked to lung cancer, and skin contact can cause ulcers and allergic dermatitis.

Core Obligations

1. Keep Exposure Below the PEL (1910.1026(b) and (c))

The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 5 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA. The action level is 2.5 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA.

2. Determine Exposure (1910.1026(d))

Each employee's exposure must be determined by the scheduled monitoring option or the performance-oriented option. Under scheduled monitoring, results at or above the action level must be repeated at least every 6 months, and results above the PEL at least every 3 months. Monitoring may stop for employees below the action level when a second result, taken at least 7 days later, confirms it. Employees must be told their results within 15 work days, with a description of corrective action for any result above the PEL.

3. Set Up Regulated Areas (1910.1026(e))

A regulated area is required wherever exposure is, or can reasonably be expected to be, above the PEL. It must be demarcated and access limited to authorized people.

4. Use Engineering and Work Practice Controls (1910.1026(f))

Controls must reduce exposure to or below the PEL unless the employer shows this is not feasible, with respirators covering the rest. Employee rotation may not be used to meet the PEL. For painting aircraft or large aircraft parts in aerospace, controls must reach 25 µg/m³, with respirators used to reach the PEL. Engineering controls are not required for a process or task that does not expose any employee above the PEL for 30 or more days a year.

5. Provide Respirators, Clothing and Hygiene Facilities (1910.1026(g) to (i))

Respirators must be used in the situations the standard lists, under a program that meets 29 CFR 1910.134. Where skin or eye contact is reasonably likely, protective clothing and equipment must be provided at no cost. Contaminated clothing must be removed at the end of the shift or task, and must not be shaken or blown clean. Change rooms are required where employees must change clothes, washing facilities must be provided, and any eating and drinking areas must be kept as free as practicable of Cr(VI). Eating, drinking, smoking and cosmetics are banned in regulated areas.

6. Follow Housekeeping Rules (1910.1026(j))

Surfaces must be kept as free as practicable of Cr(VI), and spills cleaned promptly. HEPA vacuuming is the preferred cleaning method. Dry sweeping, shoveling and brushing, and compressed air, are allowed only in limited cases. Waste must go in sealed, labeled containers.

7. Provide Medical Surveillance (1910.1026(k))

Medical surveillance must be offered at no cost to employees exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days a year, employees with signs or symptoms of Cr(VI) health effects, and those exposed in an emergency. Exams are due within 30 days of initial assignment and annually after that, plus other times such as at termination. The employer receives the physician's written opinion within 30 days of the exam and gives the employee a copy within two weeks.

8. Train and Keep Records (1910.1026(l) and (m))

Employees must be able to show they know the contents of the standard and the medical surveillance program. Air monitoring data, historical monitoring data, objective data and medical records must be kept in line with 29 CFR 1910.1020.

Common Compliance Approaches

Target Stainless Steel Welding

Use fume extraction at the gun or torch, and consider low-Cr(VI) consumables where they meet the job's specifications.

Use Objective Data Where Valid

For processes that cannot release Cr(VI) at or above 0.5 µg/m³, document the objective data so the standard does not apply.

Example: Cr(VI) Controls in Practice

A fabrication shop welds stainless steel tanks. Sampling shows welders inside the tanks at 7 µg/m³, above the PEL. The shop sets up a regulated area around tank entry, adds portable fume extractors and provides respirators while the controls are evaluated. Resampling 3 months later shows 3 µg/m³, so monitoring moves to every 6 months. Welders exposed above the action level for 30 or more days a year get annual medical exams.

Related regulations: OSHA welding and hot work, OSHA respiratory protection, OSHA Hazard Communication.

Note: This summary covers the general industry standard. State plan states may set stricter rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Cr(VI) standard cover portland cement?

No. Exposure to portland cement is excluded from 1910.1026.

Is there medical removal protection for Cr(VI)?

The standard does not include medical removal protection benefits. It does require the physician's written opinion to address any recommended limits on the employee's exposure or use of protective equipment.

How often must Cr(VI) be monitored?

Under scheduled monitoring, at least every 6 months for results at or above the action level and at least every 3 months for results above the PEL. The performance-oriented option allows other approaches if they accurately characterize exposure.