Notices for Week of: JULY 27, 2006
PROPOSED STATE RULES
By law, public notice of proposed rules must be given by publication in newspapers of record. The purpose of these notices is to give the public a chance to respond to the proposals. The public notices for administrative rules are now also available online at http://vermont-archives.org/aparules/ovnotices.htm The law requires an agency to hold a public hearing on a proposed rule, if requested to do so in writing by 25 persons or an association having at least 25 members.
To make special arrangements for individuals with disabilities or special needs please call or write the contact person listed below as soon as possible
To obtain further information concerning any scheduled hearing(s), obtain copies of proposed rule(s) or submit comments regarding proposed rule(s), please call or write the contact person listed below. You may also submit comments in writing to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, State House, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 (828-2231).
VOSHA Rule: Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium VI).
Vermont Proposed Rule: 06P018
AGENCY: Dept. of Labor
CONCISE SUMMARY: The new standard lowers VOSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium, and for all CR(VI) compounds, from 52 to 5 micrograms of CR(VI) per cubic meter of air as an 8-hour time-weighted average. The standard also includes provisions relating to preferred methods for controlling exposure, respiratory protection, protective work clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, hazard communication and recordkeeping. Hexavalent chromium compounds are widely used in the chemical industry as ingredients and catalysts in pigments, metal plating and chemical synthesis. CR(VI) can also be produced when welding on stainless steel or CR(VI)-painted surfaces. The major health effects associated with exposure to CR(VI) include lung cancer, nasal septum ulcerations and perforations, skin ulcerations, and allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. VOSHA is required to adopt this rule or one that is at least as effective as the Federal rule.
TYPE OF PERSONS AFFECTED: Construction and General Industry employers and employees in the public and private sector. Employees that weld stainless steel.
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS: OSHA estimates that nationally there are 525,000 employees potentially affected by the new standard at a total compliance cost of $187 Million. The cost per employee is $360.00. This amount can be reasonably expected to be the cost per affected employee in Vermont.
SCHEDULED HEARINGS: August 24, 2006 1:00 to 5:00 PM Vermont Dept. of Labor Conference Room, National Life Bldg. 2 North, Montpelier, VT.
DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: September 1, 2006.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Robert McLeod, VOSHA Manager, Dept. of Labor, PO Box 20, Montpelier, VT 05620-3401 828-5084.
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- If you have general questions about the rulemaking process, please contact
- Louise Corliss by e-mail at or by phone 802-828-2863
