Source: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=13343
Timestamp: 2015-07-03 15:39:08
Document Index: 155681793

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1915', 'art 1926', 'art 1910', 'art 1915', 'art 1915', 'art\n1915', 'art 1926', 'art 1926', 'art 1915', 'art 1915', 'art 1915', 'art 1926', 'art 1926', 'art 1915', 'ART 1915', 'art 1915', 'art 1911', 'art 1915', 'art 11']

Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Cadmium in Shipyard Employment and Construction. - 59:146-215
59:146-215
1915.1027; 1926.63
Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Cadmium in Shipyard Employment and Construction.
Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Cadmium in Shipyard
ACTION: Final rule; miscellaneous corrections, technical amendments,
correcting an error stemming from the wording of the amendatory language of
the final rule that incorporated applicable General Industry standards for
toxic substances into the Occupational Safety and Health Standards for
Shipyard Employment. The final rule, which appeared in the Federal
Register on July 1, 1993, had the effect of mistakenly inferring that the
cadmium standard for shipyard employment from the Code of Federal Regulations
was being deleted though the preamble made it clear it was retained. This
correction reprints the full text of the cadmium standard as published on
September 14, 1992, and incorporates changes from an April 23, 1993, document
that made corrections and amendments to the original publication. In
addition, several cross-references regarding employee records are being
amended to reflect the designation of a new section in the shipyard
employment standards, and a number of effective dates are being converted to
dates certain.
In addition, OSHA is redesignating the cadmium standard for construction
employment, also published in the same September 14 document, into a
different subpart. The redesignation merges it in with the newly created
subpart that contains specific toxic substance standards for construction.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 1993.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James F. Foster, OSHA Office of
Public Affairs, Room N-3647, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, telephone (202) 219-8151.
The final regulations which are the subject of this action was published in
the Federal Register on June 30 and July 1, 1993 (58 FR 35076 and
35512, respectively). Up until then, most health standards applicable to
shipyard employment and construction were not codified in the parts of title
29 of the Code of Federal Regulations that contained the bulk of the
standards applicable to shipyards (part 1915) and construction (part 1926).
These toxic substance standards were made applicable by cross-reference to
subpart Z of the general industry standards (part 1910) and other parts and
The Shipyard Employment Standard Advisory Committee (SESAC) recommended that
OSHA incorporate all toxic substance standards covering shipyards into 29 CFR
part 1915. As a first step to carry out this recommendation, when OSHA issued
the cadmium standard on September 14, 1992 (57 FR 42102), it created a
subpart Z in part 1915 to include health standards applicable to shipyards
and included the cadmium standard in subpart Z as 1915.1027. On April 23,
1993 (58 FR 21780), OSHA published a document that made corrections and
amendments to the September 14 document. As a second step, OSHA published a
technical amendment in the July 1, 1993, issue of the Federal
Register, which incorporated a comprehensive subpart Z into 29 CFR part
1915. The July 1 document included the other toxic substance standards
besides cadmium, and added certain related standards applicable to shipyards.
In similar fashion to what SESAC sought, the Advisory Committee for
Construction Safety and Health also asked that OSHA incorporate the general
industry standards deemed applicable to construction into OSHA's construction
standards. This incorporation of the pertinent 1910 standards into part 1926
was accomplished on June 30, 1993 (58 FR 35076), and in doing so, OSHA
created a subpart Z in part 1926, for the applicable specific toxic substance
As published, the July 1 final regulation contained amendatory language that
had the effect of removing the regulatory text and appendixes of 1915.1027 -
Cadmium, by mistake. The preamble of that document made it clear that the
Cadmium standard remained applicable to shipyard employment (58 FR 35513).
This document reinserts the regulatory text and appendices of 1915.1027 into
subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances of part 1915 along with the
corrections and amendments made on April 23, 1993.
In addition, in the July 1 document, the text of existing 1910.20, entitled
"Access to employee exposure and medical records," was reprinted as an
additional standard in part 1915, to add it to the shipyard employment
standards as new 1915.1120. OSHA is changing cross-references in paragraphs
(m) and (n) of the cadmium standard to reflect the designation for the new
section regarding employee records within part 1915. These changes are to
1915.1027(m)(4)(iii)(H), where the reference to "1910.20(g)(1) and (2)" is
changed to read "1915.1120(g)(1) and (2)"; in 1915.1027(n)(1)(iii), (3)(iii),
and (5)(i), the reference to "29 CFR 1910.20" is changed to read "1915.1120
of this part"; and in 1915.1027(n)(6), the reference to "29 CFR 1910.20(h)"
is changed to read "1915.1120(h) of this part."
In this document, OSHA is also converting a number of effective dates that
were not computed to dates certain. As published on September 14, 1992, the
standard included over a dozen effective dates that were based on the
effective dates of the cadmium document, such as for 60 and 90 days after the
section or standard became effective. These dates, set out in paragraphs
(p)(2)(i)-(viii) (57 FR 42399) are being computed in this document. The
following list details the specific instances where these changes are made:
- In 1915.1027(p)(2)(i), the words "60 days after the effective date of this
standard" are changed to read "February 12, 1993";
- In 1915.1027(p)(2)(vi)(A), the words "60 days after the effective date of
this section" are changed to read "February 12, 1993";
- In 1915.1027(p)(2)(ii) and (iii), the words "90 days after the effective
date of this section" are changed to read "March 15, 1993";
- In 1915.1027(p)(2)(vii) and (viii), the words "90 days after the effective
date of this standard" are changed to read "March 15, 1993";
- In 1915.1027(p)(2)(i), the words "120 days after the effective date of
this standard" are changed to read "April 14, 1993";
- In 1915.1027(p)(2)(ii) and (iii), the words "150 days after the effective
date of this section" are changed to read "May 14, 1993";
- In 1915.1027(p)(2)(vii) and (viii), the words "180 days after the
effective date of this standard" are changed to read "June 14, 1993";
- In 1915.1027(p)(2)(iv) and (iv)(B), the words "1 year after the effective
date of this section" are changed to read "December 14, 1993"; and
- In 1915.1027(p)(2)(v), the words "two (2) years after the effective date
of this section" are changed to read "December 14, 1994."
When it was published in the same September 14, 1992, document, at 57 FR
42452, the cadmium standard for construction was codified as 1926.63 in
subpart D, which covers occupational health and environmental controls. With
the publication of the June 30, 1993, document that created a separate
subpart Z for specific toxic substances within OSHA's construction standards,
it follows that the cadmium standard belongs with the new subpart. Therefore,
this document is redesignating 1926.63 as 1926.1127, to place it in the
appropriate place subpart Z of the construction standards.
In addition, in the June 30 document, the text of existing 1910.20, entitled
additional standard in part 1926, to add it to the construction standards as
new 1926.33. OSHA is amending cross-references in paragraphs (m) and (n) of
the cadmium standard (redesignated as 1926.1127) to reflect the designation
for the new section regarding employee records within part 1926. These
changes are to paragraph (m)(4)(iii)(H), where the reference to
"1910.20(g)(1) and (2)" is changed to read "1926.33(g)(1) and (2)"; in
paragraphs (n)(1)(iii), (3)(iii), and (5)(i), where the reference to "29 CFR
1910.20" is changed to read "1926.33 of this part"; and in paragraph (n)(6),
the reference to "29 CFR 1910.20(h)" is changed to read "1926.33(h) of this
The corrections and technical amendments in this document are not
substantive regulatory actions, and therefore are not required to have
notice, comment, or an advance effective date. They are being made
retroactively effective, as of July 1, 1993, to make it clear that the
cadmium standard has been in effect covering shipyard employment since
December 14, 1992. The cadmium standard remained in effect subsequent to the
July 1, 1993, Federal Register document, as was OSHA's clearly
expressed intent.
Air contaminants, Hazardous materials, Hazard communication, Laboratories,
Medical records, Occupational safety and health, Recordkeeping, Shipyards,
Shipbuilding, Ship repairing, Shipbreaking, Toxic chemicals.
Construction industry, Hazardous materials, Occupational safety and health,
Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of
Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.
Accordingly, pursuant to sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Occupational Safety and
Health Act (29 U.S.C. 653, 655, and 657); section 107 of the Contract Work
Hours and Safety Standards Act (Construction Safety Act) (40 U.S.C. 333);
section 41 Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 941);
section 4 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553); and Secretary
of Labor's Order No. 10990 (55 FR 9033); OSHA is issuing these corrections
and technical amendments.
Signed at Washington, DC, 17th day of December, 1993.
Accordingly, 29 CFR part 1915, subpart Z is corrected by the following
PART 1915 - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR SHIPYARD
1. The authority citation for subpart Z of part 1915 continues to read as
Authority: Sections 4, 6, 8 Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C.
653, 655, 657; Sec. 4 of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553;
Secretary of Labor's Orders 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059), 9-83 (48
FR 35736), or 1-90 (55 FR 9033), as applicable; and 29 CFR part 1911.
Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances [Amended]
2. Subpart Z of part 1915 is corrected by adding the text and appendices of
1915.1027 as follows:
1915.1027 Cadmium.
(a) "Scope." This standard applies to all occupational exposures to cadmium
and cadmium compounds, in all forms, and in all industries covered by the
Occupational Safety and Health Act, except the construction-related
industries, which are covered under 29 CFR 1926.63.
"Action level (AL)" is defined as an airborne concentration of cadmium of
2.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (2.5 ug/m(3)), calculated as an 8-hour
time-weighted average (TWA).
"Assistant Secretary" means the Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Labor, or designee.
