operative plasterers’ and cement masons’ international association (opcmia)

Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA)

Hexavalent Chromium in Portland Cement

22Program Introduction

Consider:

• Does your company work with portland cement?

• Workers = Immediate employees and subcontractors = Your responsibility

• There are 1,300,000 workers in 30 occupations that may be at risk.

Topics:

• Costs associated with injuries and illness

• The presence of hexavalent chromium in portland cement

• Hexavalent chromium exposure

• Exposure prevention and control

• Worker training and recordkeeping requirements

OSHA hazard communication:

• Worker training must address: Hazards associated with hexavalent chromium Signs and symptoms of hexavalent chromium-related

health effects Preventative measures (PPE, exposure controls,

hygiene) Worker access to hygiene facilities, PPE, and

information (e.g., MSDSs)

Hexavalent chromium:

• Chemical used in the manufacturing of portland cement

• Classified as a carcinogen (inhalation and ingestion)

• Dermal contact can lead to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)

ACD can be a debilitating skin disorder that can adversely affect an employee’s health and ability to work

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD):

• Skin disease that may occur from working with wet portland cement

• Immunologic reaction caused by a sensitization to hexavalent chromium

• Once sensitized, exposure to small amounts can trigger a strong reaction

• Severe cases of sensitization may become a permanent disability

• Sensitization may develop years after working with cement and may not be confined to the area of contact

• Difficult to cure, exposure prevention is key

Hazard assessment:

• Employer must identify areas where a hazard is present or is likely to be present from skin or eye contact with hexavalent chromium

• A walk-through survey of the workplace is recommended to identify sources of worker hexavalent chromium exposure

• A review of workplace injury and illness records is recommended

Hazard assessment (cont.):

• Exposures must be evaluated, taking into account factors such as:

The acidity or alkalinity of the hexavalent chromium-containing compound or mixture

The magnitude and duration of exposure

• Where a hazard is identified, the employer must select the hazard control measure or measures (e.g. PPE) needed to protect workers

Employer must provide PPE that is in good working condition

Review:

• You are responsible for the health and safety of your workers

• 1,300,000 workers in 30 occupations regularly exposed to wet portland cement products

• OSHA hazard communication standard requires hexavalent chromium training

• Hexavalent chromium (carcinogen – inhalation/ingestion) can cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)

• Employers must conduct a hazard assessment prior to beginning work

Costs associated with injuries and illness

Objectives:

• Identify contractor costs that are associated with injuries and illness

• Explain what Experience Modifications Rates are and how they impact a company’s insurance rates

Statistics:

• There are 7 million workers in the construction trades.

• Construction trade accidents account for 370,000 injuries per year (Avg. -1,000/day).

• Construction companies spend $170 billion/year on costs associated with injuries/illness.

• Workers who suffer a disabling injury can lose 40% of their income over a 5-year period.

• Accident and injury costs account for 6.5% of construction dollars spent.

• OSHA citations and fines can affect the bottom line of a company.

• Injuries and illness = Waste

1212Costs associated with injuries and illness

Statistics (cont.):

• Skin disorders comprise 35% of all occupational related diseases.

• ACD accounts for 20% of all cases of occupational dermatitis.

• ACD costs workers, insurers, companies, and the government between $135 million and $679 million a year.

• Wet cement is the #1 cause of occupational skin disease in the U.S.

• Portland cement accounts for 25% of work related skin problems world wide.

Statistics (cont.):

• Concrete workers in the U.S. report 4 times more lost work days for skin problems than do all other construction trades.

• Of the 7 million construction workers in the U.S., 8% to 22% of them will come in contact with wet portland cement.

• 5% to 15% of workers that come in contact with portland cement may suffer from ACD at a rate 25 times that of the general population.

It may be worse:

• Most skin problems are not reported: Believe it’s part of the job Fear of embarrassment

A recent survey revealed:

Skin problems: Doctor visits:

29%71%

71% report rashes, bumps, red skin, burning, itching, scaling, fissures, pain.

