Federal OSHA · osha.gov
Heavy Metals

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI) Medical Surveillance

Cr VI causes lung cancer, nasal septum perforation/ulceration, dermatitis, and respiratory sensitization; affects workers in welding stainless steel, electroplating, chromate pigment/paint, and chrome-plating operations.

Action Level2.5 µg/m³ (8-hr TWA)
PEL5 µg/m³ (8-hr TWA)

General Industry

Who is covered: Employees occupationally exposed to Cr(VI) at/above the AL for 30 or more days per year; any employee who shows signs/symptoms of adverse Cr(VI) effects; any employee exposed in an emergency

Evaluation performed by: PLHCP (physician or other licensed health care professional)

🩺 Baseline / Pre-Placement

Within 30 days after initial assignment, unless the employee received a qualifying exam meeting these requirements within the prior 12 months

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP (no mandatory Cr biomarker)
🕒 Periodic / Routine

Interval-based while covered — NOT result-triggered

Schedule: At least annually.

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP
🚪 Exit / Termination

At termination of employment

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP
  • Required unless the last examination that satisfied the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1026(k) was less than 6 months prior to the date of termination
⚠ Emergency / Post-Exposure

Within 30 days after an emergency exposure (uncontrolled release); also whenever the employee shows signs or symptoms of adverse Cr(VI) health effects

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP
Abnormal results & exposure-event protocols

Abnormal Results & Exposure-Event Protocols

  • Examining PLHCP recommends an additional medical examination Additional examination on PLHCP recommendation: Provide the recommended additional examination within 30 days of the written recommendation. Tests: Examination as specified by the PLHCP

Reporting Requirements

Who performs the evaluationPLHCP (physician or other licensed health care professional)
Reported to employerWritten opinion containing only: whether the employee has a detected medical condition that places the employee at increased risk from further Cr(VI) exposure; any recommended exposure limitations or PPE/respirator restrictions; and a statement that the PLHCP explained the results to the employee, including any condition requiring further evaluation. PLHCP must NOT reveal findings or diagnoses unrelated to occupational Cr(VI) exposure.
Reported to / for the employeeEmployer provides a copy of the written opinion to the employee within 2 weeks of receiving it; PLHCP explains results directly to the employee.
Time limitsEmployer must obtain the PLHCP's written medical opinion within 30 days of each examination (29 CFR 1910.1026(k)(5)(i)). Employer must provide a copy of the written opinion to the examined employee within two weeks after receiving it (29 CFR 1910.1026(k)(5)(iii)).
Second-opinion / multi-physician reviewNo multiple-physician review mechanism specified in the Cr(VI) standard.
RecordkeepingRecords maintained per 29 CFR 1910.1020 (duration of employment plus 30 years), including PLHCP written opinions.

Construction

Who is covered: Identical to GI 1910.1026: at/above AL for 30+ days/year; signs/symptoms; emergency exposure

Evaluation performed by: PLHCP (physician or other licensed health care professional)

🩺 Baseline / Pre-Placement

Within 30 days after initial assignment, unless the employee received a qualifying exam meeting these requirements within the prior 12 months

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP (no mandatory Cr biomarker)
🕒 Periodic / Routine

Interval-based while covered — NOT result-triggered

Schedule: At least annually.

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP
🚪 Exit / Termination

At termination of employment

  • Termination exam — medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Termination exam — physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Termination exam — any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP
  • Required unless the last examination satisfying the medical-surveillance requirements of 29 CFR 1926.1126(i) was less than six months prior to the date of termination
⚠ Emergency / Post-Exposure

Within 30 days after an emergency exposure (uncontrolled release); also whenever the employee shows signs or symptoms of adverse Cr(VI) health effects

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP
Abnormal results & exposure-event protocols

Abnormal Results & Exposure-Event Protocols

  • Examining PLHCP recommends an additional medical examination Additional examination on PLHCP recommendation: Provide the recommended additional examination within 30 days of the written recommendation. Tests: Examination as specified by the PLHCP

Reporting Requirements

Who performs the evaluationPLHCP (physician or other licensed health care professional)
Reported to employerWritten opinion containing only: whether the employee has a detected medical condition that places the employee at increased risk from further Cr(VI) exposure; any recommended exposure limitations or PPE/respirator restrictions; and a statement that the PLHCP explained the results to the employee, including any condition requiring further evaluation. PLHCP must NOT reveal findings or diagnoses unrelated to occupational Cr(VI) exposure.
Reported to / for the employeeEmployer provides a copy of the written opinion to the employee within 2 weeks of receiving it; PLHCP explains results directly to the employee.
Time limitsEmployer must obtain the PLHCP's written medical opinion within 30 days of each examination (29 CFR 1926.1126(i)(5)(i)). Employer must provide a copy to the examined employee within two weeks after receiving it (29 CFR 1926.1126(i)(5)(iii)).
Second-opinion / multi-physician reviewNo multiple-physician review mechanism specified in the Cr(VI) standard.
RecordkeepingRecords maintained per 29 CFR 1910.1020 (duration of employment plus 30 years).