"Authorized person" means any person authorized by the employer and required
by work duties to be present in regulated areas or any person authorized by
the OSH Act or regulations issued under it to be in regulated areas.
"Director" means the Director of the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or
"Employee exposure" and similar language referring to the air cadmium level
to which an employee is exposed means the exposure to airborne cadmium that
would occur if the employee were not using respiratory protective equipment.
"Final medical determination" is the written medical opinion of the
employee's health status by the examining physician under paragraphs
(l)(3)-(12) of this section or, if multiple physician review under paragraph
(l)(13) of this section or the alternative physician determination under
paragraph (l)(14) of this section is invoked, it is the final, written
medical finding, recommendation or determination that emerges from that
"High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter" means a filter capable of
trapping and retaining at least 99.97 percent of mono-dispersed particles of
0.3 micrometers in diameter.
"Regulated area" means an area demarcated by the employer where an
employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of cadmium exceeds, or can
reasonably be expected to exceed the permissible exposure limit (PEL).
"This section" means this cadmium standard. (c) "Permissible
Exposure Limit (PEL)." The employer shall assure that no employee is exposed
to an airborne concentration of cadmium in excess of five micrograms per
cubic meter of air (5 ug/m(3)), calculated as an eight-hour time-weighted
average exposure (TWA).
(d) "Exposure monitoring - (1) "General." (i) Each employer who has a
workplace or work operation covered by this section shall determine if any
employee may be exposed to cadmium at or above the action level.
(ii) Determinations of employee exposure shall be made from breathing zone
air samples that reflect the monitored employee's regular, daily 8-hour TWA
exposure to cadmium.
(iii) Eight-hour TWA exposures shall be determined for each employee on the
basis of one or more personal breathing zone air samples reflecting full
shift exposure on each shift, for each job classification, in each work area.
Where several employees perform the same job tasks, in the same job
classification, on the same shift, in the same work area, and the length,
duration, and level of cadmium exposures are similar, an employer may sample
a representative fraction of the employees instead of all employees in order
to meet this requirement. In representative sampling, the employer shall
sample the employee(s) expected to have the highest cadmium exposures.
(2) "Specific." (i) Initial monitoring. Except as provided for in paragraphs
(d)(2)(ii) and (d)(2)(iii) of this section, the employer shall monitor
employee exposures and shall base initial determinations on the monitoring
(ii) Where the employer has monitored after September 14, 1991, under
conditions that in all important aspects closely resemble those currently
prevailing and where that monitoring satisfies all other requirements of this
section, including the accuracy and confidence levels of paragraph (d)(6) of
this section, the employer may rely on such earlier monitoring results to
satisfy the requirements of paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.
(iii) Where the employer has objective data, as defined in paragraph (n)(2)
of this section, demonstrating that employee exposure to cadmium will not
exceed the action level under the expected conditions of processing, use, or
handling, the employer may rely upon such data instead of implementing
initial monitoring. (3) "Monitoring Frequency (periodic monitoring)." (i)
If the initial monitoring or periodic monitoring reveals employee exposures
to be at or above the action level, the employer shall monitor at a frequency
and pattern needed to represent the levels of exposure of employees and where
exposures are above the PEL to assure the adequacy of respiratory selection
and the effectiveness of engineering and work practice controls. However,
such exposure monitoring shall be performed at least every six months. The
employer, at a minimum, shall continue these semi-annual measurements unless
and until the conditions set out in paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of this section are
(ii) If the initial monitoring or the periodic monitoring indicates that
employee exposures are below the action level and that result is confirmed by
the results of another monitoring taken at least seven days later, the
employer may discontinue the monitoring for those employees whose exposures
are represented by such monitoring.
(4) "Additional monitoring." The employer also shall institute the exposure
monitoring required under paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (d)(3) of this section
whenever there has been a change in the raw materials, equipment, personnel,
work practices, or finished products that may result in additional employees
being exposed to cadmium at or above the action level or in employees already
exposed to cadmium at or above the action level being exposed above the PEL,
or whenever the employer has any reason to suspect that any other change
might result in such further exposure.
(5) "Employee notification of monitoring results." (i) Within 15 working
days after the receipt of the results of any monitoring performed under this
section, the employer shall notify each affected employee individually in
writing of the results. In addition, within the same time period the employer
shall post the results of the exposure monitoring in an appropriate location
that is accessible to all affected employees.
(ii) Wherever monitoring results indicate that employee exposure exceeds the
PEL, the employer shall include in the written notice a statement that the
PEL has been exceeded and a description of the corrective action being taken
by the employer to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL.
(6) "Accuracy of measurement." The employer shall use a method of monitoring
and analysis that has an accuracy of not less than plus or minus 25 percent
(+ or - 25%), with a confidence level of 95 percent, for airborne
concentrations of cadmium at or above the action level, the permissible
exposure limit (PEL), and the separate engineering control air limit (SECAL).
(e) "Regulated areas - (1) "Establishment." The employer shall establish a
regulated area wherever an employee's exposure to airborne concentrations of
cadmium is, or can reasonably be expected to be in excess of the permissible
exposure limit (PEL).
(2) "Demarcation." Regulated areas shall be demarcated from the rest of the
workplace in any manner that adequately establishes and alerts employees of
the boundaries of the regulated area.
(3) "Access." Access to regulated areas shall be limited to authorized
(4) "Provision of respirators." Each person entering a regulated area shall
be supplied with and required to use a respirator, selected in accordance
with paragraph (g)(2) of this section.
(5) "Prohibited activities." The employer shall assure that employees do not
eat, drink, smoke, chew tobacco or gum, or apply cosmetics in regulated
areas, carry the products associated with these activities into regulated
areas, or store such products in those areas.
(f) "Methods of compliance" - (1) "Compliance hierarchy." (i) Except as
specified in paragraphs (f)(1)(ii), (iii) and (iv) of this section the
employer shall implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and
maintain employee exposure to cadmium at or below the PEL, except to the
extent that the employer can demonstrate that such controls are not feasible.
(ii) Except as specified in paragraphs (f)(1)(iii) and (iv) of this section,
in industries where a separate engineering control air limit (SECAL) has been
specified for particular processes (See Table 1 in this paragraph
(f)(1)(ii)), the employer shall implement engineering and work practice
controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure at or below the SECAL,
except to the extent that the employer can demonstrate that such controls are
Table 1. - Separate Engineering Control Airborne Limits (SECALs) for Processes in Selected Industries SECAL Industry Process (ug/m(3) Nickel cadmium battery Plate making, plate preparation 50 All other processes.. 15 Zinc/Cadmium refining* Cadmium refining, casting, melting, oxide production, sinter plant 50 Pigment manufacture Calcine, crushing, milling, blending 50 All other processes.. 15 Stabilizers*. Cadmium oxide charging, crushing, drying, blending.. 50 Lead smelting*. Sinter plant, blast furnace, baghouse, yard area... 50 Plating*. Mechanical plating.. 15 Footnote(*) Processes in these industries that are not specified in this table must achieve the PEL using engineering controls and work practices as required in f(1)(i) (iii) The requirement to implement engineering and work practice controls to
achieve the PEL or, where applicable, the SECAL does not apply where the
employer demonstrates the following:
(B) The employee is not exposed above the PEL on 30 or more days per year
(12 consecutive months).
(iv) Wherever engineering and work practice controls are required and are
not sufficient to reduce employee exposure to or below the PEL or, where
applicable, the SECAL, the employer nonetheless shall implement such controls
to reduce exposures to the lowest levels achievable. The employer shall
supplement such controls with respiratory protection that complies with the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this section and the PEL.
(v) The employer shall not use employee rotation as a method of compliance.
(2) "Compliance program." (i) Where the PEL is exceeded, the employer shall
establish and implement a written compliance program to reduce employee
exposure to or below the PEL by means of engineering and work practice
controls, as required by paragraph (f)(1) of this section. To the extent that
engineering and work practice controls cannot reduce exposures to or below
the PEL, the employer shall include in the written compliance program the use
of appropriate respiratory protection to achieve compliance with the PEL.
(ii) Written compliance programs shall include at least the following:
(A) A description of each operation in which cadmium is emitted; e.g.,
machinery used, material processed, controls in place, crew size, employee
job responsibilities, operating procedures, and maintenance practices;
(B) A description of the specific means that will be employed to achieve
compliance, including engineering plans and studies used to determine methods
selected for controlling exposure to cadmium, as well as, where necessary,
the use of appropriate respiratory protection to achieve the PEL;
(C) A report of the technology considered in meeting the PEL;
(D) Air monitoring data that document the sources of cadmium emissions;
(E) A detailed schedule for implementation of the program, including
documentation such as copies of purchase orders for equipment, construction
contracts, etc.;
(F) A work practice program that includes items required under paragraphs
(h), (i), and (j) of this section;
(G) A written plan for emergency situations, as specified in paragraph (h)
(H) Other relevant information. (iii) The written compliance
programs shall be reviewed and updated at least annually, or more often if
necessary, to reflect significant changes in the employer's compliance
(iv) Written compliance programs shall be provided upon request for
examination and copying to affected employees, designated employee
representatives as well as to the Assistant Secretary, and the Director.
(3) "Mechanical ventilation." (i) When ventilation is used to control
exposure, measurements that demonstrate the effectiveness of the system in
controlling exposure, such as capture velocity, duct velocity, or static
pressure shall be made as necessary to maintain its effectiveness.
(ii) Measurements of the system's effectiveness in controlling exposure
shall be made as necessary within five working days of any change in
production, process, or control that might result in a significant increase
in employee exposure to cadmium.
(iii) Recirculation of air. If air from exhaust ventilation is recirculated
into the workplace, the system shall have a high efficiency filter and be
monitored to assure effectiveness.
(iv) Procedures shall be developed and implemented to minimize employee
exposure to cadmium when maintenance of ventilation systems and changing of
filters is being conducted.
(g) "Respirator protection" - (1) "General." Where respirators are required
by this section, the employer shall provide them at no cost to the employee
and shall assure that they are used in compliance with the requirements of
this section. Respirators shall be used in the following circumstances:
(i) Where exposure levels exceed the PEL, during the time period necessary
to install or implement feasible engineering and work practice controls;
(ii) In those maintenance and repair activities and during those brief or
intermittent operations where exposures exceed the PEL and engineering and
work practice controls are not feasible or are not required;
(iii) In regulated areas, as prescribed in paragraph (e) of this section;
(iv) Where the employer has implemented all feasible engineering and work
practice controls and such controls are not sufficient to reduce exposures to
or below the PEL;
(v) In emergencies;
(vi) Wherever an employee who is exposed to cadmium at or above the action
level requests a respirator;
(vii) Wherever an employee is exposed above the PEL in an industry to which
a SECAL is applicable; and
(viii) Wherever an employee is exposed to cadmium above the PEL and
engineering controls are not required under paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this
(2) "Respirator selection." (i) Where respirators are required under this
section, the employer shall select and provide the appropriate respirator as
specified in Table 2 in this paragraph (g)(2)(i). The employer shall select
respirators from among those jointly approved as acceptable protection
against cadmium dust, fume, and mist by the Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA) and by the National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) under the provisions of 30 CFR part 11.
Table 2. - Respiratory Protection for Cadmium
Airborne concentration or condition of use(a)
Required respirator type(b)
10 X or less
A half mask, air-purifying respirator equipped with a HEPA(c) filter(d)
25 X or less
A powered air-purifying respirator ("PAPR") with a loose-fitting hood or helmet equipped with a HEPA filter, or a supplied-air respirator with a loose-fitting hood or helmet facepiece operated in the continuous flow mode
50 X or less
A full facepiece air-purifying respirator equipped with a HEPA filter, or a powered air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting half mask equipped with a HEPA filter, or a supplied air respirator with a tight-fitting half mask operated in the continuous flow mode
250 X or less
A powered air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting full facepiece equipped with a HEPA filter, or a supplied-air respirator with a tight-fitting full facepiece operated in the continuous flow mode
1000 X or less
A supplied-air respirator with half mask or full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode
>1000 X or unknown concentrations
A self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode, or a supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode and equipped with an auxiliary escape type self-contained breathing apparatus operated in the pressure demand mode
A self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode Footnote(a) Concentrations expressed as multiple of the PEL
Footnote(b) Respirators assigned for higher environmental concentrations may be used at lower exposure levels. Quantitative fit testing is required for all tight-fitting air purifying respirators where airborne concentration of cadmium exceeds 10 times the TWA PEL (10X5 ug/m(3)=50 ug/m(3)). A full facepiece respirator is required when eye irritation is experienced
Footnote(c) HEPA means High Efficiency Particulate Air
Footnote(d) Fit testing, qualitative or quantitative, is required
SOURCE: Respiratory Decision Logic, NIOSH, 1987
(ii) The employer shall provide a powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
in lieu of a negative pressure respirator wherever:
(A) An employee entitled to a respirator chooses to use this type of
respirator; and
(B) This respirator will provide adequate protection to the
employee. (3) "Respirator program." (i) Where respiratory protection is
required, the employer shall institute a respirator protection program in
accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134.
(ii) The employer shall permit each employee who is required to use an air
purifying respirator to leave the regulated area to change the filter
elements or replace the respirator whenever an increase in breathing
resistance is detected and shall maintain an adequate supply of filter
(iii) The employer shall also permit each employee who is required to wear a
respirator to leave the regulated area to wash his or her face and the
respirator facepiece whenever necessary to prevent skin irritation associated
with respirator use.
(iv) If an employee exhibits difficulty in breathing while wearing a
respirator during a fit test or during use, the employer shall make available
to the employee a medical examination in accordance with paragraph (l)(6)(ii)
of this section to determine if the employee can wear a respirator while
performing the required duties.
(v) No employee shall be assigned a task requiring the use of a respirator
if, based upon his or her most recent examination, an examining physician
determines that the employee will be unable to continue to function normally
while wearing a respirator. If the physician determines the employee must be
limited in, or removed from his or her current job because of the employee's
inability to wear a respirator, the limitation or removal shall be in
accordance with paragraphs (l)(11) and (12) of this section.
(4) "Respirator fit testing." (i) The employer shall assure that the
respirator issued to the employee is fitted properly and exhibits the least
possible facepiece leakage.
(ii) For each employee wearing a tight-fitting, air purifying respirator
(either negative or positive pressure) who is exposed to airborne
concentrations of cadmium that do not exceed 10 times the PEL (10 X 5 ug/m(3)
= 50 ug/m(3)), the employer shall perform either quantitative or qualitative
fit testing at the time of initial fitting and at least annually thereafter.
If quantitative fit testing is used for a negative pressure respirator, a fit
factor that is at least 10 times the protection factor for that class of
respirators (Table 2 in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section) shall be
achieved at testing.
(iii) For each employee wearing a tight-fitting air purifying respirator
concentrations of cadmium that exceed 10 times the PEL (10 X 5 ug/m(3) = 50
ug/m(3)), the employer shall perform quantitative fit testing at the time of
initial fitting and at least annually thereafter. For negative-pressure
respirators, a fit factor that is at least 10 times the protection factor for
that class of respirators (Table 2 in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section)
shall be achieved during quantitative fit testing.
(iv) For each employee wearing a tight-fitting, supplied-air respirator or
self-contained breathing apparatus, the employer shall perform quantitative
This shall be accomplished by fit testing an air purifying respirator of
identical type facepiece, make, model, and size as the supplied air
respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus that is equipped with HEPA
filters and tested as a surrogate (substitute) in the negative pressure mode.
A fit factor that is at least 10 times the protection factor for that class
of respirators (Table 2 in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section) shall be
achieved during quantitative fit testing. A supplied-air respirator or
self-contained breathing apparatus with the same type facepiece, make, model,
and size as the air purifying respirator with which the employee passed the
quantitative fit test may then be used by that employee up to the protection
factor listed in Table 2 for that class of respirators.
(v) Fit testing shall be conducted in accordance with appendix C of this
(h) "Emergency situations." The employer shall develop and implement a
written plan for dealing with emergency situations involving substantial
releases of airborne cadmium. The plan shall include provisions for the use
of appropriate respirators and personal protective equipment. In addition,
employees not essential to correcting the emergency situation shall be
restricted from the area and normal operations halted in that area until the
emergency is abated.
(i) "Protective work clothing and equipment" - (1) "Provision and use."
If an employee is exposed to airborne cadmium above the PEL or where skin or
eye irritation is associated with cadmium exposure at any level, the employer
shall provide at no cost to the employee, and assure that the employee uses,
appropriate protective work clothing and equipment that prevents
contamination of the employee and the employee's garments. Protective work
clothing and equipment includes, but is not limited to:
(iii) Face shields, vented goggles, or other appropriate protective
equipment that complies with 29 CFR 1910.133.
(2) "Removal and storage." (i) The employer shall assure that employees
remove all protective clothing and equipment contaminated with cadmium at the
completion of the work shift and do so only in change rooms provided in
accordance with paragraph (j)(1) of this section.
(ii) The employer shall assure that no employee takes cadmium-contaminated
protective clothing or equipment from the workplace, except for employees
authorized to do so for purposes of laundering, cleaning, maintaining, or
disposing of cadmium contaminated protective clothing and equipment at an
appropriate location or facility away from the workplace.
(iii) The employer shall assure that contaminated protective clothing and
equipment, when removed for laundering, cleaning, maintenance, or disposal,
is placed and stored in sealed, impermeable bags or other closed, impermeable
containers that are designed to prevent dispersion of cadmium dust.
(iv) The employer shall assure that bags or containers of contaminated
protective clothing and equipment that are to be taken out of the change
rooms or the workplace for laundering, cleaning, maintenance or disposal
shall bear labels in accordance with paragraph (m)(3) of this section.
(3) "Cleaning, replacement, and disposal." (i) The employer shall provide
the protective clothing and equipment required by paragraph (i)(1) of this
section in a clean and dry condition as often as necessary to maintain its
effectiveness, but in any event at least weekly. The employer is responsible
for cleaning and laundering the protective clothing and equipment required by
this paragraph to maintain its effectiveness and is also responsible for
disposing of such clothing and equipment.
(ii) The employer also is responsible for repairing or replacing required
protective clothing and equipment as needed to maintain its effectiveness.
When rips or tears are detected while an employee is working they shall be
immediately mended, or the worksuit shall be immediately replaced.
(iii) The employer shall prohibit the removal of cadmium from protective
clothing and equipment by blowing, shaking, or any other means that disperses
cadmium into the air.
(iv) The employer shall assure that any laundering of contaminated clothing
or cleaning of contaminated equipment in the workplace is done in a manner
that prevents the release of airborne cadmium in excess of the permissible
exposure limit prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section.
(v) The employer shall inform any person who launders or cleans protective
clothing or equipment contaminated with cadmium of the potentially harmful
effects of exposure to cadmium and that the clothing and equipment should be
laundered or cleaned in a manner to effectively prevent the release of
airborne cadmium in excess of the PEL.
