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OSHA Amends Hexavalent Chromium Rule |
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On Oct. 25, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published an amendment to its final rule on hexavalent chromium in the Federal Register. The amendment, published in accordance with a settlement agreement, allows for metal and surface finishing operations to opt into the agreement and obtain relief from certain respirator requirements in exchange for accelerating the implementation of engineering controls. The original rule became effective on May 30, 2006, with a start-up date for the rule's provisions (except engineering controls) of Nov. 27, 2006. The engineering control provisions will become effective May 31, 2010, except for those who opt-in to the agreement, who must implement the engineering control provisions by Dec. 31, 2008. Facilities wanting to join the settlement must submit a declaration of party status to OSHA by Nov. 30, 2006. More information on the settlement and subsequent amendment is available on the OSHA website at www.osha.gov/SLTC/hexavalentchromium/hexchrom_settlement.html. OSHA also has published guidance for helping small businesses comply with the agency's new hexavalent chromium requirements for general industry. Visit www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA_small_entity_comp.pdf for more information.
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