HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM

Many aircraft parts contain this chemical such as Boeing green primer paint. This product contains a chemical (hexavalent chromium) known to the state of California to cause cancer. The CAL OSHA standard of no more than 5 micrograms in the work area was adopted by federal OSHA in 2006. But this is to be phased in over the next four years. For the best interest of your health and co-workers do not sand primer paint. To apply use a paint brush - much safer than spraying. (??? I know what about our past exposures???) If you do sand FR primer, a respirator should be worn. This may be difficult since no one at IAD is respirator qualified and qualification comes with company physical every five years, annual questionnaire and mask leak check. Contrary to all this - stores does stock respirators with all the attachments. Sanding outside is preferred, inside dust can be agitated by walking or dispersed by shop air. Shop vacs will be required to have HEPA filters. ( C16 shop does not have these) Be sure to wash your hands before eating, drinking, and smoking. Other products such as stainless steel contain chromium properties. Do not grind or weld stainless unless in a well ventilated area. Once again a respirator should be worn. This information was passed on to me by SFO IBT Ground Safety members, Ralph Ortiz and Mike Keating after attending a National Safety Council meeting late this year. After being informed by the IBT, our company was unaware of this existing hazard or its lowered standard. (initially 52 micrograms 1970, to present 5 micrograms 2006) I posted an article from Ralph Ortiz , SFO IBT Ground Safety Chairman on all the union boards 12/08. If you remember the drama movie, Erin Brockovich made in 2000, was based on her finding Hexavalent Chromium in the towns water supply. An example of 5 micrograms in the air; crushing an aspirin in the palm of your hand blowing the dust into a stadium the size of a football field. More on this as I find out. Tom