(j) "Hygiene areas and practices" - (1) "General." For employees whose
airborne exposure to cadmium is above the PEL, the employer shall provide
clean change rooms, handwashing facilities, showers, and lunchroom facilities
that comply with 29 CFR 1910.141.
(2) "Change rooms." The employer shall assure that change rooms are equipped
with separate storage facilities for street clothes and for protective
clothing and equipment, which are designed to prevent dispersion of cadmium
and contamination of the employee's street clothes.
(3) "Showers and handwashing facilities." (i) The employer shall assure that
employees who are exposed to cadmium above the PEL shower during the end of
(ii) The employer shall assure that employees whose airborne exposure to
cadmium is above the PEL wash their hands and faces prior to eating,
drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco or gum, or applying cosmetics.
(4) "Lunchroom facilities." (i) The employer shall assure that the lunchroom
facilities are readily accessible to employees, that tables for eating are
maintained free of cadmium, and that no employee in a lunchroom facility is
exposed at any time to cadmium at or above a concentration of 2.5 ug/m(3).
(ii) The employer shall assure that employees do not enter lunchroom
facilities with protective work clothing or equipment unless surface cadmium
has been removed from the clothing and equipment by HEPA vacuuming or some
other method that removes cadmium dust without dispersing it.
(k) "Housekeeping." (1) All surfaces shall be maintained as free as
practicable of accumulations of cadmium.
(2) All spills and sudden releases of material containing cadmium shall be
cleaned up as soon as possible.
(3) Surfaces contaminated with cadmium shall, wherever possible, be cleaned
by vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of cadmium
(4) HEPA-filtered vacuuming equipment or equally effective filtration
methods shall be used for vacuuming. The equipment shall be used and emptied
in a manner that minimizes the reentry of cadmium into the workplace.
(5) Shoveling, dry or wet sweeping, and brushing may be used only where
vacuuming or other methods that minimize the likelihood of cadmium becoming
airborne have been tried and found not to be effective.
(6) Compressed air shall not be used to remove cadmium from any surface
unless the compressed air is used in conjunction with a ventilation system
designed to capture the dust cloud created by the compressed air.
(7) Waste, scrap, debris, bags, containers, personal protective equipment,
and clothing contaminated with cadmium and consigned for disposal shall be
collected and disposed of in sealed impermeable bags or other closed,
impermeable containers. These bags and containers shall be labeled in
accordance with paragraph (m)(2) of this section.
(l) "Medical surveillance" - (1) "General" - (i) "Scope." (A) Currently
exposed - The employer shall institute a medical surveillance program for all
employees who are or may be exposed to cadmium at or above the action level
unless the employer demonstrates that the employee is not, and will not be,
exposed at or above the action level on 30 or more days per year (twelve
consecutive months); and, (B) Previously exposed - The employer shall also
institute a medical surveillance program for all employees who prior to the
effective date of this section might previously have been exposed to cadmium
at or above the action level by the employer, unless the employer
demonstrates that the employee did not prior to the effective date of this
section work for the employer in jobs with exposure to cadmium for an
aggregated total of more than 60 months.
(ii) To determine an employee's fitness for using a respirator, the employer
shall provide the limited medical examination specified in paragraph (l)(6)
(iii) The employer shall assure that all medical examinations and procedures
required by this standard are performed by or under the supervision of a
licensed physician, who has read and is familiar with the health effects
section of appendix A to this section, the regulatory text of this section,
the protocol for sample handling and laboratory selection in appendix F to
this section, and the questionnaire of appendix D to this section. These
examinations and procedures shall be provided without cost to the employee
and at a time and place that is reasonable and convenient to employees.
(iv) The employer shall assure that the collecting and handling of
biological samples of cadmium in urine (CdU), cadmium in blood (CdB), and
beta-2 microglobulin in urine (B(2)-M) taken from employees under this
section is done in a manner that assures their reliability and that analysis
of biological samples of cadmium in urine (CdU), cadmium in blood (CdB), and
section is performed in laboratories with demonstrated proficiency for that
particular analyte. (See appendix F to this section.) (2) "Initial
examination." (i) The employer shall provide an initial (preplacement)
examination to all employees covered by the medical surveillance program
required in paragraph (l)(1)(i) of this section. The examination shall be
provided to those employees within 30 days after initial assignment to a job
with exposure to cadmium or no later than 90 days after the effective date of
this section, whichever date is later.
(ii) The initial (preplacement) medical examination shall include:
(A) A detailed medical and work history, with emphasis on: Past, present,
and anticipated future exposure to cadmium; any history of renal,
cardiovascular, respiratory, hematopoietic, reproductive, and/or
musculo-skeletal system dysfunction; current usage of medication with
potential nephrotoxic side-effects; and smoking history and current status;
(2) Beta-2 microglobulin in urine (B(2)-M), standardized to grams of
creatinine (g/Cr), with pH specified, as described in appendix F to this
(3) Cadmium in blood (CdB), standardized to liters of whole blood
(lwb). (iii) Recent Examination: An initial examination is not required to be
provided if adequate records show that the employee has been examined in
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (l)(2)(ii) of this section
within the past 12 months. In that case, such records shall be maintained as
part of the employee's medical record and the prior exam shall be treated as
if it were an initial examination for the purposes of paragraphs (l)(3) and
(3) "Actions triggered by initial biological monitoring." (i) If the results
of the initial biological monitoring tests show the employee's CdU level to
be at or below 3 ug/g Cr, B(2)-M level to be at or below 300 ug/g Cr and CdB
level to be at or below 5 ug/lwb, then:
(A) For currently exposed employees, who are subject to medical surveillance
under paragraph (l)(1)(i)(A) of this section, the employer shall provide the
minimum level of periodic medical surveillance in accordance with the
requirements in paragraph (l)(4)(i) of this section; and (B) For previously
exposed employees, who are subject to medical surveillance under paragraph
(l)(1)(i)(B) of this section, the employer shall provide biological
monitoring for CdU, B(2)-M, and CdB one year after the initial biological
monitoring and then the employer shall comply with the requirements of
paragraph (l)(4)(v) of this section.
(ii) For all employees who are subject to medical surveillance under
paragraph (l)(1)(i) of this section, if the results of the initial biological
monitoring tests show the level of CdU to exceed 3 ug/g Cr, the level of
B(2)-M to exceed 300 ug/g Cr, or the level of CdB to exceed 5 ug/lwb, the
(A) Within two weeks after receipt of biological monitoring results,
reassess the employee's occupational exposure to cadmium as follows:
(2) Reevaluate the employee's respirator use, if any, and the respirator
(4) Reevaluate the maintenance and effectiveness of the relevant engineering
(B) Within 30 days after the exposure reassessment, specified in paragraph
(l)(3)(ii)(A) of this section, take reasonable steps to correct any
deficiencies found in the reassessment that may be responsible for the
employee's excess exposure to cadmium; and, (C) Within 90 days after receipt
of biological monitoring results, provide a full medical examination to the
employee in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (l)(4)(ii) of this
section. After completing the medical examination, the examining physician
shall determine in a written medical opinion whether to medically remove the
employee. If the physician determines that medical removal is not necessary,
then until the employee's CdU level falls to or below 3 ug/g Cr, B(2)-M level
falls to or below 300 ug/g Cr and CdB level falls to or below 5 ug/lwb, the
(1) Provide biological monitoring in accordance with paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(B)
of this section on a semiannual basis; and
(2) Provide annual medical examinations in accordance with paragraph
(l)(4)(ii) of this section.
