Cut Sheet

Finishes
Galv-Krom
®
Electro-Galvanized Finish
A
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A6
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Technical Services
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Hexavalent Galv-Krom
®
Is OSHA Safe
Over the past several months, there have been many questions about
Hexavalent Chromium in the metal framing industry. Many of these
questions relate to the changes made by OSHA. In 2006, the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a
revised standard, which includes changes related to occupational
exposure to Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI). The revised standard was
promulgated on February 28, 2006 with the compliance provisions taking
effect on November 27, 2006 for most businesses. Cr VI can be found
in many metal framing products, such as the Hexavalent version of
Galv-Krom
®
finish for Kindorf
®
channel.
• Occupational Exposure Limit — The changes related to Cr VI address the
occupational exposure limit. Previously, this level was 52 micrograms per
cubic meter (g/m3) of air. This limit has now been reduced to 5 g/m3 of
air. Additionally, an “action level” has also been established at 2.5 g/m3
of air.If exposure to Cr VI exceeds these levels, comprehensive exposure
control efforts must be implemented to protect workers.
• OSHA Testing for Galv-Krom
®
Finish — Thomas & Betts conducted
documented third party testing for the Cr VI occupational exposure
of a typical worker when fabricating Galv-Krom
®
products. A certified
industrial hygienist conducted the testing. The testing was done
over one full work day following the OSHA protocol, with air
sampling being performed to produce an 8-hour time
weighted average exposure for the affected worker. The
TWA result was .00001 micrograms of Cr VI per cubic
meter of air (g/m3). This level is significantly below the
2.5 g/m3 required in the OSHA standard.
• Hexavalent Galv-Krom
®
Finish Is OSHA Safe — Based
on this testing, activities such as normal handling,
cutting, grinding and welding of Galv-Krom
®
products
do not violate the OSHA requirements related to
Hexavalent Chromium.
• Certified Industrial Hygienist Report Available —
The official test report certified by an independent
industrial hygienist on this personal exposure
testing is available to Thomas & Betts
customers who require such documentation.
This testing was conducted to the OSHA ID-215
ion chromatography method for analytical air
sampling and meets the latest OSHA
requirements. The findings are reported by a
Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and are
recognized by OSHA as suitable for questions
regarding occupational exposure to Hexavalent
Chromium. For more details on this report, contact
Thomas & Betts Technical Services at 888-862-3289.
OSHA
SAFE!
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