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(continued)
Note:Exposures to strontium chromate shall comply with the provisions of Section 5155 in addition to this standard.
(b) Definitions. For the purposes of this section the following definitions apply:
Action level means a concentration of airborne chromium (VI) of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (2.5 mg/m 3) calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
Chromium (VI) [hexavalent chromium or Cr(VI)] means chromium with a valence of positive six, in any form and in any compound.
Emergency means any occurrence that results, or is likely to result, in an uncontrolled release of chromium (VI). If an incidental release of chromium (VI) can be controlled at the time of release by employees in the immediate release area, or by maintenance personnel, it is not an emergency.
Employee exposure means the exposure to airborne chromium (VI) that would occur if the employee were not using a respirator.
High efficiency particulate air [HEPA] filter means a filter that is at least 99.97 percent efficient in removing mono dispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter or larger.
Historical monitoring data means data from chromium (VI) monitoring conducted prior to September 19, 2006, obtained during work operations conducted under workplace conditions closely resembling the processes, types of material, control methods, work practices, and environmental conditions in the employer's current operations.
Objective data means information such as air monitoring data from industry-wide surveys or calculations based on the composition or chemical and physical properties of a substance demonstrating the employee exposure to chromium (VI) associated with a particular product or material or a specific process, operation, or activity. The data must reflect workplace conditions closely resembling the processes, types of material, control methods, work practices, and environmental conditions in the employer's current operations.
Physician or other licensed health care professional [PLHCP] is an individual whose legally permitted scope of practice (i.e., license, registration, or certification) allows him or her to independently provide or be delegated the responsibility to provide some or all of the particular health care services required by subsection (k) of this section.
Regulated area means an area, demarcated by the employer, where an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of chromium (VI) exceeds, or can reasonably be expected to exceed, the PEL.
"This section" means this 5206 Chromium (VI) standard.
(c) Permissible exposure limit (PEL). The employer shall ensure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of chromium (VI) in excess of 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (5 mg/m 3), calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
(d) Exposure determination.
(1) General. Each employer who has a workplace or work operation covered by this section shall determine the 8 hour TWA exposure for each employee exposed to chromium (VI). This determination shall be made in accordance with either subsection (d)(2) or subsection (d)(3) of this section.
(2) Scheduled monitoring option.
(A) The employer shall perform initial monitoring to determine the 8 hour TWA exposure for each employee on the basis of a sufficient number of personal breathing zone air samples to accurately characterize full shift exposure on each shift, for each job classification, in each work area. Where an employer does representative sampling instead of sampling all employees in order to meet this requirement, the employer shall sample the employee(s) expected to have the highest chromium (VI) exposures.

(B) If initial monitoring indicates that employee exposures are below the action level, the employer may discontinue monitoring for those employees whose exposures are represented by such monitoring.
(C) If monitoring reveals employee exposures to be at or above the action level, the employer shall perform periodic monitoring at least every six months.
(D) If monitoring reveals employee exposures to be above the PEL, the employer shall perform periodic monitoring at least every three months.
(E) If periodic monitoring indicates that employee exposures are below the action level, and the result is confirmed by the result of another monitoring taken at least seven days later, the employer may discontinue the monitoring for those employees whose exposures are represented by such monitoring.
(F) The employer shall perform additional monitoring when there has been any change in the production process, raw materials, equipment, personnel, work practices, or control methods that may result in new or additional exposures to chromium (VI), or when the employer has any reason to believe that new or additional exposures have occurred.
(3) Performance-oriented option. The employer shall determine the 8 hour TWA exposure for each employee on the basis of any combination of air monitoring data, historical monitoring data, or objective data sufficient to accurately characterize employee exposure to chromium (VI).
(4) Employee notification of determination results.
(A) Where the exposure determination indicates that employee exposure exceeds the PEL, within 15 working days the employer shall either post the results in an appropriate location that is accessible to all affected employees or shall notify each affected employee individually in writing of the results.
(B) Whenever the exposure determination indicates that employee exposure is above the PEL, the employer shall describe in the written notification the corrective action being taken to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL.
(5) Accuracy of measurement. Where air monitoring is performed to comply with the requirements of this section, the employer shall use a method of monitoring and analysis that can measure chromium (VI) to within an accuracy of plus or minus 25 percent (+/- 25%) and can produce accurate measurements to within a statistical confidence level of 95 percent for airborne concentrations at or above the action level.
(6) Observation of monitoring.
(A) Where air monitoring is performed to comply with the requirements of this section, the employer shall provide affected employees or their designated representatives an opportunity to observe any monitoring of employee exposure to chromium (VI).
(B) When observation of monitoring requires entry into an area where the use of protective clothing or equipment is required, the employer shall provide the observer with clothing and equipment and shall assure that the observer uses such clothing and equipment and complies with all other applicable safety and health procedures.
(e) Regulated areas.
(1) Establishment. The employer shall establish a regulated area wherever an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of chromium (VI) is, or can reasonably be expected to be, in excess of the PEL.
(2) Demarcation. The employer shall ensure that regulated areas are demarcated from the rest of the workplace in a manner that adequately establishes and alerts employees of the boundaries of the regulated area.
(3) Access. The employer shall limit access to regulated areas to:
(A) Persons authorized by the employer and required by work duties to be present in the regulated area;
(B) Any person entering such an area as a designated representative of employees for the purpose of exercising the right to observe monitoring procedures under subsection (d) of this section; or
(C) Any person authorized by the California or federal Occupational Safety and Health Acts or standards issued under these Acts to be in a regulated area.
(f) Methods of compliance.
(1) Engineering and work practice controls.