(iii) For all employees who are subject to medical surveillance under
monitoring tests show the level of CdU to be in excess of 15 ug/g Cr, or the
level of CdB to be in excess of 15 ug/lwb, or the level of B(2)-M to be in
excess of 1,500 ug/g Cr, the employer shall comply with the requirements of
paragraphs (l)(3)(ii)(A)-(B) of this section. Within 90 days after receipt of
biological monitoring results, the employer shall provide a full medical
examination to the employee in accordance with the requirements of paragraph
(l)(4)(ii) of this section. After completing the medical examination, the
examining physician shall determine in a written medical opinion whether to
medically remove the employee. However, if the initial biological monitoring
results and the biological monitoring results obtained during the medical
examination both show that: CdU exceeds 15 ug/g Cr; or CdB exceeds 15 ug/lwb;
or B(2)-M exceeds 1500 ug/g Cr, and in addition CdU exceeds 3 ug/g Cr or CdB
exceeds 5 ug/liter of whole blood, then the physician shall medically remove
the employee from exposure to cadmium at or above the action level. If the
second set of biological monitoring results obtained during the medical
examination does not show that a mandatory removal trigger level has been
exceeded, then the employee is not required to be removed by the mandatory
provisions of this paragraph. If the employee is not required to be removed
by the mandatory provisions of this paragraph or by the physician's
determination, then until the employee's CdU level falls to or below 3 ug/g
Cr, B(2)-M level falls to or below 300 ug/g Cr and CdB level falls to or
below 5 ug/lwb, the employer shall:
(B) Provide biological monitoring in accordance with paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(B)
of this section on a quarterly basis; and
(C) Provide semiannual medical examinations in accordance with paragraph
(iv) For all employees to whom medical surveillance is provided, beginning
on January 1, 1999, and in lieu of paragraphs (l)(3)(i)-(iii) of this
(A) If the results of the initial biological monitoring tests show the
employee's CdU level to be at or below 3 ug/g Cr, B(2)-M level to be at or
below 300 ug/g Cr and CdB level to be at or below 5 ug/lwb, then for
currently exposed employees, the employer shall comply with the requirements
of paragraph (l)(3)(i)(A) of this section, and for previously exposed
employees, the employer shall comply with the requirements of paragraph
(l)(3)(i)(B) of this section;
(B) If the results of the initial biological monitoring tests show the level
of CdU to exceed 3 ug/g Cr, the level of B(2)-M to exceed 300 ug/g Cr, or the
level of CdB to exceed 5 ug/lwb, the employer shall comply with the
requirements of paragraphs (l)(3)(ii)(A)-(C) of this section; and, (C) If the
results of the initial biological monitoring tests show the level of CdU to
be in excess of 7 ug/g Cr, or the level of CdB to be in excess of 10 ug/lwb,
or the level of B(2)-M to be in excess of 750 ug/g Cr, the employer shall:
Comply with the requirements of paragraphs (l)(3)(ii)(A)-(B) of this section;
and, within 90 days after receipt of biological monitoring results, provide a
full medical examination to the employee in accordance with the requirements
of paragraph (l)(4)(ii) of this section. After completing the medical
examination, the examining physician shall determine in a written medical
opinion whether to medically remove the employee. However, if the initial
biological monitoring results and the biological monitoring results obtained
during the medical examination both show that: CdU exceeds 7 ug/g Cr; or CdB
exceeds 10 ug/lwb; or B(2)-M exceeds 750 ug/g Cr, and in addition CdU exceeds
3 ug/g Cr or CdB exceeds 5 ug/liter of whole blood, then the physician shall
medically remove the employee from exposure to cadmium at or above the action
level. If the second set of biological monitoring results obtained during the
medical examination does not show that a mandatory removal trigger level has
been exceeded, then the employee is not required to be removed by the
mandatory provisions of this paragraph. If the employee is not required to be
removed by the mandatory provisions of this paragraph or by the physician's
below 5 ug/lwb, the employer shall: periodically reassess the employee's
occupational exposure to cadmium; provide biological monitoring in accordance
with paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(B) of this section on a quarterly basis; and
provide semiannual medical examinations in accordance with paragraph
(4) "Periodic medical surveillance." (i) For each employee who is covered
under paragraph (l)(1)(i)(A) of this section, the employer shall provide at
least the minimum level of periodic medical surveillance, which consists of
periodic medical examinations and periodic biological monitoring. A periodic
medical examination shall be provided within one year after the initial
examination required by paragraph (l)(2) of this section and thereafter at
least biennially. Biological sampling shall be provided at least annually,
either as part of a periodic medical examination or separately as periodic
(ii) The periodic medical examination shall include:
(A) A detailed medical and work history, or update thereof, with emphasis
on: Past, present and anticipated future exposure to cadmium; smoking history
and current status; reproductive history; current use of medications with
potential nephrotoxic side-effects; any history of renal, cardiovascular,
respiratory, hematopoietic, and/or musculo-skeletal system dysfunction; and
as part of the medical and work history, for employees who wear respirators,
questions 3-11 and 25-32 in Appendix D to this section;
(B) A complete physical examination with emphasis on: Blood pressure, the
respiratory system, and the urinary system;
(C) A 14 inch by 17 inch, or a reasonably standard sized posterior-anterior
chest X-ray (after the initial X-ray, the frequency of chest X-rays is to be
determined by the examining physician);
(D) Pulmonary function tests, including forced vital capacity (FVC) and
forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV(1));
(E) Biological monitoring, as required in paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(B) of this
(F) Blood analysis, in addition to the analysis required under paragraph
(l)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, including blood urea nitrogen, complete blood
count, and serum creatinine;
(G) Urinalysis, in addition to the analysis required under paragraph
(l)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, including the determination of albumin,
glucose, and total and low molecular weight proteins;
(H) For males over 40 years old, prostate palpation, or other at least as
effective diagnostic test(s); and
(I) Any additional tests deemed appropriate by the examining
physician. (iii) Periodic biological monitoring shall be provided in
accordance with paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(B) of this section.
(iv) If the results of periodic biological monitoring or the results of
biological monitoring performed as part of the periodic medical examination
show the level of the employee's CdU, B(2)-M, or CdB to be in excess of the
levels specified in paragraphs (l)(3)(ii) or (iii); or, beginning on January
1, 1999, in excess of the levels specified in paragraphs (l)(3)(ii) or (iv)
of this section, the employer shall take the appropriate actions specified in
paragraphs (l)(3)(ii)-(iv) of this section.
(v) For previously exposed employees under paragraph (l)(1)(i)(B) of this
(A) If the employee's levels of CdU did not exceed 3 ug/g Cr, CdB did not
exceed 5 ug/lwb, and B(2)-M did not exceed 300 ug/g Cr in the initial
biological monitoring tests, and if the results of the followup biological
monitoring required by paragraph (l)(3)(i)(B) of this section one year after
the initial examination confirm the previous results, the employer may
discontinue all periodic medical surveillance for that employee.
(B) If the initial biological monitoring results for CdU, CdB, or B(2)-M
were in excess of the levels specified in paragraph (l)(3)(i) of this
section, but subsequent biological monitoring results required by paragraph
(l)(3)(ii)-(iv) of this section show that the employee's CdU levels no longer
exceed 3 ug/g Cr, CdB levels no longer exceed 5 ug/lwb, and B(2)-M levels no
longer exceed 300 ug/g Cr, the employer shall provide biological monitoring
for CdU, CdB, and B(2)-M one year after these most recent biological
monitoring results. If the results of the followup biological monitoring,
specified in this paragraph, confirm the previous results, the employer may
(C) However, if the results of the follow-up tests specified in paragraph
(l)(4)(v)(A) or (B) of this section indicate that the level of the employee's
CdU, B(2)-M, or CdB exceeds these same levels, the employer is required to
provide annual medical examinations in accordance with the provisions of
paragraph (l)(4)(ii) of this section until the results of biological
monitoring are consistently below these levels or the examining physician
determines in a written medical opinion that further medical surveillance is
not required to protect the employee's health.
(vi) A routine, biennial medical examination is not required to be provided
in accordance with paragraphs (l)(3)(i) and (l)(4) of this section if
adequate medical records show that the employee has been examined in
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (l)(4)(ii) of this section
within the past 12 months. In that case, such records shall be maintained by
the employer as part of the employee's medical record, and the next routine,
periodic medical examination shall be made available to the employee within
two years of the previous examination.
(5) "Actions triggered by medical examinations." (i) If the results of a
medical examination carried out in accordance with this section indicate any
laboratory or clinical finding consistent with cadmium toxicity that does not
require employer action under paragraph (l)(2), (3) or (4) of this section,
the employer, within 30 days, shall reassess the employee's occupational
exposure to cadmium and take the following corrective action until the
physician determines they are no longer necessary:
(A) Periodically reassess: The employee's work practices and personal
hygiene; the employee's respirator use, if any; the employee's smoking
history and status; the respiratory protection program; the hygiene
facilities; and the maintenance and effectiveness of the relevant engineering
(B) Within 30 days after the reassessment, take all reasonable steps to
correct the deficiencies found in the reassessment that may be responsible
for the employee's excess exposure to cadmium;
(C) Provide semiannual medical reexaminations to evaluate the abnormal
clinical sign(s) of cadmium toxicity until the results are normal or the
employee is medically removed; and
(D) Where the results of tests for total proteins in urine are abnormal,
provide a more detailed medical evaluation of the toxic effects of cadmium on
the employee's renal system.
(6) "Examination for respirator use." (i) To determine an employee's fitness
for respirator use, the employer shall provide a medical examination that
includes the elements specified in paragraph (l)(6)(i)(A)-(D) of this
section. This examination shall be provided prior to the employee's being
assigned to a job that requires the use of a respirator or no later than 90
days after this section goes into effect, whichever date is later, to any
employee without a medical examination within the preceding 12 months that
satisfies the requirements of this paragraph.
on: Past exposure to cadmium; smoking history and current status; any history
of renal, cardiovascular, respiratory, hematopoietic, and/or musculoskeletal
system dysfunction; a description of the job for which the respirator is
required; and questions 3-11 and 25-32 in appendix D to this section;
(C) Biological monitoring of the employee's levels of CdU, CdB and B(2)-M in
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (l)(2)(ii)(B) of this section,
unless such results already have been obtained within the previous 12 months;
(D) Any other test or procedure that the examining physician deems
(ii) After reviewing all the information obtained from the medical
examination required in paragraph (l)(6)(i) of this section, the physician
shall determine whether the employee is fit to wear a respirator.
(iii) Whenever an employee has exhibited difficulty in breathing during a
respirator fit test or during use of a respirator, the employer, as soon as
possible, shall provide the employee with a periodic medical examination in
accordance with paragraph (l)(4)(ii) of this section to determine the
employee's fitness to wear a respirator.
(iv) Where the results of the examination required under paragraph
(l)(6)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section are abnormal, medical limitation or
prohibition of respirator use shall be considered. If the employee is allowed
to wear a respirator, the employee's ability to continue to do so shall be
periodically evaluated by a physician.
(7) "Emergency examinations." (i) In addition to the medical surveillance
required in paragraphs (l)(2)-(6) of this section, the employer shall provide
a medical examination as soon as possible to any employee who may have been
acutely exposed to cadmium because of an emergency.
