Why do you need it?
Chromium is a steel-grey metal that exists in a number of oxidation states. Workers may be at risk of exposure to chromium when involved in:
- welding, cutting and hard-facing of stainless steel
- manual metal arc welding of high chromium steels
- chrome plating
- refractory production
- addition of cement to gravel and sand to make concrete
- leather tanning
- timber preservation using, for example, copper chrome arsenic
- chromate use in the textile industry, and
- chrome pigment use, for example in paints.
The primary route of chromium exposure is via inhalation although absorption may occur through the skin or through accidental ingestion.
Handling chromium requires effective use of personal protective equipment and frequent monitoring for workers involved in its use.
Diseases associated to chromium exposure include:
- chromium exposure may cause allergic dermatitis, skin ulcers and damage to mucous membranes
- chromium exposure is associated to lung irritation, allergic asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer
- exposure can cause abdominal pains, stomach cramps and stomach ulcers
- irreversible kidney damage
- exposure to chromium can cause hepatic necrosis and damage of liver cells.
How does it work?
The exposure standard renamed the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for Hexavalent Chromium will change from 1 December 2026 New Workplace exposure limits (WEL) to apply from 1 December 2026 | Safe Work Australia, there will be no WEL set. This means these chemicals pose a significant risk to workers and a Person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) have a duty to eliminate risks from non-threshold genotoxic carcinogens (NTGC) so far as is reasonably practicable. If elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risk of exposure must be minimised as far as reasonably practicable.
We can conduct both medical assessments and biological monitoring as part of your health monitoring requirements. These assessments can be conducted in our clinics or on your site (for minimum numbers).