(A) Except as permitted in subsection (f)(1)(B) and subsection (f)(1)(C) of this section, the employer shall use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to chromium (VI) to or below the PEL unless the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible. Wherever feasible engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL, the employer shall use them to reduce employee exposure to the lowest levels achievable, and shall supplement them by the use of respiratory protection that complies with the requirements of subsection (g) of this section.
(B) Where painting of aircraft or large aircraft parts is performed in the aerospace industry, the employer shall use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to chromium (VI) to or below 25 mg/m 3 unless the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible. The employer shall supplement such engineering and work practice controls with the use of respiratory protection that complies with the requirements of subsection (g) of this section to achieve the PEL.
(C) Where the employer can demonstrate that a process or task does not result in any employee exposure to chromium (VI) above the PEL for 30 or more days per year (12 consecutive months), the requirement to implement engineering and work practice controls to achieve the PEL does not apply to that process or task.
(2) Prohibition of rotation. The employer shall not rotate employees to different jobs to achieve compliance with the PEL.
(g) Respiratory protection.
(1) General. The employer shall provide respiratory protection for employees during:
(A) Periods necessary to install or implement feasible engineering and work practice controls;
(B) Work operations, such as maintenance and repair activities, for which engineering and work practice controls are not feasible;
(C) Work operations for which an employer has implemented all feasible engineering and work practice controls and such controls are not sufficient to reduce exposures to or below the PEL;

(D) Work operations where employees are exposed above the PEL for fewer than 30 days per year, and the employer has elected not to implement engineering and work practice controls to achieve the PEL; or
(E) Emergencies.
(2) Respiratory protection program. Where respirator use is required by this section, the employer shall institute a respiratory protection program in accordance with Section 5144.
(h) Protective work clothing and equipment.
(1) Provision and use. Where a hazard is present or is likely to be present from skin or eye contact with chromium (VI), the employer shall provide appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment at no cost to employees, and shall ensure that employees use such clothing and equipment.
(2) Removal and storage.
(A) The employer shall ensure that employees remove all protective clothing and equipment contaminated with chromium (VI) at the end of the work shift or at the completion of their tasks involving chromium (VI) exposure, whichever comes first.
(B) The employer shall ensure that no employee removes chromium (VI)- contaminated protective clothing or equipment from the workplace, except for those employees whose job it is to launder, clean, maintain, or dispose of such clothing or equipment.
(C) When contaminated protective clothing or equipment is removed for laundering, cleaning, maintenance, or disposal, the employer shall ensure that it is stored and transported in sealed, impermeable bags or other closed, impermeable containers.
(D) Bags or containers of contaminated protective clothing or equipment that are removed from change rooms for laundering, cleaning, maintenance, or disposal shall be labeled in accordance with the requirements of the Hazard Communication standard, Section 5194.
(3) Cleaning and replacement.
(A) The employer shall clean, launder, repair and replace all protective clothing and equipment required by this section as needed to maintain its effectiveness.
(B) The employer shall prohibit the removal of chromium (VI) from protective clothing and equipment by blowing, shaking, or any other means that disperses chromium (VI) into the air or onto an employee's body.
(C) The employer shall inform any person who launders or cleans protective clothing or equipment contaminated with chromium (VI) of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to chromium (VI) and that the clothing and equipment should be laundered or cleaned in a manner that minimizes skin or eye contact with chromium (VI) and effectively prevents the release of airborne chromium (VI) in excess of the PEL.
(i) Hygiene areas and practices.
(1) General. Where protective clothing and equipment is required, the employer shall provide change rooms in conformance with Section 3367. Where skin contact with chromium (VI) occurs, the employer shall provide washing facilities in conformance with Section 3366(a)-(e). Eating and drinking areas provided by the employer shall be in conformance with Section 3368.