(ii) The examination shall include the requirements of paragraph (l)(4)(ii)
of this section, with emphasis on the respiratory system, other organ systems
considered appropriate by the examining physician, and symptoms of acute
overexposure, as identified in paragraphs II (B)(1)-(2) and IV of appendix A
(8) "Termination of employment examination." (i) At termination of
employment, the employer shall provide a medical examination in accordance
with paragraph (l)(4)(ii) of this section, including a chest X-ray, to any
employee to whom at any prior time the employer was required to provide
medical surveillance under paragraphs (l)(1)(i) or (l)(7) of this section.
However, if the last examination satisfied the requirements of paragraph
(l)(4)(ii) of this section and was less than six months prior to the date of
termination, no further examination is required unless otherwise specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) or (l)(5) of this section;
(ii) However, for employees covered by paragraph (l)(1)(i)(B) of this
section, if the employer has discontinued all periodic medical surveillance
under paragraph (l)(4)(v) of this section, no termination of employment
(9) "Information provided to the physician." The employer shall provide the
following information to the examining physician:
(ii) A description of the affected employee's former, current, and
anticipated duties as they relate to the employee's occupational exposure to
(iii) The employee's former, current, and anticipated future levels of
occupational exposure to cadmium;
(iv) A description of any personal protective equipment, including
respirators, used or to be used by the employee, including when and for how
long the employee has used that equipment; and
(v) relevant results of previous biological monitoring and medical
(10) "Physician's written medical opinion." (i) The employer shall promptly
obtain a written, signed medical opinion from the examining physician for
each medical examination performed on each employee. This written opinion
(B) The physician's opinion as to whether the employee has any detected
medical condition(s) that would place the employee at increased risk of
material impairment to health from further exposure to cadmium, including any
indications of potential cadmium toxicity;
(C) The results of any biological or other testing or related evaluations
that directly assess the employee's absorption of cadmium;
(D) Any recommended removal from, or limitation on the activities or duties
of the employee or on the employee's use of personal protective equipment,
such as respirators;
(E) A statement that the physician has clearly and carefully explained to
the employee the results of the medical examination, including all biological
monitoring results and any medical conditions related to cadmium exposure
that require further evaluation or treatment, and any limitation on the
employee's diet or use of medications.
(ii) The employer promptly shall obtain a copy of the results of any
biological monitoring provided by an employer to an employee independently of
a medical examination under paragraphs (l)(2) and (l)(4) of this section,
and, in lieu of a written medical opinion, an explanation sheet explaining
(iii) The employer shall instruct the physician not to reveal orally or in
the written medical opinion given to the employer specific findings or
diagnoses unrelated to occupational exposure to cadmium.
(11) "Medical Removal Protection (MRP)" - (i) "General." (A) The employer
shall temporarily remove an employee from work where there is excess exposure
to cadmium on each occasion that medical removal is required under paragraph
(l)(3), (l)(4), or (l)(6) of this section and on each occasion that a
physician determines in a written medical opinion that the employee should be
removed from such exposure. The physician's determination may be based on
biological monitoring results, inability to wear a respirator, evidence of
illness, other signs or symptoms of cadmium-related dysfunction or disease,
or any other reason deemed medically sufficient by the physician.
(B) The employer shall medically remove an employee in accordance with
paragraph (l)(11) of this section regardless of whether at the time of
removal a job is available into which the removed employee may be
(C) Whenever an employee is medically removed under paragraph (l)(11) of
this section, the employer shall transfer the removed employee to a job where
the exposure to cadmium is within the permissible levels specified in that
paragraph as soon as one becomes available.
(D) For any employee who is medically removed under the provisions of
paragraph (l)(11)(i) of this section, the employer shall provide follow-up
biological monitoring in accordance with (l)(2)(ii)(B) of this section at
least every three months and follow-up medical examinations semi-annually at
least every six months until in a written medical opinion the examining
physician determines that either the employee may be returned to his/her
former job status as specified under paragraph (l)(11)(iv)-(v) of this
section or the employee must be permanently removed from excess cadmium
(E) The employer may not return an employee who has been medically removed
for any reason to his/her former job status until a physician determines in a
written medical opinion that continued medical removal is no longer necessary
to protect the employee's health.
(ii) Where an employee is found unfit to wear a respirator under paragraph
(l)(6)(ii) of this section, the employer shall remove the employee from work
where exposure to cadmium is above the PEL.
(iii) Where removal is based on any reason other than the employee's
inability to wear a respirator, the employer shall remove the employee from
work where exposure to cadmium is at or above the action level.
(iv) Except as specified in paragraph (l)(11)(v) of this section, no
employee who was removed because his/her level of CdU, CdB and/or B(2)-M
exceeded the medical removal trigger levels in paragraph (l)(3) or (l)(4) of
this section may be returned to work with exposure to cadmium at or above the
action level until the employee's levels of CdU fall to or below 3 ug/g Cr,
CdB falls to or below 5 ug/lwb, and B(2)-M falls to or below 300 ug/g Cr.
(v) However, when in the examining physician's opinion continued exposure to
cadmium will not pose an increased risk to the employee's health and there
are special circumstances that make continued medical removal an
inappropriate remedy, the physician shall fully discuss these matters with
the employee, and then in a written determination may return a worker to
his/her former job status despite what would otherwise be unacceptably high
biological monitoring results. Thereafter, the returned employee shall
continue to be provided with medical surveillance as if he/she were still on
medical removal until the employee's levels of CdU fall to or below 3 ug/g
Cr, CdB falls to or below 5 ug/lwb, and B(2)-M falls to or below 300 ug/g Cr.
(vi) Where an employer, although not required by paragraph (l)(11)(i)-(iii)
of this section to do so, removes an employee from exposure to cadmium or
otherwise places limitations on an employee due to the effects of cadmium
exposure on the employee's medical condition, the employer shall provide the
same medical removal protection benefits to that employee under paragraph
(l)(12) of this section as would have been provided had the removal been
required under paragraph (l)(11)(i)-(iii) of this section.
(12) "Medical Removal Protection Benefits (MRPB)." (i) The employer shall
provide MRPB for up to a maximum of 18 months to an employee each time and
while the employee is temporarily medically removed under paragraph (l)(11)
(ii) For purposes of this section, the requirement that the employer provide
MRPB means that the employer shall maintain the total normal earnings,
seniority, and all other employee rights and benefits of the removed
employee, including the employee's right to his/her former job status, as if
the employee had not been removed from the employee's job or otherwise
medically limited.
(iii) Where, after 18 months on medical removal because of elevated
biological monitoring results, the employee's monitoring results have not
declined to a low enough level to permit the employee to be returned to
his/her former job status:
(A) The employer shall make available to the employee a medical examination
pursuant to this section in order to obtain a final medical determination as
to whether the employee may be returned to his/her former job status or must
be permanently removed from excess cadmium exposure; and (B) The employer
shall assure that the final medical determination indicates whether the
employee may be returned to his/her former job status and what steps, if any,
should be taken to protect the employee's health.
(iv) The employer may condition the provision of MRPB upon the employee's
participation in medical surveillance provided in accordance with this
(13) "Multiple physician review." (i) If the employer selects the initial
physician to conduct any medical examination or consultation provided to an
employee under this section, the employee may designate a second physician
(A) Review any findings, determinations, or recommendations of the initial
(B) Conduct such examinations, consultations, and laboratory tests as the
second physician deems necessary to facilitate this review.
(ii) The employer shall promptly notify an employee of the right to seek a
second medical opinion after each occasion that an initial physician provided
by the employer conducts a medical examination or consultation pursuant to
this section. The employer may condition its participation in, and payment
for, multiple physician review upon the employee doing the following within
fifteen (15) days after receipt of this notice, or receipt of the initial
physician's written opinion, whichever is later:
(A) Informing the employer that he or she intends to seek a medical opinion;
(iii) If the findings, determinations, or recommendations of the second
physician differ from those of the initial physician, then the employer and
the employee shall assure that efforts are made for the two physicians to
resolve any disagreement.
(iv) If the two physicians have been unable to quickly resolve their
disagreement, then the employer and the employee, through their respective
physicians, shall designate a third physician to:
(A) Review any findings, determinations, or recommendations of the other two
(B) Conduct such examinations, consultations, laboratory tests, and
discussions with the other two physicians as the third physician deems
necessary to resolve the disagreement among them.
(v) The employer shall act consistently with the findings, determinations,
and recommendations of the third physician, unless the employer and the
employee reach an agreement that is consistent with the recommendations of at
least one of the other two physicians.
(14) "Alternate physician determination." The employer and an employee or
designated employee representative may agree upon the use of any alternate
form of physician determination in lieu of the multiple physician review
provided by paragraph (l)(13) of this section, so long as the alternative is
expeditious and at least as protective of the employee.
(15) "Information the employer must provide the employee." (i) The employer
shall provide a copy of the physician's written medical opinion to the
examined employee within two weeks after receipt thereof.
(ii) The employer shall provide the employee with a copy of the employee's
biological monitoring results and an explanation sheet explaining the results
within two weeks after receipt thereof.
(iii) Within 30 days after a request by an employee, the employer shall
provide the employee with the information the employer is required to provide
the examining physician under paragraph (l)(9) of this section.
(16) "Reporting." In addition to other medical events that are required to
be reported on the OSHA Form No. 200, the employer shall report any abnormal
condition or disorder caused by occupational exposure to cadmium associated
with employment as specified in Chapter (V)(E) of the Reporting Guidelines
for Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.