Shipyard / Maritime

Who is covered: Applies to occupational exposures to Cr(VI) in all forms and compounds in shipyards, marine terminals, and longshoring — excluding pesticide application regulated by EPA or another Federal agency, exposures to portland cement, and materials/processes the employer has objective data showing cannot release Cr(VI) at or above 0.5 µg/m³ (8-hr TWA) under any expected conditions of use. Medical surveillance is provided to employees occupationally exposed at/above the AL for 30 or more days per year; any employee experiencing signs or symptoms of the adverse health effects associated with Cr(VI) exposure; and any employee exposed in an emergency

Evaluation performed by: PLHCP (physician or other licensed health care professional)

🩺 Baseline / Pre-Placement

Within 30 days after initial assignment, unless the employee received a Cr(VI)-related medical examination meeting these requirements within the last twelve months

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP (no mandatory Cr biomarker)
🕒 Periodic / Routine

Interval-based while covered — NOT result-triggered

Schedule: At least annually.

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP
🚪 Exit / Termination

At the termination of employment

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP
  • Required unless the last examination satisfying 29 CFR 1915.1026(i) was less than six months prior to the date of termination
⚠ Emergency / Post-Exposure

Within 30 days after exposure during an emergency which results in an uncontrolled release of Cr(VI); also whenever an employee shows signs or symptoms of the adverse health effects associated with Cr(VI) exposure

  • Medical + work history covering past, present, and anticipated future exposure to Cr(VI); history of respiratory-system dysfunction; history of asthma, dermatitis, skin ulceration, or nasal septum perforation; and smoking status and history
  • Physical examination of the skin and respiratory tract
  • Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining PLHCP
Abnormal results & exposure-event protocols

Abnormal Results & Exposure-Event Protocols

  • Examining PLHCP's written medical opinion recommends an additional examination 29 CFR 1915.1026(i)(2)(iii): Provide the recommended additional examination within 30 days after the PLHCP's written medical opinion recommending it. Tests: Examination as specified by the PLHCP

Reporting Requirements

Who performs the evaluationPLHCP (physician or other licensed health care professional); the employer must assure all examinations and procedures are performed by or under the supervision of a PLHCP
Reported to employerWritten opinion containing only: whether the employee has any detected medical condition(s) that would place the employee at increased risk of material impairment to health from further Cr(VI) exposure; any recommended limitations on the employee's Cr(VI) exposure or on the use of PPE such as respirators; and a statement that the PLHCP explained the examination results to the employee, including any Cr(VI)-related conditions requiring further evaluation or treatment and any special provisions for use of protective clothing or equipment. The PLHCP must NOT reveal to the employer specific findings or diagnoses unrelated to occupational Cr(VI) exposure.
Reported to / for the employeeEmployer provides a copy of the PLHCP's written medical opinion to the examined employee within two weeks after receiving it; the PLHCP explains the examination results directly to the employee.
Time limitsEmployer must obtain the PLHCP's written medical opinion within 30 days for each medical examination performed (29 CFR 1915.1026(i)(5)(i)). Employer must provide a copy to the examined employee within two weeks after receiving it (29 CFR 1915.1026(i)(5)(iii)). Employer must provide the exam within 30 days after a PLHCP written opinion recommends an additional examination (29 CFR 1915.1026(i)(2)(iii)).
Second-opinion / multi-physician reviewNo multiple-physician review mechanism is specified in 29 CFR 1915.1026.
RecordkeepingEmployer establishes and maintains an accurate record for each employee covered by medical surveillance, including name, a copy of the PLHCP's written opinions, and a copy of the information provided to the PLHCP (29 CFR 1915.1026(k)(4)(ii)). Records maintained and made available in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 (duration of employment plus 30 years).
How this compares to Cal/OSHA: Aligned. All six standards (federal 1910.1026 / 1926.1126 / 1915.1026; California 5206 / 1532.2 / 8359) share AL 2.5 µg/m³, PEL 5 µg/m³, the same exam schedule (initial within 30 days, annual periodic, 30-day additional/emergency, 6-month termination window), the same medical-and-work-history plus skin/respiratory physical exam, no mandatory biomarker, and no medical-removal-protection provision at all — the only protection mechanism anywhere in the Cr(VI) family is the PLHCP's written recommendation for an additional examination. The two shipyard standards (federal 1915.1026; California 8359) are standalone texts, not incorporations of their general-industry counterparts — each carries its own PEL, its own action level, and its own exam-contents provision, and each reaches shipyards, marine terminals, and longshoring rather than shipyards alone. Both place medical surveillance at paragraph (i) (exam contents at (i)(3)) rather than at 1910.1026's paragraph (k), but the substance of the requirement is the same as general industry. The pesticide, portland-cement, and low-release (objective data below 0.5 µg/m³ 8-hr TWA) scope exceptions are common to both jurisdictions rather than a California addition — federal 1910.1026(a)(2)-(4) and 1915.1026(a) carry them as well; California's only distinction is that its pesticide exception is framed around CA DPR-regulated applications.

Occu-Med handles Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI) surveillance end-to-end

Scheduling, exams, lab panels, physician review, removal/return determinations, and audit-ready recordkeeping — fully compliant with Federal OSHA requirements.