(2) Change rooms. The employer shall assure that change rooms are equipped with separate storage facilities for protective clothing and equipment and for street clothes, and that these facilities prevent cross-contamination.
(3) Washing facilities.
(A) The employer shall provide readily accessible washing facilities capable of removing chromium (VI) from the skin, and shall ensure that affected employees use these facilities when necessary.
(B) The employer shall ensure that employees who have skin contact with chromium (VI) wash their hands and faces at the end of the work shift and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco or gum, applying cosmetics, or using the toilet.
(4) Eating and drinking areas.
(A) Whenever the employer allows employees to consume food or beverages at a worksite where chromium (VI) is present, the employer shall ensure that eating and drinking areas and surfaces are maintained as free as practicable of chromium (VI).
(B) The employer shall ensure that employees do not enter eating and drinking areas with protective work clothing or equipment unless surface chromium (VI) has been removed from the clothing and equipment by methods that do not disperse chromium (VI) into the air or onto an employee's body.
(5) Prohibited activities. The employer shall ensure that employees do not eat, drink, smoke, chew tobacco or gum, or apply cosmetics in regulated areas, or in areas where skin or eye contact with chromium (VI) occurs; or carry the products associated with these activities, or store such products in these areas.
(j) Housekeeping.
(1) General. The employer shall ensure that:
(A) All surfaces are maintained as free as practicable of accumulations of chromium (VI).
(B) All spills and releases of chromium (VI) containing material are cleaned up promptly.
(2) Cleaning methods.
(A) The employer shall ensure that surfaces contaminated with chromium (VI) are cleaned by HEPA-filter vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure to chromium (VI).
(B) Dry shoveling, dry sweeping, and dry brushing may be used only where HEPA-filtered vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of exposure to chromium (VI) have been tried and found not to be effective.
(C) The employer shall not allow compressed air to be used to remove chromium (VI) from any surface unless:
1. The compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system designed to capture the dust cloud created by the compressed air; or
2. No alternative method is feasible.
(D) The employer shall ensure that cleaning equipment is handled in a manner that minimizes the reentry of chromium (VI) into the workplace.
(3) Disposal. The employer shall ensure that:
(A) Waste, scrap, debris, and any other materials contaminated with chromium (VI) and consigned for disposal are collected and disposed of in sealed, impermeable bags or other closed, impermeable containers.
(B) Bags or containers of waste, scrap, debris, and any other materials contaminated with chromium (VI) that are consigned for disposal are labeled in accordance with the requirements of the Hazard Communication standard, Section 5194.
(k) Medical surveillance.
(1) General.
(A) The employer shall make medical surveillance available at no cost to the employee, and at a reasonable time and place, for all employees:
1. Who are or may be occupationally exposed to chromium (VI) at or above the action level for 30 or more days a year;
2. Experiencing signs or symptoms of the adverse health effects associated with chromium (VI) exposure; or
3. Exposed in an emergency.
(B) The employer shall assure that all medical examinations and procedures required by this section are performed by or under the supervision of a PLHCP.
(2) Frequency. The employer shall provide a medical examination:
(A) Within 30 days after initial assignment, unless the employee has received a chromium (VI) related medical examination that meets the requirements of this subsection within the last twelve months;
(B) Annually;
(C) Within 30 days after a PLHCP's written medical opinion recommends an additional examination;

(D) Whenever an employee shows signs or symptoms of the adverse health effects associated with chromium (VI) exposure;
(E) Within 30 days after exposure during an emergency which results in an uncontrolled release of chromium (VI); or
(F) At the termination of employment, unless the last examination that satisfied the requirements of subsection (k) of this section was less than six months prior to the date of termination.
(3) Contents of examination. A medical examination consists of:
(A) A medical and work history, with emphasis on: past, present, and anticipated future exposure to chromium (VI); any history of respiratory system dysfunction; any history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history;
(B) A physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract; and
(C) Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP.

