Safe Work Procedure: Handling and Working with Hexavalent Chromium

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the guidelines and safety measures for handling and working with hexavalent chromium, a hazardous substance that can be encountered in various workplaces. This procedure applies to all personnel who may be exposed to hexavalent chromium during their work activities. It covers the identification of potential hazards, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safe work practices, and emergency procedures to minimize the risk of exposure and ensure the safety and health of workers.

2. Definitions

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)): A toxic form of chromium that is known to be carcinogenic and can cause other adverse health effects.

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The maximum concentration of a substance to which workers can be exposed, as set by OSHA 1, 5, 9, 14.

TLV (Threshold Limit Value): A concentration limit recommended by ACGIH that represents conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse health effects 1, 15, 16.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards, such as respirators, gloves, and eye protection 1, 5, 10.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are properly trained on the hazards of hexavalent chromium and the requirements of this SWP.
• Provide appropriate PPE and ensure that it is properly used and maintained.
• Monitor work areas to ensure that control measures are effective and that workers are following safe work practices.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses related to hexavalent chromium exposure and implement corrective actions.

3.2 Workers

• Follow the procedures outlined in this SWP and any other relevant safety guidelines.
• Use the provided PPE properly and report any defects or damage to their supervisor.
• Participate in training programs and pre-job briefings.
• Report any potential hazards, incidents, or near-misses to their supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
• Conduct workplace inspections to identify potential hexavalent chromium hazards.
• Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on health and safety matters related to hexavalent chromium.
• Participate in incident investigations and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Inhalation of hexavalent chromium dust or fumes	Respiratory irritation, lung damage, cancer	Use appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., NIOSH-approved dust mask or filtering facepiece) [1], implement engineering controls (e.g., ventilation) [1], and minimize dust formation [2].
Skin contact with hexavalent chromium	Skin irritation, allergic reactions, burns	Wear appropriate protective gloves and clothing 1, 5, avoid direct contact with the substance [3], and wash hands thoroughly after handling [1].
Eye contact with hexavalent chromium	Eye irritation, serious eye damage	Wear approved eye protection (e.g., chemical safety goggles and face shield) [1], and ensure readily accessible eye wash stations are available [1].
Ingestion of hexavalent chromium	Gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting	Do not eat, smoke, or drink in work areas [1], wash hands carefully before eating or smoking [1], and avoid ingestion [3].
Environmental release of hexavalent chromium	Contamination of soil and water	Avoid release to the environment [1], and dispose of waste properly according to local, regional, and national regulations [4].

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn to minimize exposure to hexavalent chromium 1, 5, 10.

• Respiratory Protection: A NIOSH-approved dust mask or filtering facepiece is recommended in poorly ventilated areas or when permissible exposure limits may be exceeded [1]. Respirators should be selected by and used under the direction of a trained health and safety professional following requirements found in OSHA's respirator standard (29 CFR 1910.134) and ANSI's standard for respiratory protection (Z88.2) [1].
• Hand Protection: Wear suitable waterproof gloves to prevent skin contact [1].
• Eye Protection: Wear approved eye protection (properly fitted dust- or splash-proof chemical safety goggles) and face protection (face shield) [1].
• Skin and Body Protection: Wear suitable waterproof protective clothing to prevent skin exposure [1].

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.

6. Equipment and Tools

Use appropriate equipment and tools to minimize the risk of exposure to hexavalent chromium.

• Ventilation Systems: Use local exhaust ventilation to control airborne dust and fumes [1].
• Enclosed Systems: When possible, use enclosed systems to contain hexavalent chromium and prevent its release into the workplace.
• Wet Methods: Use wet methods to suppress dust during activities such as grinding or cutting [2].
• Vacuum Cleaners: Use HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners to clean up dust and debris containing hexavalent chromium.

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must receive training on the hazards of hexavalent chromium, proper handling techniques, the use of PPE, and emergency procedures. Training should be conducted by a qualified individual and documented [1].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing should be conducted before starting any work involving hexavalent chromium. The briefing should cover the following topics:

• Identification of potential hazards
• Review of this SWP
• Proper use of PPE
• Emergency procedures
• Communication protocols

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Ensure the work area is well-ventilated [1].
• Establish designated areas for handling and storing hexavalent chromium.
• Provide readily accessible eye wash stations and safety showers [1].
• Implement measures to prevent the spread of contamination, such as using drop cloths or barriers.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Handling Chromium Materials

When handling chromium materials, ensure you are wearing the appropriate PPE, including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection if necessary 1, 5.

• Sub-step 1.1: Carefully open containers to avoid dust formation 1, 2.
• Sub-step 1.2: Use tools and equipment designed to minimize dust generation.
• Sub-step 1.3: Avoid direct contact with chromium materials [3].

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure adequate ventilation to minimize inhalation hazards 1, 5.

Step 2: Mixing and Application

When mixing and applying materials containing chromium, follow the manufacturer's instructions and use appropriate engineering controls to minimize exposure [1].

• Sub-step 2.1: Mix materials in a well-ventilated area or use local exhaust ventilation [1].
• Sub-step 2.2: Use wet methods to suppress dust during mixing [2].
• Sub-step 2.3: Apply materials in a manner that minimizes dust generation and skin contact 1, 5.

Safety considerations for this step: Avoid creating dust clouds and ensure proper ventilation 1, 5.

Step 3: Cleanup and Disposal

After completing work with chromium materials, properly clean up the work area and dispose of waste materials in accordance with regulations [4].

• Sub-step 3.1: Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner or wet methods to clean up dust and debris [2].
• Sub-step 3.2: Dispose of waste materials in sealed containers labeled appropriately [4].
• Sub-step 3.3: Wash hands and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water [1].

Safety considerations for this step: Prevent the spread of contamination and ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste 4, 5.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Hygiene Practices: Do not eat, smoke, or drink in areas where chromium is handled [1]. Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking [1].
• Dust Control: Implement dust control measures such as using wet methods or local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne dust levels 2, 5.
• PPE Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain PPE. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately [1].
• Storage: Store chromium materials in tightly closed containers in a dry and well-ventilated place [3].
• Air Monitoring: Conduct air monitoring to ensure that exposure levels are below the OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV 1, 5, 9, 14, 15, 16.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, follow these general procedures:

• Evacuate the area if necessary.
• Alert emergency services and provide them with relevant information.
• Provide first aid to injured personnel.
• Prevent further exposure or release of chromium.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Skin Contact: Wash the affected area immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately if symptoms occur [2].
• Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, also under the eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention [2].
• Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Get medical attention immediately if symptoms occur [2].
• Spill or Release: Contain the spill and prevent it from entering drains or waterways. Clean up the spill using appropriate PPE and dispose of the waste properly 2, 4, 5.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• [Emergency Contact 1] - [Phone Number]
• [Emergency Contact 2] - [Phone Number]
• [Emergency Contact 3] - [Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to hexavalent chromium exposure to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

---

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

Safety powered by SALUS