Critics of new OSHA hex chromium standard plan to sue again
At long last OSHA published a new standard in the Feb. 28 Federal Register that covers occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium in general industry, construction and shipyards. The new standard lowers OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), and for all Cr(VI) compounds, from 52 to 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
The standard, which includes provisions relating to preferred methods for controlling exposure, respiratory protection, protective work clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, hazard communication and recordkeeping, was issued as a result of a court-ordered deadline.