(4) Information provided to the PLHCP. The employer shall ensure that the examining PLHCP has a copy of this standard, and shall provide the following information:
(A) A description of the affected employee's former, current, and anticipated duties as they relate to the employee's occupational exposure to chromium (VI);
(B) The employee's former, current, and anticipated levels of occupational exposure to chromium (VI);
(C) A description of any personal protective equipment used or to be used by the employee, including when and for how long the employee has used that equipment; and
(D) Information from records of employment-related medical examinations previously provided to the affected employee, currently within the control of the employer.
(5) PLHCP's written medical opinion.
(A) The employer shall obtain a written medical opinion from the PLHCP, within 30 days for each medical examination performed on each employee, which contains:
1. The PLHCP's opinion as to whether the employee has any detected medical condition(s) that would place the employee at increased risk of material impairment to health from further exposure to chromium (VI);
2. Any recommended limitations upon the employee's exposure to chromium (VI) or upon the use of personal protective equipment such as respirators;
3. A statement that the PLHCP has explained to the employee the results of the medical examination, including any medical conditions related to chromium (VI) exposure that require further evaluation or treatment, and any special provisions for use of protective clothing or equipment.
(B) The PLHCP shall not reveal to the employer specific findings or diagnoses unrelated to occupational exposure to chromium (VI).
(C) The employer shall provide a copy of the PLHCP's written medical opinion to the examined employee within two weeks after receiving it.
(l) Communication of chromium (VI) hazards to employees.
(1) General. In addition to the requirements of the Hazard Communication standard, Section 5194, employers shall comply with the following requirements.
(2) Employee information and training.
(A) The employer shall ensure that each employee can demonstrate knowledge of at least the following:
1. The contents of this section; and
2. The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by subsection (k) of this section.
(B) The employer shall make a copy of this section readily available without cost to all affected employees.
(m) Recordkeeping.
(1) Air monitoring data.

(A) The employer shall maintain an accurate record of all air monitoring conducted to comply with the requirements of this section.
(B) This record shall include at least the following information:
1. The date of measurement for each sample taken;
2. The operation involving exposure to chromium (VI) that is being monitored;
3. Sampling and analytical methods used and evidence of their accuracy;
4. Number, duration, and the results of samples taken;
5. Type of personal protective equipment, such as respirators worn; and
6. Name, social security number, and job classification of all employees represented by the monitoring, indicating which employees were actually monitored.
(C) The employer shall ensure that exposure records are maintained and made available in accordance with Section 3204.
(2) Historical monitoring data.
(A) Where the employer has relied on historical monitoring data to determine exposure to chromium (VI), the employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record of the historical monitoring data relied upon.
(B) The record shall include information that reflects the following conditions:
1. The data were collected using methods that meet the accuracy requirements of subsection (d)(5) of this section;
2. The processes and work practices that were in use when the historical monitoring data were obtained are essentially the same as those to be used during the job for which exposure is being determined;
3. The characteristics of the chromium (VI) containing material being handled when the historical monitoring data were obtained are the same as those on the job for which exposure is being determined;

4. Environmental conditions prevailing when the historical monitoring data were obtained are the same as those on the job for which exposure is being determined; and
5. Other data relevant to the operations, materials, processing, or employee exposures covered by the exception.
(C) The employer shall ensure that historical exposure records are maintained and made available in accordance with Section 3204.
(3) Objective data.
(A) The employer shall maintain an accurate record of all objective data relied upon to comply with the requirements of this section.
(B) This record shall include at least the following information:
1. The chromium containing material in question;
2. The source of the objective data;

3. The testing protocol and results of testing, or analysis of the material for the release of chromium (VI);
4. A description of the process, operation, or activity and how the data support the determination; and
5. Other data relevant to the process, operation, activity, material, or employee exposures.
(C) The employer shall ensure that objective data are maintained and made available in accordance with Section 3204.
(4) Medical surveillance.
(A) The employer shall establish and maintain an accurate record for each employee covered by medical surveillance under subsection (k) of this section.
(B) The record shall include the following information about the employee:
1. Name and social security number;

2. A copy of the PLHCP's written opinions;
3. A copy of the information provided to the PLHCP as required by subsection (k)(4) of this section.
(C) The employer shall ensure that medical records are maintained and made available in accordance with Section 3204.
(n) Dates.
(1) For employers with 20 or more employees, all obligations of this section, except engineering controls required by subsection (f) of this section, commence November 27, 2006.
(2) For employers with 19 or fewer employees, all obligations of this section, except engineering controls required by subsection (f) of this section, commence May 30, 2007.
(3) For all employers, engineering controls required by subsection (f) of this section shall be implemented no later than May 31, 2010.


Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3,9004(d), 9009, 9020, 9031 and 9040, Labor Code.






s 5207. Cadmium.
(a) Scope.
This standard applies to all occupational exposures to cadmium and cadmium compounds, in all forms, and in all industries except the construction-related industries, which are covered under section 1532.
(b) Definitions.
Action level (AL) is defined as an airborne concentration of cadmium of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (2.5<>g/m [FN3]), calculated as an 8- hour time-weighted average (TWA).
Authorized person means any person authorized by the employer and required by work duties to be present in regulated areas or any person authorized by the Chief to be in regulated areas.
Chief means the Chief of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or designee.
Emergency means any occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment which results in an unexpected and potentially hazardous release of Cadmium.
Employee exposure and similar language referring to the air cadmium level to which an employee is exposed means the exposure to airborne cadmium that would occur if the employee were not using respiratory protective equipment.
Final medical determination is the written medical opinion of the employee's health status by the examining physician under subsections (l)(3)-(12) or, if multiple physician review under subsection (l)(13) or the alternative physician determination under subsection (l)(14) is invoked, it is the final, written medical finding, recommendation or determination that emerges from that process.
High-efficiency particulate air [HEPA] filter means a filter capable of trapping and retaining at least 99.97 percent of mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter.
NIOSH means the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or designee.
Regulated area means an area demarcated by the employer where an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of cadmium exceeds, or can reasonably be expected to exceed the permissible exposure limit (PEL).
(c) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).
The employer shall assure that no employee is exposed to an airborne concentration of cadmium in excess of five micrograms per cubic meter of air (5<>g/m [FN3]), calculated as an eight-hour time-weighted average exposure (TWA).
(d) Exposure Monitoring.
(1) General.
(A) Each employer who has a workplace or work operation covered by this section shall determine if any employee may be exposed to cadmium at or above the action level.
(B) Determinations of employee exposure shall be made from breathing zone air samples that reflect the monitored employee's regular, daily 8-hour TWA exposure to cadmium.
(C) Eight-hour TWA exposures shall be determined for each employee on the basis of one or more personal breathing zone air samples reflecting full shift exposure on each shift, for each job classification, in each work area. Where several employees perform the same job tasks, in the same job classification, on the same shift, in the same work area, and the length, duration, and level of cadmium exposures are similar, an employer may sample a representative fraction of the employees instead of all employees in order to meet this requirement. In representative sampling, the employer shall sample the employee(s) expected to have the highest cadmium exposures.
(2) Specific.
(A) Initial monitoring. Except as provided for in subsections (d)(2)(B) and (d)(2)(C), the employer shall monitor employee exposures and shall base initial determinations on the monitoring results.
(B) Where the employer has monitored after September 14, 1991, under conditions that in all important aspects closely resemble those currently prevailing and where that monitoring satisfies all other requirements, including the accuracy and confidence levels of subsection (d)(6), the employer may rely on such earlier monitoring results to satisfy the requirements of subsection (d)(2)(A).
(C) Where the employer has objective data, as defined in subsection (n)(2), demonstrating that employee exposure to cadmium will not exceed the action level under the expected conditions of processing, use, or handling, the employer may rely upon such data instead of implementing initial monitoring.

(3) Monitoring Frequency (periodic monitoring).
(A) If the initial monitoring or periodic monitoring reveals employee exposures to be at or above the action level, the employer shall monitor at a frequency and pattern needed to represent the levels of exposure of employees and where exposures are above the PEL to assure the adequacy of respiratory selection and the effectiveness of engineering and work practice controls. However, such exposure monitoring shall be performed at least every six months. The employer, at a minimum, shall continue these semi- annual measurements unless and until the conditions set out in subsection (d)(3)(B) are met.
(B) If the initial monitoring or the periodic monitoring indicates that employee exposures are below the action level and that result is confirmed by the results of another monitoring taken at least seven days later, the employer may discontinue the monitoring for those employees whose exposures are represented by such monitoring.
(4) Additional Monitoring.
The employer also shall institute the exposure monitoring required under subsections (d)(2)(A) and (d)(3) whenever there has been a change in the raw materials, equipment, personnel, work practices, or finished products that may result in additional employees being exposed to cadmium at or above the action level or in employees already exposed to cadmium at or above the action level being exposed above the PEL, or whenever the employer has any reason to suspect that any other change might result in such further exposure.
(5) Employee Notification of Monitoring Results.
(A) Within 15 working days after the receipt of the results of any monitoring performed under this section, the employer shall notify each affected employee individually in writing of the results. In addition, within the same time period the employer shall post the results of the exposure monitoring in an appropriate location that is accessible to all affected employees.
(B) Wherever monitoring results indicate that employee exposure exceeds the PEL, the employer shall include in the written notice a statement that the PEL has been exceeded and a description of the corrective action being taken by the employer to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL.
(6) Accuracy of Measurement.

