OSHA Settles Challenge to Hexavalent Chromium Standard, Will Issue Letter of Interpretation
ON May 21, OHSA signed an agreement with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA), Public Citizen Health Research Group (HRG) and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (Steelworkers). This agreement settles NAM and SSINA's challenge to OSHA's hexavalent chromium standard (NAM et al. vs. OSHA, 3d Cir, Docket Nos. 06-2272 and consolidated cases).
As a result of the settlement, OSHA will issue a letter of interpretation addressing specific questions NAM and SSINA presented to OSHA regarding the agency's new hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) standard for general industry. The letter will be issued by the agency's Directorate of Enforcement Programs.
On or before May 24, 2007, NAM and SSINA will be filing a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to withdraw their petition for review of the Cr(VI) standard. OSHA, HRG, and the Steelworkers have agreed not to oppose any motion NAM and/or SSINA may file to intervene in support of the Cr(VI) standard in the remaining cases.
For more information on hexavalent chromium and other settlements concerning the standard, visit http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hexavalentchromium/index.html.