Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Hexavalent Chromium Standards

This guide is intended to help small businesses comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)) standards. Employees exposed to Cr(VI) are at increased risk of developing serious adverse health effects including lung cancer, asthma and damage to the nasal passages and skin. This guide describes the steps that employers are required to take to protect employees from the hazards associated with exposure to Cr(VI).

This document provides guidance only, and does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities, which are set forth in OSHA standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. This guide does not replace the official Hexavalent Chromium standards, which are contained in Appendix I of this document. The employer must refer to the appropriate standard to ensure that they are in compliance. Moreover, because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements the reader should consult current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts.