Airborne Exposure to Hexavalent Chromium Associated With Welding in the Electric Utility Industry

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CASE STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
This case study examines airborne exposure to hexavalent chromium associated with welding in the electric utility industry. The study analyzes the probability of exposures that may exceed theophany action level and permissible exposure limit in categories with sufficient data through air sampling and other methods. The data are organized by variables such as the type of welding process, chromium content, the environment, and the worker’s orientation to the fume plume. The study also evaluates the impact of various engineering controls. Ultimately, the study provides objective data that can be used to assess hexavalent chromium exposures to workers.
Case Study facts
The case study reviews the potential for airborne exposure to hexavalent chromium associated with welding in the electric utility industry. J. Hicks of Exponent, Inc., Oakland, CA, conducted the research by gathering, quality verifying, and analyzing air sampling results from various welding activities at several electric utilities. The results are organized by several variables, such as the welding process, the chromium content of the metals, the environment of the work area, and the worker's orientation to the fume plume. Statistical data analysis tested the probability of exposures exceeding the permissible exposure limit. The research also evaluated the impact of various engineering controls. The presentation of the case study offered insight into the health and safety concerns associated with welding in the electric utility industry.
Findings
The study found that:
* Hexavalent chromium exposure to workers may occur during welding and torch cutting on and with chromium-containing metals, common at electric utility operations.
* The OSHA regulation enacted in 2006 allows for objective data, such as air monitoring of exposures during representatively comparable tasks, instead of personal air monitoring of all potentially exposed workers, as part of an exposure assessment.
* Air sampling results during various welding activities from several electric utilities have been collected, quality verified, grouped, and analyzed to serve as a compilation of objective- and task-specific data.
* The data is organized by several variables, including the type of welding process, the chromium content in the base and consumable metals, the environment where the work is being conducted, and the worker’s orientation to the fume plume.
* In categories with sufficient air sampling data to permit meaningful statistical analysis, the grouped data are tested to...