Workplace exposure analysis
Workplace exposure analysis and technical support to help you protect your workers' health and safety while meeting regulatory compliance obligations.
The Risks of Chromium (VI) In Your Workplace
Hexavalent chromium (Chromium VI) is a highly toxic form of chromium that is rarely found in nature but commonly generated by industrial activities such as stainless-steel production, electroplating, and certain plastics, ceramics and glass processes. UK COSHH regulations require exposure prevention or control, and the workplace exposure limit (WEL) for Chromium VI is 0.05 mg/m³ (8‑hour TWA). Accurate, low‑level monitoring, such as BS ISO 16740:2005 compliant analysis with detection limits down to 0.02 µg/m³ for a 480 L air sample is essential for protecting employee health and maintaining compliance.
24 March 2025 | 1 min read
In a work environment, you can encounter a variety of elements and compounds. Many of these compounds are chemicals we’ve never heard of, often formed and created through man-made methods or manufacturing.
Hexavalent Chromium, called Chromium (VI), is one of these chemicals. A compound of the element chromium, Chromium (VI) is rarely found in nature and is widely produced during industrial processes.
Chromium (VI) is most prevalent during the production/usage of stainless steel though it can also be found in processes involving manufacturing plastics, ceramics, certain alloys, and glass, as well as plating. When used through the combustion of fossil fuels and from waste industrial systems, it can also be exposed to people through the water, soil and air.
Chromium (VI) poses significant health risks to workers. Inhalation can cause coughing, airway inflammation, and chest pain, while ingestion may lead to abdominal pain, organ damage, and in severe cases, heart failure or death. Skin contact with Chromium (VI) can result in dermatitis, skin ulcers, and burns. Furthermore, it is classified as a known carcinogen under the REACH directive.
According to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, exposure to hazardous substances must be prevented, or if that is not feasible, controlled. In the case of hexavalent chromium, exposure should be reduced to a minimum. The Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for hexavalent chromium is set at 0.05mg/m³ over an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Being aware of your workplace’s exposure levels and ensuring proper analysis of exposure levels can make the difference between a healthy employee and an unhealthy one. Ensuring the safety of your workforce is paramount and having an awareness of all possible toxic chemicals in your work
At the Manchester Laboratory, we now offer low-level hexavalent Chromium analysis, adhering to the BS ISO 16740:2005 standard with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.01µg, which corresponds to 0.02µg/m³ for a 480L air sample. We also provide treated filters necessary for this analysis.
Known for our deep expertise in a wide range of scientific analysis, monitoring and compliance services, RPS utilises chemical investigation and analysis solutions to help clients ensure their employees are healthy, solving problems that matter and ensuring workplaces remain safe.
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