The employer shall use a method of monitoring and analysis that has an accuracy of not less than plus or minus 25 percent (+25%), with a confidence level of 95 percent, for airborne concentrations of cadmium at or above the action level, the permissible exposure limit (PEL), and the separate engineering control air limit (SECAL).
(e) Regulated Areas.
(1) Establishment.
The employer shall establish a regulated area wherever an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of cadmium is, or can reasonably be expected to be in excess of the permissible exposure limit (PEL).
(2) Demarcation.
Regulated areas shall be demarcated from the rest of the workplace in any manner that adequately establishes and alerts employees of the boundaries of the regulated area.

(3) Access.
Access to regulated areas shall be limited to authorized persons.
(4) Provision of Respirators.
Each person entering a regulated area shall be supplied with and required to use a respirator, selected in accordance with subsection (g)(2).
(5) Prohibited Activities.
The employer shall assure that employees do not eat, drink, smoke, chew tobacco or gum, or apply cosmetics in regulated areas, carry the products associated with these activities into regulated areas, or store such products in those areas.
(f) Methods of Compliance.
(1) Compliance Hierarchy.
(A) Except as specified in subsections (f)(1)(B), (C) and (D) the employer shall implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to cadmium at or below the PEL, except to the extent that the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible.
(B) Except as specified in subsections (f)(1)(C) and (D), in industries where a separate engineering control air limit (SECAL) has been specified for particular processes (See Table 1), the employer shall implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure at or below the SECAL, except to the extent that the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible.
TABLE I

Separate Engineering Control Airborne Limits (SECALs) for Processes in Selected
Industries


Industry Process SECAL (<>g/m
[FN3])
Nickel Cadmium Battery Plate making, plate preparation 50
All other processes 15

Zinc/Cadmium Refining* Cadmium refining, casting, melting,
oxide production, sinter plant 50
Pigment Manufacture Calcine, crushing, milling & blending 50
All other processes 15
Stabilizers [FNa1]
Cadmium oxide charging, crushing,
drying & blending 50
Lead Smelting [FNa1] Sinter plant, blast furnace,
baghouse & yard area 50
Plating [FNa1] Mechanical plating 15


---------
[FNa1] Processes in these industries that are not specified in this table must achieve the PEL using engineering controls and work practices as required in subsection f(1)(A).
(C) The requirement to implement engineering and work practice controls to achieve the PEL or, where applicable, the SECAL does not apply where the employer demonstrates the following:

1. the employee is only intermittently exposed; and
2. the employee is not exposed above the PEL on 30 or more days per year (12 consecutive months).
(D) Wherever engineering and work practice controls are required and are not sufficient to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL or, where applicable, the SECAL, the employer nonetheless shall implement such controls to reduce exposures to the lowest levels achievable. The employer shall supplement such controls with respiratory protection that complies with the requirements of subsection (g) and the PEL.
(E) The employer shall not use employee rotation as a method of compliance.
(2) Compliance Program.
(A) Where the PEL is exceeded, the employer shall establish and implement a written compliance program to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL by means of engineering and work practice controls, as required by subsection (f)(1). To the extent that engineering and work practice controls cannot reduce exposures to or below the PEL, the employer shall include in the written compliance program the use of appropriate respiratory protection to achieve compliance with the PEL.
(B) Written compliance programs shall include at least the following:
1. A description of each operation in which cadmium is emitted; e.g., machinery used, material processed, controls in place, crew size, employee job responsibilities, operating procedures, and maintenance practices;
2. A description of the specific means that will be employed to achieve compliance, including engineering plans and studies used to determine methods selected for controlling exposure to cadmium, as well as, where necessary, the use of appropriate respiratory protection to achieve the PEL;
3. A report of the technology considered in meeting the PEL;
4. Air monitoring data that document the sources of cadmium emissions;
5. A detailed schedule for implementation of the program, including documentation such as copies of purchase orders for equipment, construction contracts, etc.;
6. A work practice program that includes items required under subsections (h), (i), and (j);
7. A written plan for emergency situations, as specified in subsection (h); and
8. Other relevant information.
(C) The written compliance programs shall be reviewed and updated at least annually, or more often if necessary, to reflect significant changes in the employer's compliance status.
(D) Written compliance programs shall be provided upon request for examination and copying to affected employees, designated employee representatives as well as to the Chief, and NIOSH.
(3) Mechanical Ventilation.
(A) When ventilation is used to control exposure, measurements that demonstrate the effectiveness of the system in controlling exposure, such as capture velocity, duct velocity, or static pressure shall be made as necessary to maintain its effectiveness.
(B) Measurements of the system's effectiveness in controlling exposure shall be made as necessary within five working days of any change in production, process, or control that might result in a significant increase in employee exposure to cadmium.
(C) Recirculation of air. If air from exhaust ventilation is recirculated into the workplace, the system shall have a high efficiency filter and be monitored to assure effectiveness.
(D) Procedures shall be developed and implemented to minimize employee exposure to cadmium when maintenance of ventilation systems and changing of filters is being conducted.
(g) Respiratory Protection.
(1) General.
For employees who are required to use respirators by this section, the employer must provide respirators that comply with the requirements of this subsection. Respirators must be used during:
(A) Periods necessary to install or implement feasible engineering and work practice controls when employee exposure levels exceed the PEL;
(B) Maintenance and repair activities and during those brief or intermittent operations where exposures exceed the PEL and engineering and work practice controls are not feasible or are not required;
(C) Activities in regulated areas, specified in subsection (e);
(D) Work operations for which the employer has implemented all feasible engineering and work practice controls and such controls are not sufficient to reduce exposures to or below the PEL;
(E) Emergencies;
(F) Work operations for which an employee who is exposed to cadmium at or above the action level requests a respirator;

