ESAB Powercut 1600 Service Manual page 11

SECTION 1
CHROMIUM (VI)
Cr(VI)
HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM)
Hexavalent Chromium Cr(VI) is a toxic
chemical component within fume and
dust particles created in a variety of
processes, including plasma cutting
of stainless steel.
For additional information about Hexavalent Chromium contact your occupational health professional
and read the OSHA web page at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hexavalentchromium/
SAfETY PRECAuTIONS
CANCER HAZARD; CAN DAMAGE
SKIN, EYES, NASAL PASSAGES, AND
LUNGS; AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL
ONLY; RESPIRATORS MAY BE
REQUIRED.
On February 28, 2006, the Occupational
Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) pub-
lished a revised
standard to protect workers from the potential
hazards of hexavalent chromium.
• Occupational exposure to hexavalent
chromium (Cr(VI)) must be below the
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 5 μg/m3
for an eight hour time weighted average.
• Workplace or job-specific monitoring must
be done to establish areas of potential
exposure and to quantify the potential
exposure.
• Employees who may be exposed to levels
of Cr(VI) at or above the new PEL must
be informed and corrective measures
implemented.
• Protective clothing and respiratory
protection must be given to employees who
have potential exposure.
• Medical surveillance of employees with
potential exposure to Cr(VI) must be
conducted.
• Areas of potential exposure to Cr(VI) must
be
indicated with warning signs containing the
text shown at left.
• Engineering control must be used to reduce
exposures to safe levels (in compliance
with the new PEL). The specific details of
the standard are complex and may require
the assistance of an occupational health
professional to reach full compliance
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