Only 7% report doctor visits or lost time.

Costs associated with injuries and illness:

• More Compensation Claims =

Higher EMRs = Higher Insurance Rates

• Time away by experienced workers

• Training replacements

• Retraining for injured workers

• Light duty workloads

• Post-traumatic repercussions

Experience Modification Rates (EMRs):

• Insurance industry: Developed experience rating systems as means of determining premiums for workers’ compensation insurance

Rating systems: Consider average workers’ compensation losses for a given firm’s type of work and amount of payroll, and predict the dollar amount of expected losses to be paid out by that employer in a designated rating period (usually 3 years) Rating is based on comparisons with other firms doing similar work

Losses incurred by employer for the rating period are then compared to the expected losses to develop the experience rating (or EMR). Workers’ compensation insurance premiums for a contractor are adjusted by this rate (the EMR)

Summary:

• Injuries and illness can increase costs:

Insurance rates Training and retraining OSHA citations and fines Absenteeism:

Faulty products Disrupted work assignments

• Worker training is crucial in minimizing job related injuries and illness

The presence of hexavalent chromium in portland cement

19The presence of hexavalent chromium in portland cement

Objectives:

• Recognize the presence of hexavalent chromium in portland cement

• Identify products containing portland cement

• Identify people who are exposed to hexavalent chromium in portland cement

Portland cement:

• 80% of all U.S. ready-mix concrete contains portland cement

• Portland cement is universally abrasive

• Portland cement becomes extremely alkaline when wet

Portland cement (cont.):

• Occupations health hazards of portland cement include:

Inhalation Dermal Eye hazards

• Occupations health hazards result from contaminants generally found in portland cement, including hexavalent chromium

• 83 of 89 U.S. and Canadian manufacturers’ portland cement contains detectable hexavalent chromium

• Hexavalent chromium has been classified as a carcinogen

Inhalation and ingestion

Hexavalent chromium (cont.):

• Hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]) is the primary cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from portland cement

• Hexavalent chromium is present in portland cement in generally trace amounts

• Hexavalent chromium is a contaminant that enters the cement mixture through raw materials or during its manufacturing

• Generally there is less than 20 µg hexavalent chromium per gram of cement, or 20 parts per million (ppm)

Products that contain portland cement:

• Concrete

• Mortar

• Plaster

• Spackle

• Stucco

• Terrazzo

• Tile grout

Hod carrier Plasterer Terrazzo worker Tile setter

• More than 1,300,000 workers in 30 occupations are generally exposed to wet portland cement products:

Bricklayers Carpenters Cement masons Concrete finishers Ready-mixed concrete truck driver

Discussion Questions

1. Portland cement occupies what percentage of all U.S ready-mix concrete?

2. What are the three primary areas of the body that portland cement can affect?

1. Portland cement occupies what percentage of all U.S ready-mix concrete? (80 percent.)

2. What are the three primary areas of the body that portland cement can affect? (Lungs/inhalation, dermis or skin through contact, eye contamination and associated hazards.)

Any Questions?

Summary:

• 80% of all U.S. ready-mix concrete contains portland cement

• Hexavalent chromium is present in portland cement in generally trace amounts

• Hexavalent chromium is the primary cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in portland cement

• Types of products that contain portland cement

• Types of workers that are exposed to portland cement

Hexavalent chromium exposure

Objectives:

• Explain the routes of entry and the factors that cause hexavalent chromium exposure

• Define sensitization

• Recognize symptoms and health effects of hexavalent chromium exposure

• Describe permissible exposure limits (PELs) for hexavalent chromium

3131Hexavalent chromium exposure

Routes of exposure:

• Inhalation – Through the air

• Absorption – Through skin

• Ingestion – Through eating or drinking

Remember:

• Cement dust can react with the eye’s mucous membrane and skin

• Grinding concrete releases cement dust

• Always wear respirator and eye protection when grinding

Consider:

• How you use wet cement helps determine whether it causes skin problems

How long does it contact your skin? How often do you use it? Is their mechanical trauma or abrasion of your skin?