(G) Work operations for which an employee is exposed to cadmium above the PEL and engineering controls are not required under subsection (f)(1)(B).
(2) Respirator program.
(A) The employer must implement a respirator program in accordance with section 5144(b) (except (d)(1)(C)) through (m).
(B) No employees must use a respirator if, based upon their most recent examination, the examining physician determines that they will be unable to continue to function normally while using a respirator. If the physician determines the employee must be limited in, or removed from their current inability to use a respirator, the limitation or removal must be in accordance with subsections (l)(11) and (12).
(C) If an employee exhibits breathing difficulty during a fit test or respirator use, the employer must provide the employee with a medical examination in accordance with subsection (l)(6)(B) to determine if the employee can use a respirator while performing the required duties.
(3) Respirator Selection.

(A) The employer shall select the appropriate respirator as specified in Table 2.
Table 2

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION FOR CADMIUM


Airborne Required
Concentration
or
Condition of Use Respirator Type [FNb]
[FNa]
10 X or less.... A half mask, air-purifying respirator equipped with a HEPA
[FNc] filter [FNd]
25 X or less.... A powered air-purifying respirator ( "PAPR") with a
loose-fitting hood or helmet equipped with a HEPA filter,
or a supplied-air respirator with a loose-fitting hood or
helmet facepiece operated in the continuous flow mode
50 X or less.... A full facepiece air-purifying respirator equipped with a

HEPA filter, or a powered air-purifying respirator with a
tight-fitting half mask equipped with a HEPA filter, or a
supplied air respirator with a tight-fitting half mask
operated in the continuous flow mode
250 X or A powered air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting full
less.......... facepiece equipped with a HEPA filter, or supplied-air
respirator with a tight-fitting full facepiece operated in
the continuous flow mode
1000 X or A supplied-air respirator with half mask or full facepiece
less.......... operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure
mode
.1000 X or A self-contained breathing appara-
unknown.......
concentrations tus with a full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or
other positive pressure mode, or a supplied-air respirator
with a full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or
other positive pressure mode and equipped with an auxiliary
escape type self contained breathing apparatus operated in
the pressure demand mode
Fire A self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece
fighting...... operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure

mode



---------
[FNa]a Concentrations expressed as multiple of the PEL.
[FNb]b Respirators assigned for higher environmental concentrations may be used at lower exposure levels. Quantitative fit testing is required for all tight-fitting air purifying respirators where airborne concentration of cadmium exceeds 10 times the TWA PEL (10 x 5 <>g/m [FN3]=50<>g/m [FN3]). A full facepiece respirator is required when eye irritation is experienced.). A full facepiece respirator is required when eye irritation is experienced.
[FNc]c HEPA means High Efficiency Particulate Air.
[FNd]d Fit testing, qualitative or quantitative, is required.
Source: Respiratory Decision Logic, NIOSH, 1987.
(B) The employer shall provide a powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) in lieu of a negative pressure respirator wherever:
1. An employee entitled to a respirator chooses to use this type of respirator; and
2. This respirator will provide adequate protection to the employee.
(h) Emergency Situations.
The employer shall develop and implement a written plan for dealing with emergency situations involving substantial releases of airborne cadmium. The plan shall include provisions for the use of appropriate respirators and personal protective equipment. In addition, employees not essential to correcting the emergency situation shall be restricted from the area and normal operations halted in that area until the emergency is abated.
(i) Protective Work Clothing and Equipment.
(1) Provision and Use.
If an employee is exposed to airborne cadmium above the PEL or where skin or eye irritation is associated with cadmium exposure at any level, the employer shall provide at no cost to the employee, and assure that the employee uses, appropriate protective work clothing and equipment that prevents contamination of the employee and the employee's garments. Protective work clothing and equipment includes, but is not limited to:
(A) Coveralls or similar full-body work clothing;
(B) Gloves, head coverings, and boots or foot coverings; and,
(C) Face shields, vented goggles, or other appropriate protective equipment that complies with Article 10.
(2) Removal and Storage.
(A) The employer shall assure that employees remove all protective clothing and equipment contaminated with cadmium at the completion of the work shift and do so only in change rooms provided in accordance with subsection (j)(1).
(B) The employer shall assure that no employee takes cadmium- contaminated protective clothing or equipment from the workplace, except for employees authorized to do so for purposes of laundering, cleaning, maintaining, or disposing of cadmium contaminated protective clothing and equipment at an appropriate location or facility away from the workplace.

