The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to reduce permissible exposure limits of hexavalent chromium from 100 ng/m3between 5 to 0.5 fig/m3. A Navy Industry Task Group study revealed that the impact of proposed regulations on the shipbuilding industry is significant. The estimated cost of compliance by the Navy facilities could be as much as $46 Million/year besides a one-time cost of about $22 Million. Also, the task group estimated that the cost of $9 Million. This paper presents the results of a study undertaken at the University of New Orleans in support of the Navy/Industry Task Group efforts. The study included assessments of Cr(VI) exposure levels for two specific welding processes and three welding scenarios. Airborne particulate matter was collected using personal samplers for two specific welding processes, Gas Metal Arc Welding and Flux-Cored Arc Welding. Two base metals, HY100 and DH36, were considered for Flux-Cored Arc Welding and one base metal, HY100, was considered for Gas Metal Arc Welding. The samples were analyzed for Cr(VI) using OSHA Method 215. Based on the data generated, it can be concluded that Gas Metal Arc Welding and Flux-Cored Arc Welding on HY100 steel result in 8-hr. worker exposures less than 0.5 fig/m3 in a laboratory type setting, though the same levels of exposure may be difficult to be achieved in the field. Flux-Cored Arc Welding on DH36 resulted in exposure above 0.5 ng/m3, again in laboratory type setting.
Size Distribution and Estimated Respiratory Deposition of Total Chromium, Hexavalent Chromium, Manganese, and Nickel in Gas Metal Arc Welding Fume Aerosols
