Exhaust gas system - Risk of hexavalent chromium residue”
Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2021 7:06 am
Wärtsilä has published a bulletin titled: “Exhaust gas system - Risk of hexavalent chromium residue” that says there is risk of exposure to Cr(VI) residue, that is greatest when completing hot work (welding, burning and grinding) on exhaust system components containing stainless steel or chromium metals, and all safety precautions as outlined in the Wärtsilä Instructions / service bulletin must be adhere to.
Prior to completing maintenance of any nature on exhaust system components, a swab test for identifying if Cr(VI) is present must be completed.
Cr(VI) test kits can be ordered using the part number PABA153190 as outlined in the Wärtsilä Instructions (service bulletin).
A positive Cr(VI) test result requires the implementation of controls that include:
precautionary measures such as safe work instructions, as outlined in section 4 of the service bulletin must be followed.
appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) where work must be performed that may expose employees to hazardous materials such as Cr(VI) residue, as outlined in section 6 of the service bulletin
restriction of access to work areas allowing only personnel wearing the appropriate PPE
implementation of hygiene measures related to the wearing of PPE, such as frequent wet cleaning, to ensure that dust does not migrate beyond the work area
Also, the following corrective measure must be undertaken by CCG employees to minimize risk of exposure and prevention of any formations of Cr(VI) residue:
A high temperature anti-seize compound that does not contain any calcium compounds must be used in the exhaust system. Wärtsilä recommends a product such as Klüber Paste HEL 46–450.
Further info can be seen here:
https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/files/docs ... ummary.pdf
https://etn.global/news-and-events/news ... alth-risk/
TBH, this bulletin made me sick to my stomach to read. I'm sorry I can't find a copy of the bulletin, only second hand info. Be safe out there fellows and do some research on this one.
Prior to completing maintenance of any nature on exhaust system components, a swab test for identifying if Cr(VI) is present must be completed.
Cr(VI) test kits can be ordered using the part number PABA153190 as outlined in the Wärtsilä Instructions (service bulletin).
A positive Cr(VI) test result requires the implementation of controls that include:
precautionary measures such as safe work instructions, as outlined in section 4 of the service bulletin must be followed.
appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) where work must be performed that may expose employees to hazardous materials such as Cr(VI) residue, as outlined in section 6 of the service bulletin
restriction of access to work areas allowing only personnel wearing the appropriate PPE
implementation of hygiene measures related to the wearing of PPE, such as frequent wet cleaning, to ensure that dust does not migrate beyond the work area
Also, the following corrective measure must be undertaken by CCG employees to minimize risk of exposure and prevention of any formations of Cr(VI) residue:
A high temperature anti-seize compound that does not contain any calcium compounds must be used in the exhaust system. Wärtsilä recommends a product such as Klüber Paste HEL 46–450.
Further info can be seen here:
https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/files/docs ... ummary.pdf
https://etn.global/news-and-events/news ... alth-risk/
TBH, this bulletin made me sick to my stomach to read. I'm sorry I can't find a copy of the bulletin, only second hand info. Be safe out there fellows and do some research on this one.