(C) The employer shall assure that contaminated protective clothing and equipment, when removed for laundering, cleaning, maintenance, or disposal, is placed and stored in sealed, impermeable bags or other closed, impermeable containers that are designed to prevent dispersion of cadmium dust.
(D) The employer shall assure that bags or containers of contaminated protective clothing and equipment that are to be taken out of the change rooms or the workplace for laundering, cleaning, maintenance or disposal shall bear labels in accordance with subsection (m)(3).
(3) Cleaning, Replacement, and Disposal.
(A) The employer shall provide the protective clothing and equipment required by subsection (i)(1) in a clean and dry condition as often as necessary to maintain its effectiveness, but in any event at least weekly. The employer is responsible for cleaning and laundering the protective clothing and equipment required by this subsection to maintain its effectiveness and is also responsible for disposing of such clothing and equipment.
(B) The employer also is responsible for repairing or replacing required protective clothing and equipment as needed to maintain its effectiveness. When rips or tears are detected while an employee is working they shall be immediately mended, or the worksuit shall be immediately replaced.
(C) The employer shall prohibit the removal of cadmium from protective clothing and equipment by blowing, shaking, or any other means that disperses cadmium into the air.
(D) The employer shall assure that any laundering of contaminated clothing or cleaning of contaminated equipment in the workplace is done in a manner that prevents the release of airborne cadmium in excess of the permissible exposure limit prescribed in subsection (c).
(E) The employer shall inform any person who launders or cleans protective clothing or equipment contaminated with cadmium of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to cadmium and that the clothing and equipment should be laundered or cleaned in a manner to effectively prevent the release of airborne cadmium in excess of the PEL.
(j) Hygiene Areas and Practices.

(1) General.
For employees whose airborne exposure to cadmium is above the PEL, the employer shall provide clean change rooms, handwashing facilities, showers, and lunchroom facilities that comply with Article 9.
(2) Change Rooms.
The employer shall assure that change rooms are equipped with separate storage facilities for street clothes and for protective clothing and equipment, which are designed to prevent dispersion of cadmium and contamination of the employee's street clothes.
(3) Showers and Handwashing Facilities.
(A) The employer shall assure that employees who are exposed to cadmium above the PEL shower during the end of the work shift.
(B) The employer shall assure that employees whose airborne exposure to cadmium is above the PEL wash their hands and faces prior to eating, drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco or gum, or applying cosmetics.

(4) Lunchroom Facilities.
(A) The employer shall assure that the lunchroom facilities are readily accessible to employees, that tables for eating are maintained free of cadmium, and that no employee in a lunchroom facility is exposed at any time to cadmium at or above a concentration of 2.5<>g/m [FN3].
(B) The employer shall assure that employees do not enter lunchroom facilities with protective work clothing or equipment unless surface cadmium has been removed from the clothing and equipment by HEPA vacuuming or some other method that removes cadmium dust without dispersing it.
(k) Housekeeping.
(1) All surfaces shall be maintained as free as practicable of accumulations of cadmium.
(2) All spills and sudden releases of material containing cadmium shall be cleaned up as soon as possible.

(3) Surfaces contaminated with cadmium shall, wherever possible, be cleaned by vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of cadmium becoming airborne.
(4) HEPA-filtered vacuuming equipment or equally effective filtration methods shall be used for vacuuming. The equipment shall be used and emptied in a manner that minimizes the reentry of cadmium into the workplace.
(5) Shoveling, dry or wet sweeping, and brushing may be used only where vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of cadmium becoming airborne have been tried and found not to be effective.
(6) Compressed air shall not be used to remove cadmium from any surface unless the compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system designed to capture the dust cloud created by the compressed air.
(7) Waste, scrap, debris, bags, containers, personal protective equipment, and clothing contaminated with cadmium and consigned for disposal shall be collected and disposed of in sealed impermeable bags or other closed, impermeable containers. These bags and containers shall be labeled in accordance with subsection (m)(3). (continued)