Sources of mechanical trauma include: Friction between your hand and your tool Friction between your hand, glove, and tool The pressure needed to use a tool The aggregate in concrete

Environmental factors:

• Environmental factors can damage skin and increase the risk of skin problems from wet cement

• Cold temperature: Dries the skin Causes microscopic cracks Reduces awareness of

chemical contact by reducing blood flow at the skin surface

Environmental factors (cont.):

• Heat, humidity, and sun: Cause sweating – sweat dissolves

chemicals, which de-fat the skin, causing microscopic damage

Heat increases blood flow at the skin surface and increases the rate at which skin absorbs chemicals

Humidity keeps sweat from evaporating Sun burns the skin, reacts with some

chemicals to cause light sensitization, and can cause cancer

Individual factors:

• Individual factors may affect skin problems caused by wet cement, including:

Pre-existing dermatitis Predisposition Knowledge Personal practices

• There is no predictable order to the development of skin problems

• You must take protective measures to reduce exposure as much as possible

Health effects:

• Sensitization: Sensitization is an immune system response It may be a local or a widespread reaction Usually, the chemical or substance causes no change on first contact During the period of incubation (sensitization), your immune system

alters cells invisibly to fight the foreign substance Once you are sensitized, small amounts trigger a strong reaction

Health effects (cont.):

• Sensitization: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a

serious risk for construction workers who use wet portland cement

Many people cannot tolerate further exposure to the chemical

A sensitization may develop even after you’ve worked with wet cement for many years

Hexavalent chromium in cement is the primary cause of ACD

Health effects (cont.):

• Sensitization: Avoid using creams and lotions

containing lanolin (some individuals may be allergic to lanolin)

Do not apply creams or lotions while on the job

Contaminated gloves can trap cement against the skin

Permissible exposure limits:

• OSHA’s PELs for both portland cement and particulates not otherwise regulated (PNOR) are 15 mg/m3 as total dust, and 5 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction

• Because there are only trace amounts of hexavalent chromium in portland cement, these PELs could provide adequate protection against hexavalent chromium inhalation

• If maintaining portland cement exposure levels below the PEL is not possible through engineering controls, exposed employees must wear respiratory protection

Exposure levels:

• Activities where high levels of exposure to hexavalent chromium may occur in construction include:

Terrazzo work Mixing mortar Jobsite mixing of

concrete

1. In what three ways can an individual be exposed to Hexavalent chromium?

2. A common sensitization (or reaction) for construction workers who use wet portland cement is called what?

1. In what three ways can an individual be exposed to Hexavalent chromium? (Inhalation, absorption, ingestion.)

2. A common sensitization (or reaction) for construction workers who use wet portland cement is called what? (Allergic contact dermatitis [ACD].)

Any Questions?

Summary:

• Your workers who use portland cement may be exposed to hexavalent chromium through inhalation, absorption, and ingestion

• Environmental and individual factors can affect exposure

• Sensitization may develop after working with wet cement for many years, leading to ACD

• PELs for both portland cement and particulates not otherwise regulated (PNOR) are 15 mg/m3 as total dust, and 5 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction where listed

Exposure prevention and control

4545Exposure prevention and control

Objectives:

• Identify methods for preventing and controlling worker exposure to hexavalent chromium in portland cement, including:

Hazard control measures PPE and clothing Work practices Sanitation Hazard communication and

assessment

Hazard control measures:

• Engineering controls

• Administrative controls

• Use of PPE

Engineering controls:

• Designing facility, equipment, or process to remove hazards, or substitute the process, equipment, or materials to lesson hazards

• Enclosure of hazards using enclosed cabs

• Isolation of hazards (e.g., interlocks, machine guards, shields, or curtains)

• Removal or redirection of hazards using ventilation control systems (local exhaust, general ventilation)

Administrative controls:

• Written operating procedures, work permits, safe work practices

• Exposure time limitations

• Monitoring use of highly hazardous materials or dangerous equipment

• Alarms and warning signs

• Buddy systems and training

Use of PPE:

• When engineering controls are not feasible or do not totally eliminate a hazard

• While engineering controls are being developed

• When safe work practices do not provide sufficient additional protection

• During emergencies when engineering controls may not be feasible

• PPE requirements may not be the same for every job site

• Employers are responsible for providing their workers with appropriate PPE that is in good working condition

Protective clothing and equipment:

• The type of protective clothing and equipment needed depends on:

The potential for exposure The conditions of use in the

workplace

Protective clothing and equipment (cont.):

• Examples of protective clothing and equipment that may be used include:

Gloves Knee pads Long-sleeved shirts Aprons Coveralls Boots Foot coverings Goggles Respirators

• In some instances gloves may be all that is necessary to effectively protect a worker from hexavalent chromium exposure

• In other situations, more extensive measures such as coveralls, head coverings, and goggles may be necessary

• Employers must provide protective clothing and equipment, and must ensure that it is used when required

• The chemical and physical properties of the compound or mixture may also influence the choice of clothing and equipment to use

• Other factors that should be considered: Size Flexibility Cut and tear resistance

• OSHA has issued a booklet that provides more information on assessment of workplace hazards and selection of protective clothing and equipment

1. The type of protective clothing and equipment needed to protect employees from Hexavalent chromium depends on what two factors?

2. When hexavalent chromium related hazards exist, is it the employers or employees responsibility to select the appropriate level of personal protective equipment?

1. The type of protective clothing and equipment needed to protect employees from Hexavalent chromium depends on what two factors? (The potential for exposure, the conditions of use in the workplace.)

2. When hexavalent chromium related hazards exist, is it the employers or employees responsibility to select the appropriate level of personal protective equipment? (Employers.)

Wearing protective clothing:

• Wear long sleeves taped inside gauntlet gloves

• Tape pants inside rubber boots to keep cement out of your boots

• If you kneel in wet cement, wear knee pads and use knee boards

Wearing protective clothing (cont.):

• If wet cement soaks clothes, remove them immediately

• Keep extra work clothes on site or in your car

• Store work clothes at work or take them home in a separate container

• Launder work clothes separately to protect you and your family

Run the washer empty after doing work clothes

Glove selection:

• Make sure gloves are the right type for the work you are performing

• Manufacturers recommend butyl or nitrile gloves for cement

• Gauntlet gloves are best

• Wear gloves that fit – loose gloves and clothing allow contaminants to get trapped

• Avoid cotton and leather gloves

Proper glove use:

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions

• Never turn down the gauntlets

• Keep insides of gloves clean and dry

• Handle gloves by insides only

• Decontaminate gloves weekly or whenever they are contaminated

• Store gloves away from tools and materials in a cool, dark, dry place

• Practice proper hygiene

• Change and throw gloves away when they become contaminated on the inside

Proper glove use (cont.):

• Throw out grossly contaminated gloves – if in doubt, throw them out!

• Throw out disposable gloves daily

• Clean off gloves before removing them

• Remove gloves and wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the restroom

Cleaning and replacement of protective clothing and equipment:

• The employer must clean, launder, repair and replace protective clothing and equipment regularly:

Ensures that clothing and equipment continues to protect workers Standards do not specify how often clothing and equipment must be

cleaned, repaired, or replaced Appropriate time intervals are based on:

Types of clothing and equipment used Level of hexavalent chromium exposure Other circumstances in the workplace

Cleaning and replacement of protective clothing and equipment (cont.):

• Employer responsibility for ensuring work clothes and equipment are properly cleaned

• Clothing and equipment should be laundered or cleaned in a manner that minimizes skin or eye contact with hexavalent chromium and prevents exposure in excess of the PEL

• Workers who clean or launder hexavalent chromium contaminated items must be aware of the associated hazards so that they can take appropriate protective measures

Activity: Glove demonstration

Activity: Glove demonstration (cont.)

• What should you do before putting on gloves?

• Why is it important to do so?

Activity: Glove demonstration (cont.)

1.Choose the appropriate gloves for you hand size

2. Inspect gloves before donning

3.Put on at least one glove, then try to pick up objects such as pencils, paper clips, nails

• How flexible are the gloves?

• How easy is it to do other ordinary tasks?

4.Hold tools with gloves on

5.Evaluate the gloves they are wearing for fit and usefulness

1. How should gloves be stored?

2. When should gloves be changed or thrown away?

1. How should gloves be stored? (Away from tools and materials in a cool, dark, dry place.)

• When should gloves be changed or thrown away? (When they become contaminated on the inside or when they become grossly contaminated.)

Safe practices for glove removal:

Best practices:

• Reduce the amount of skin exposed and the amount of time the skin is exposed to wet cement:

Keep your exposure as low as possible Cover as much skin as you can Keep wet cement off you as you work If using protective clothing, check it to

make sure it is in good condition and without rips or tears

Clean up as soon as possible

Best practices (cont.):

• Avoid occlusion: No jewelry at work No barrier creams:

Sometimes called invisible gloves, barrier creams are not recommended for work with cement

Applying the cream in the work area can occlude contaminants on your skin

• Avoid occlusion: No creams, lotions, or skin-

softening products like Vaseline and lanolin

These products soften skin by penetrating it and can “pull” contaminants through with them (trapping them)

• No cement in gloves and boots: Often the cause of cement burns is wet

cement occluded against skin by boots Remove clothing if cement soaked Seek medical treatment for any

persistent skin problems, even a minor one

Protect cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings at work – change the dressing to a porous one after work

• Only clean, dry, pH-normal hands go into gloves:

If you remove your gloves during the workday, wash and dry hands before putting them on again

Putting gloves over contaminated hands traps contaminants against your skin

Repeatedly washing your tools in the same bucket will increase the pH of the water

Sanitation:

• The OSHA sanitation standard (1926.51(f)): Requires employers to “provide adequate

washing facilities… in near proximity to the worksite [that must] be so equipped as to enable employees to remove such substances.”

• Washing facilities must include: Clean water Non-alkaline soap Clean towels

Washing hands:

• Plain water does not remove cement residue or restore pH balance

• Use a pH-neutral or slightly acidic soap to remove the residue and a buffer or neutralizing product to neutralize the pH (e.g., Neutralite)

• Wash with pH-neutral or slightly acidic soap at home and at work

Washing hands (cont.):

• The damage to skin from alkaline exposure may not always be visible

• pH-neutral or slightly acidic soaps (e.g., Softsoap, pHisoderm) are closer to the pH of healthy skin

• Look for sensitive skin, unscented, or fragrance-free versions of soaps

• Use soaps that do not contain lanolin, limonene, perfume

• Avoid alkaline or abrasive cleaners

• Wash regularly throughout the day

• Never use solvents to wash your hands

Washing hands (cont.):

• Dry hands thoroughly with a clean towel or wipe before putting on gloves

• Clean nail beds and creases between fingers

• Wash hands before breaks, before lunch, and at the end of the day

Activity: pH Testing

Activity: pH Testing (cont.)