(m) "Communication of cadmium hazards to employees" - (1) "General." In
communications concerning cadmium hazards, employers shall comply with the
requirements of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200,
including but not limited to the requirements concerning warning signs and
labels, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and employee information and
training. In addition, employers shall comply with the following
(2) "Warning signs." (i) Warning signs shall be provided and displayed in
regulated areas. In addition, warning signs shall be posted at all approaches
to regulated areas so that an employee may read the signs and take necessary
protective steps before entering the area.
(ii) Warning signs required by paragraph (m)(2)(i) of this section shall
bear the following information:
DANGER CADMIUM CANCER HAZARD CAN CAUSE LUNG AND KIDNEY DISEASE AUTHORIZED
PERSONNEL ONLY RESPIRATORS REQUIRED IN THIS AREA
(iii) The employer shall assure that signs required by this paragraph are
illuminated, cleaned, and maintained as necessary so that the legend is
(3) "Warning labels." (i) Shipping and storage containers containing
cadmium, cadmium compounds, or cadmium contaminated clothing, equipment,
waste, scrap, or debris shall bear appropriate warning labels, as specified
in paragraph (m)(3)(ii) of this section.
(ii) The warning labels shall include at least the following information:
DANGER CONTAINS CADMIUM CANCER HAZARD AVOID CREATING DUST CAN CAUSE LUNG AND
(iii) Where feasible, installed cadmium products shall have a visible label
or other indication that cadmium is present.
(4) "Employee information and training." (i) The employer shall institute a
training program for all employees who are potentially exposed to cadmium,
assure employee participation in the program, and maintain a record of the
contents of such program.
(ii) Training shall be provided prior to or at the time of initial
assignment to a job involving potential exposure to cadmium and at least
(iii) The employer shall make the training program understandable to the
employee and shall assure that each employee is informed of the following:
(A) The health hazards associated with cadmium exposure, with special
attention to the information incorporated in appendix A to this section;
(B) The quantity, location, manner of use, release, and storage of cadmium
in the workplace and the specific nature of operations that could result in
exposure to cadmium, especially exposures above the PEL;
(C) The engineering controls and work practices associated with the
employee's job assignment;
(D) The measures employees can take to protect themselves from exposure to
cadmium, including modification of such habits as smoking and personal
hygiene, and specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect
employees from exposure to cadmium such as appropriate work practices,
emergency procedures, and the provision of personal protective equipment;
(E) The purpose, proper selection, fitting, proper use, and limitations of
respirators and protective clothing;
(F) The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program
required by paragraph (l) of this section;
(H) The employee's rights of access to records under 1915.1120(e) and (g).
(A) The employer shall make a copy of this section and its appendices
readily available without cost to all affected employees and shall provide a
copy if requested.
(B) The employer shall provide to the Assistant Secretary or the Director,
upon request, all materials relating to the employee information and the
(n) "Recordkeeping" - (1) "Exposure monitoring." (i) The employer shall
establish and keep an accurate record of all air monitoring for cadmium in
(A) The monitoring date, duration, and results in terms of an 8-hour TWA of
each sample taken;
(B) The name, social security number, and job classification of the
employees monitored and of all other employees whose exposures the monitoring
is intended to represent;
(C) A description of the sampling and analytical methods used and evidence
of their accuracy;
(D) The type of respiratory protective device, if any, worn by the monitored
(E) A notation of any other conditions that might have affected the
(iii) The employer shall maintain this record for at least thirty (30)
years, in accordance with 1915.1120 of this part.
(2) "Objective data for exemption from requirement for initial monitoring."
(i) For purposes of this section, objective data are information
demonstrating that a particular product or material containing cadmium or a
specific process, operation, or activity involving cadmium cannot release
dust or fumes in concentrations at or above the action level even under the
worst-case release conditions. Objective data can be obtained from an
industry-wide study or from laboratory product test results from
manufacturers of cadmium-containing products or materials. The data the
employer uses from an industry-wide survey must be obtained under workplace
conditions closely resembling the processes, types of material, control
methods, work practices and environmental conditions in the employer's
(ii) The employer shall establish and maintain a record of the objective
data for at least 30 years.
(3) "Medical surveillance." (i) The employer shall establish and maintain an
accurate record for each employee covered by medical surveillance under
paragraph (l)(1)(i) of this section.
(ii) The record shall include at least the following information about the
(A) Name, social security number, and description of the duties;
(B) A copy of the physician's written opinions and an explanation sheet for
biological monitoring results;
(C) A copy of the medical history, and the results of any physical
examination and all test results that are required to be provided by this
section, including biological tests, X-rays, pulmonary function tests, etc.,
or that have been obtained to further evaluate any condition that might be
related to cadmium exposure;
(D) The employee's medical symptoms that might be related to exposure to
(E) A copy of the information provided to the physician as required by
paragraph (l)(9)(ii)-(v) of this section.
(iii) The employer shall assure that this record is maintained for the
duration of employment plus thirty (30) years, in accordance with 1915.1120
(4) "Training." The employer shall certify that employees have been trained
by preparing a certification record which includes the identity of the person
trained, the signature of the employer or the person who conducted the
training, and the date the training was completed. The certification records
shall be prepared at the completion of training and shall be maintained on
file for one (1) year beyond the date of training of that employee.
(5) "Availability." (i) Except as otherwise provided for in this section,
access to all records required to be maintained by paragraphs (n)(1)-(4) of
this section shall be in accordance with the provisions of 1915.1120 of this
(ii) Within 15 days after a request, the employer shall make an employee's
medical records required to be kept by paragraph (n)(3) of this section
available for examination and copying to the subject employee, to designated
representatives, to anyone having the specific written consent of the subject
employee, and after the employee's death or incapacitation, to the employee's
(6) "Transfer of records." Whenever an employer ceases to do business and
there is no successor employer to receive and retain records for the
prescribed period or the employer intends to dispose of any records required
to be preserved for at least 30 years, the employer shall comply with the
requirements concerning transfer of records set forth in 1915.1120(h) of this
(o) "Observation of monitoring" - (1) "Employee observation." The employer
shall provide affected employees or their designated representatives an
opportunity to observe any monitoring of employee exposure to cadmium.
(2) "Observation procedures." When observation of monitoring requires entry
into an area where the use of protective clothing or equipment is required,
the employer shall provide the observer with that clothing and equipment and
shall assure that the observer uses such clothing and equipment and complies
with all other applicable safety and health procedures.
(p) "Dates" - (1) "Effective date." This section shall become effective
(2) "Start-up dates." All obligations of this section commence on the
effective date except as follows:
(i) "Exposure monitoring." Except for small businesses (nineteen (19) or
fewer employees), initial monitoring required by paragraph (d)(2) of this
section shall be completed as soon as possible and in any event no later than
February 12, 1993. For small businesses, initial monitoring required by
paragraph (d)(2) of this section shall be completed as soon as possible and
in any event no later than April 14, 1993.
(ii) "Regulated areas." Except for small business, defined under paragraph
(p)(2)(i) of this section, regulated areas required to be established by
paragraph (e) of this section shall be set up as soon as possible after the
results of exposure monitoring are known and in any event no later than March
15, 1993. For small businesses, regulated areas required to be established by
results of exposure monitoring are known and in any event no later than May
(iii) "Respiratory protection." Except for small businesses, defined under
paragraph (p)(2)(i) of this section, respiratory protection required by
paragraph (g) of this section shall be provided as soon as possible and in
any event no later than 90 days after the effective date of this section. For
small businesses, respiratory protection required by paragraph (g) of this
section shall be provided as soon as possible and in any event no later than
(iv) "Compliance program." Written compliance programs required by paragraph
(f)(2) of this section shall be completed and available for inspection and
copying as soon as possible and in any event no later than December 14, 1993.
(v) "Methods of compliance." The engineering controls required by paragraph
(f)(1) of this section shall be implemented as soon as possible and in any
event no later than December 14, 1994. Work practice controls shall be
implemented as soon as possible. Work practice controls that are directly
related to engineering controls to be implemented in accordance with the
compliance plan shall be implemented as soon as possible after such
engineering controls are implemented.
(vi) "Hygiene and lunchroom facilities." (A) Handwashing facilities,
permanent or temporary, shall be provided in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.141
(d)(1) and (2) as soon as possible and in any event no later than February
(B) Change rooms, showers, and lunchroom facilities shall be completed as
soon as possible and in any event no later than December 14, 1993.
(vii) "Employee information and training." Except for small businesses,
defined under paragraph (p)(2)(i) of this section, employee information and
training required by paragraph (m)(4) of this section shall be provided as
soon as possible and in any event no later than March 15, 1993. For small
businesses, employee information and training required by paragraph (m)(4) of
this standard shall be provided as soon as possible and in any event no later
than June 14, 1993.
(viii) "Medical surveillance." Except for small businesses, defined under
paragraph (p)(2)(i) of this section, initial medical examinations required by
paragraph (l) of this section shall be provided as soon as possible and in
any event no later than March 15, 1993. For small businesses, initial medical
examinations required by paragraph (l) of this section shall be provided as
soon as possible and in any event no later than June 14, 1993.
(q) "Appendices." (1) Appendix C to this section is incorporated as part of
this section, and compliance with its contents is mandatory.
(2) Except where portions of appendices A, B, D, E, and F to this section
are expressly incorporated in requirements of this section, these appendices
are purely informational and are not intended to create any additional
obligations not otherwise imposed or to detract from any existing
Appendix A to 1915.1027 - Substance Safety Data Sheet
A. Substance: Cadmium. B. 8-Hour, Time-weighted-average, Permissible
Exposure Limit (TWA PEL): 1. TWA PEL: Five micrograms of cadmium per cubic
meter of air 5 ug/m(3), time-weighted average (TWA) for an 8-hour
C. Appearance: Cadmium metal - soft, blue-white, malleable, lustrous metal
or grayish-white powder. Some cadmium compounds may also appear as a brown,
yellow, or red powdery substance.
