The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed an amendment to its existing standard for employee exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). This amendment will significantly reduce the permissible airborne concentration of Cr(VI) in many industries. Some of the 46 major industry segments covered by the regulation are electroplating, welding, painting, chromate and chromium producers, printing and ink producers, metalworking and fabrication. Many of these operations are, of course, carried out in customer facilities in many industries as part of their overall production.
 
Irrational response
 
The proposal is a result of legal action by ...