Source: http://jespear.com
By: Jerome E. Spear, CSP, CIH

Feasible Engineering Controls for Welding Operations

OSHA requires exposures to hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]) above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 5 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) to be reduced using feasible engineering controls, which is consistent with other substance-specific standards and good industrial hygiene practice. If feasible engineering controls do not sufficiently reduce exposures to below the PEL, exposures must be maintained as low as feasibly achievable via engineering controls and supplemented with respiratory protection. Job rotation is specifically prohibited to achieve compliance. Compliance with utilizing feasible engineering controls became effective on May 31, 2010. This provision does not apply where employees are not exposed to Cr(VI) for 30 or more days in 12 consecutive months. This paper summarizes considerations for engineering controls for welding applications such as substitution (including welding process changes) and local exhaust ventilation. Read the full article here.