Yellow & Black Chromates Used in Zinc Plating

Q. Do you have any information on yellow and black chromates that are used in zinc plating to see if they fall under the new guidelines? These are liquids that run at ambient temp. with low concentrations.

A. The yellow & black chromates that contain hexavalent chromium do fall under the new OSHA guidelines. Most facilities using these products are well below the new Action Level and Permissible Exposure Levels. However, each application can vary the exposures (spraying vs. immersion). In any case, the facility is required to conduct an "initial assessment" that will include baseline occupational exposure testing, in accordance with OSHA Method ID-215 (air testing for Hexavalent Chromium).

Thank you,
Joelie Zak