Dangers of Hexavalent Chromium in the Workplace and Measures of Control
What is Hexavalent Chromium
Hexavalent Chromium or Chromium-6 is a form of the metallic element Chromium. During oxidisation, Chromium can form different states ranging from Chromium II to Chromium IV. The valence state of the chromium determines how toxic it is. Chromium is found naturally in the environment in the form of Trivalent Chromium (Chromium III) and Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium VI) in rocks and minerals. Chromium VI is widely used in industrial processes such as wood preservation, electroplating, pigment manufacturing, leather tanning etc. It can be present in its solid state or be generated as dust, fume or mist from workplace activities where chromates, dichromates and chromic acid are used.
Workers in these industries are exposed to some level of Hexavalent Chromium due to the high exposure potential while using these chemicals. Workplace exposure standards and air monitoring - WHS Regulation 2017 under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 states that “A PCBU must ensure that a worker is not exposed to airborne chemicals above the workplace exposure standard. Chromium (VI) has a workplace exposure standard of 0.05 mg/m3 averaged over 8 hours"
Harmful Health Effects of Hexavalent Chromium Exposure
Exposure to Chromium-6 can have short and long-term health effects. It is a toxic element that is a known carcinogen. Workers who are exposed to Chromium-6 are at risk of developing occupational asthma, pulmonary congestion, skin irritation and lung cancer.
How Hexavalent Chromium affects the nose, throat and lungs
Breathing in high levels of Chromium IV can lead to irritation to the nose and throat. Many cases of nasal mucosa injury (inflamed mucosa, ulcerated septum, and perforated septum) have been reported in workers exposed to Cr(VI) in chrome-plating plants and tanneries.
How Hexavalent Chromium affects the skin
Dermal exposure to hexavalent chromium can result in the development an allergic skin reaction called contact dermatitis. This usually occurs from handling liquids or solids containing hexavalent chromium.
Control Measures to Reduce the Risk of Illness in the Workplace from Hexavalent Chromium Exposure
Every workplace has health and safety concerns that must be evaluated and addressed. Control measures are implemented to protect workers from identified risks and hazards in the workplace. Control measures that can be put into effect to reduce the risk of exposure to Hexavalent Chromium include:
Eliminate use of Chromium VI – Elimination of a hazard is the most effective workplace control to protect the health of workers. Employers can eliminate the use of Chromium-6 if it is easy to implement and practical. Elimination may be difficult to implement in an existing manufacturing process, however, may be easier during the design or redesign of a product or process.
Engineering controls – If elimination is not possible, engineering controls must be implemented such as placement of local exhaust ventilation in high exposure activities, physical barrier between the worker and the hazard etc. These controls are also easier to implement when a new facility is being designed or when existing facilities are being renovated.
Use of Appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, safety goggles respirators and chemical-resistant clothing create a physical barrier between the worker and the hazard.
Train Workers in the Use and Importance of PPE- Workers should be appropriately trained on the correct fitting, use and maintenance of PPE such as respirator fit testing procedures, the proper use of protective clothing by ensuring all openings are closed etc
Follow instructions and controls provided - Ensure that instructions and controls outlined in Safety Data Sheets (SDS), manufacturer's specifications, product labels and any instructions provided by supervisors and managers are followed.
Conduct regular health monitoring of workers – The employer should conduct regular health monitoring of workers with occupational exposure to Cr(IV) compounds to ensure workers are safe.
Additional Precautionary Measures to Eliminate the Risk of Chromium 6 Exposure
Any OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) control measures should be reviewed and maintained to ensure they are effective. The easiest and most effective method to review and maintain the effectiveness of control measures in place is by regularly testing with Hexavalent Chromium testing products such as the HexChecks Testing Swabs. Testing swabs like the HexChecks are used to instantly detect the presence of Chromium-6 on any surface. The hazard can then be eliminated by using a non-toxic cleaning solution such as the HexCheckTM Neutraliser. The HexChecks Chromium Detection and Elimination products can help elevate your Chromium-6 exposure monitoring program by identifying potential exposure surfaces, assessing the effectiveness of the existing controls and determining the correct use of PPE.