Supplies:

• Dry portland cement

• Household vinegar

• One gallon distilled water

• pH strips

• Color scales

• Clear plastic glasses

• Plastic spoons

• Bars of soap

• pHisoderm soap, liquid Softsoap, or another pH-neutral or slightly acidic soap

• OPTIONAL: Neutralite and/or Mason’s Hand Rinse

1.Dip a pH strip in distilled water

2.Determine result

3.Compare result on pH scale

4.Add water to cement and stir

5.Dip pH strip in the cement solution, determine result, and compare result to pH scale

6.Count how many times more alkaline cement is, compared to skin

7.Dip a pH strip in the vinegar, determine result, and compare result on pH scale

8.Dip a pH strip in the cement solution again and compare with pH scale

Add vinegar to cement solution

Dip a new pH strip in the new solution, determines result, and compare result to the pH scale

Wet the bar soap, test with a pH strip, and compare results to the pH scale

Pour Softsoap or pHisoderm in your hand, test it with a pH strip, and compare results to the pH scale

858585

1. What did adding vinegar to the cement solution do to the pH level of the mixture?

2. What would washing with bar soap after being exposed to cement do to human skin?

3. What would washing with pH-neutral soap after being exposed to cement do to human skin?

868686

1. What did adding vinegar to the cement solution do to the pH level of the mixture? (Vinegar can neutralize the alkalinity of cement.)

2. What would washing with bar soap after being exposed to cement do to human skin? (The alkalinity of the soap combined with the alkalinity of the cement can further harm skin.)

3. What would washing with pH-neutral soap after being exposed to cement do to human skin? (pH-neutral soap restores the skin’s pH levels after exposure to cement.)

Take pH strips and a glass of water to your vehicles

Dip strips in water one at a time and place on steering wheel, seats, and other locations inside the vehicle (also test the back seats)

If you have gotten cement water on your hands, test the pH of the skin

Determine results and compare results to the pH scale

How can we control pH?

Conclusion:

• Cement is strongly alkaline

• Vinegar or a buffer can neutralize alkalinity

• Construction workers should not use alkaline soap

• Workers may be taking cement dust home in their vehicles

• Workers should avoid wearing work clothes home

• Wet cement is one billion times more alkaline than human skin

• Wash hands before eating, smoking, or going to the bathroom to avoid ingesting or spreading contaminants

• Wash hands before putting gloves on to avoid occlusion

Any Questions?

Summary:

• Hazard control measures (engineering controls, administrative controls, use of PPE)

• Keep wet cement out of gloves and boots by taping sleeves and pants

• Only insert clean, dry hands into gloves

• When washing hands use clean water, non-alkaline soap, and clean towels

• Protective clothing and equipment is determined by the employers after hazards have been assessed

• If wet cement soaks clothes or gets inside gloves or boots, remove them immediately

Worker training and recordkeeping requirements

9292Worker training and recordkeeping requirements

Objectives:

• Identify the training requirements that workers must complete before being authorized to work with portland cement

• Identify employer record keeping requirements regarding cases of allergic contact dermatitis

Worker exposure training and rights:

• In order to work with portland cement, workers must be trained to:

Identify hazards associated with exposure to portland cement, including hazards associated with the cement’s hexavalent chromium content

Determine preventive measures, including proper use and care of PPE, and proper hygiene practices

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD):

• Employer records each case of occupational dermatitis that meets the recordability criterion set by the OSHA Recordkeeping Handbook, 1904.4 Recording Criteria

• Employer informs workers of how to report their work-related illnesses and injuries

Any Questions?

Summary:

• Employers must: Train workers on hazards and

preventive measurers Keep records of occupational dermatitis

related to hexavalent chromium exposure

Inform workers of how to report work-related illnesses and injuries

Program Review 96

Review:

• Hexavalent chromium found in portland cement can lead to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)

• You must train your workers on the hazards associated with hexavalent chromium exposure

• You must provide appropriate PPE that is in good working condition

• Remind workers of best practices for working safely with products that contain hexavalent chromium

• Health and safety of your workers (immediate employees and subcontractors), is you responsibility

Program Complete

operative plasterers’ and cement masons’ international association (opcmia)

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