Hexavalent Chromium: What You Need To Know

(13 min.) Hexavalent Chromium is a toxic form of the element chromium. The hexavalent chromium compounds are man-made and are widely used in many different industries. Some of the major industrial sources include chromate pigments in dyes, paint, inks and plastics, chrome plating, smelting of ferro-chromium ore, fumes from welding stainless steel or nonferrous chromium alloys, impurity present in Portland cement. The primary means of human exposure are inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. It can be inhaled when hexavalent chromium dusts, mists or fumes are in the air. Particles of chromium dust can contaminate hands, clothing, food and facial hair. The National Institute of Health or NIOSH, considers all hexavalent chromium to be potential occupational carcinogens.

Topics covered in this safety video include: health effects, most common forms of chromium, Chromium Three, exposure determination, regulated areas, methods of compliance, respiratory protection, protective work clothing and equipment, housekeeping and hygiene, mechanical surveillance, hazard training and communication, and recordkeeping.

Program comes with a CD-ROM of written materials, including test questions and answers. English title also includes PowerPoint presentation.