UPDATE ON CURRENT EPA AND OSHA ISSUES THAT WILL IMPACT YOUR INDUSTRY

A final rule by OSHA (Occupational Safety And Health Agency-USA) has been issued regarding hexavalent chrome (Cr(+6)) in dusts, mists and fumes which will impact many industrial processes that use green chrome oxide, welding systems, paints using chrome sealers, electroplating, and other processes. This rule is in many instances more stringent than those found in numerous other industrial countries. Silica exposure limits are being reviewed with the possibility of reduction in the exposure limit to about 50% from the current level of 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Porcelain enameling facilities have been removed from the EPA listing for waste water nitrite effluents which readily convert to nitrates. Future restrictions on ozone generation and other greenhouse gases (GHG) such as methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases are considered. The new European Union "REACH" policy [Registration, Evaluation & Authorization of Chemicals] will have a global impact as it is phased in over the next 10 years. [GRAPHICS] .