A. Routes of Exposure. Cadmium can cause local skin or eye irritation.
Cadmium can affect your health if you inhale it or if you swallow it.
B. Effects of Overexposure. 1. Short-term (acute) exposure: Cadmium
is much more dangerous by inhalation than by ingestion. High exposures to
cadmium that may be immediately dangerous to life or health occur in jobs
where workers handle large quantities of cadmium dust or fume; heat
cadmium-containing compounds or cadmium-coated surfaces; weld with cadmium
solders or cut cadmium-containing materials such as bolts.
2. Severe exposure may occur before symptoms appear. Early symptoms may
include mild irritation of the upper respiratory tract, a sensation of
constriction of the throat, a metallic taste and/or a cough. A period of 1-10
hours may precede the onset of rapidly progressing shortness of breath, chest
pain, and flu-like symptoms with weakness, fever, headache, chills, sweating
and muscular pain. Acute pulmonary edema usually develops within 24 hours and
reaches a maximum by three days. If death from asphyxia does not occur,
symptoms may resolve within a week.
3. Long-term (chronic) exposure. Repeated or long-term exposure to cadmium,
even at relatively low concentrations, may result in kidney damage and an
increased risk of cancer of the lung and of the prostate.
C. Emergency First Aid Procedures. 1. Eye exposure: Direct contact
may cause redness or pain. Wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water,
lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical attention
2. Skin exposure: Direct contact may result in irritation. Remove
contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. Wash affected area with soap or
mild detergent and large amounts of water. Get medical attention immediately.
3. Ingestion: Ingestion may result in vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea,
diarrhea, headache and sore throat. Treatment for symptoms must be
administered by medical personnel. Under no circumstances should the employer
allow any person whom he retains, employs, supervises or controls to engage
in therapeutic chelation. Such treatment is likely to translocate cadmium
from pulmonary or other tissue to renal tissue. Get medical attention
4. Inhalation: If large amounts of cadmium are inhaled, the exposed person
must be moved to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform
cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Administer oxygen if available. Keep the
affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention immediately.
5. Rescue: Move the affected person from the hazardous exposure. If the
exposed person has been overcome, attempt rescue only after notifying at
least one other person of the emergency and putting into effect established
emergency procedures. Do not become a casualty yourself. Understand your
emergency rescue procedures and know the location of the emergency equipment
A. Protective Clothing and Equipment. 1. Respirators: You may be
required to wear a respirator for non-routine activities; in emergencies;
while your employer is in the process of reducing cadmium exposures through
engineering controls; and where engineering controls are not feasible. If
respirators are worn in the future, they must have a joint Mine Safety and
Health Administration (MSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) label of approval. Cadmium does not have a detectable odor
except at levels well above the permissible exposure limits. If you can smell
cadmium while wearing a respirator, proceed immediately to fresh air. If you
experience difficulty breathing while wearing a respirator, tell your
2. Protective Clothing: You may be required to wear impermeable clothing,
gloves, foot gear, a face shield, or other appropriate protective clothing to
prevent skin contact with cadmium. Where protective clothing is required,
your employer must provide clean garments to you as necessary to assure that
the clothing protects you adequately. The employer must replace or repair
protective clothing that has become torn or otherwise damaged.
3. Eye Protection: You may be required to wear splash-proof or dust
resistant goggles to prevent eye contact with cadmium.
B. Employer Requirements. 1. Medical: If you are exposed to cadmium
at or above the action level, your employer is required to provide a medical
examination, laboratory tests and a medical history according to the medical
surveillance provisions under paragraph (1) of this standard. (See summary
chart and tables in this appendix A.) These tests shall be provided without
cost to you. In addition, if you are accidentally exposed to cadmium under
conditions known or suspected to constitute toxic exposure to cadmium, your
employer is required to make special tests available to you.
2. Access to Records: All medical records are kept strictly confidential.
You or your representative are entitled to see the records of measurements of
your exposure to cadmium. Your medical examination records can be furnished
to your personal physician or designated representative upon request by you
3. Observation of Monitoring: Your employer is required to perform
measurements that are representative of your exposure to cadmium and you or
your designated representative are entitled to observe the monitoring
procedure. You are entitled to observe the steps taken in the measurement
procedure, and to record the results obtained. When the monitoring procedure
is taking place in an area where respirators or personal protective clothing
and equipment are required to be worn, you or your representative must also
be provided with, and must wear the protective clothing and equipment.
C. Employee Requirements. - You will not be able to smoke, eat, drink, chew
gum or tobacco, or apply cosmetics while working with cadmium in regulated
areas. You will also not be able to carry or store tobacco products, gum,
food, drinks or cosmetics in regulated areas because these products easily
become contaminated with cadmium from the workplace and can therefore create
another source of unnecessary cadmium exposure.
Some workers will have to change out of work clothes and shower at the end
of the day, as part of their workday, in order to wash cadmium from skin and
hair. Handwashing and cadmium-free eating facilities shall be provided by the
employer and proper hygiene should always be performed before eating. It is
also recommended that you do not smoke or use tobacco products, because among
other things, they naturally contain cadmium. For further information, read
the labeling on such products.
A. Introduction. - The medical surveillance provisions of paragraph (1)
generally are aimed at accomplishing three main interrelated purposes: First,
identifying employees at higher risk of adverse health effects from excess,
chronic exposure to cadmium; second, preventing cadmium-induced disease; and
third, detecting and minimizing existing cadmium-induced disease. The core of
medical surveillance in this standard is the early and periodic monitoring of
the employee's biological indicators of: (a) Recent exposure to cadmium; (b)
cadmium body burden; and (c) potential and actual kidney damage associated
with exposure to cadmium.
The main adverse health effects associated with cadmium overexposure are
lung cancer and kidney dysfunction. It is not yet known how to adequately
biologically monitor human beings to specifically prevent cadmium-induced
lung cancer. By contrast, the kidney can be monitored to provide prevention
and early detection of cadmium-induced kidney damage. Since, for
non-carcinogenic effects, the kidney is considered the primary target organ
of chronic exposure to cadmium, the medical surveillance provisions of this
standard effectively focus on cadmium-induced kidney disease. Within that
focus, the aim, where possible, is to prevent the onset of such disease and,
where necessary, to minimize such disease as may already exist. The
by-products of successful prevention of kidney disease are anticipated to be
the reduction and prevention of other cadmium-induced diseases.
B. Health Effects. - The major health effects associated with cadmium
overexposure are described below.
1. Kidney: The most prevalent non-malignant disease observed among workers
chronically exposed to cadmium is kidney dysfunction. Initially, such
dysfunction is manifested as proteinuria. The proteinuria associated with
cadmium exposure is most commonly characterized by excretion of low-molecular
weight proteins (15,000 to 40,000 MW) accompanied by loss of electrolytes,
uric acid, calcium, amino acids, and phosphate. The compounds commonly
excreted include: beta-2-microglobulin (B(2)-M), retinol binding protein
(RBP), immunoglobulin light chains, and lysozyme. Excretion of low molecular
weight proteins are characteristic of damage to the proximal tubules of the
kidney (Iwao et al., 1980).
It has also been observed that exposure to cadmium may lead to urinary
excretion of high-molecular weight proteins such as albumin, immunoglobulin
G, and glycoproteins (Ex. 29). Excretion of high-molecular weight proteins is
typically indicative of damage to the glomeruli of the kidney. Bernard et
al., (1979) suggest that damage to the glomeruli and damage to the proximal
tubules of the kidney may both be linked to cadmium exposure but they may
occur independently of each other.
Several studies indicate that the onset of low-molecular weight proteinuria
is a sign of irreversible kidney damage (Friberg et al., 1974; Roels et al.,
1982; Piscator 1984; Elinder et al., 1985; Smith et al., 1986). Above
specific levels of B(2)-M associated with cadmium exposure it is unlikely
that B(2)-M levels return to normal even when cadmium exposure is eliminated
by removal of the individual from the cadmium work environment (Friberg, Ex.
29, 1990).
Some studies indicate that such proteinuria may be progressive; levels of
B(2)-M observed in the urine increase with time even after cadmium exposure
has ceased. See, for example, Elinder et al., 1985. Such observations,
however, are not universal, and it has been suggested that studies in which
proteinuria has not been observed to progress may not have tracked patients
for a sufficiently long time interval (Jarup, Ex. 8-661).
When cadmium exposure continues after the onset of proteinuria, chronic
nephrotoxicity may occur (Friberg, Ex. 29). Uremia results from the inability
of the glomerulus to adequately filter blood. This leads to severe
disturbance of electrolyte concentrations and may lead to various clinical
complications including kidney stones (L-140-50).
After prolonged exposure to cadmium, glomerular proteinuria, glucosuria,
aminoaciduria, phosphaturia, and hypercalciuria may develop (Exs. 8-86, 4-28,
14-18). Phosphate, calcium, glucose, and amino acids are essential to life,
and under normal conditions, their excretion should be regulated by the
kidney. Once low molecular weight proteinuria has developed, these elements
dissipate from the human body. Loss of glomerular function may also occur,
manifested by decreased glomerular filtration rate and increased serum
creatinine. Severe cadmium-induced renal damage may eventually develop into
chronic renal failure and uremia (Ex. 55).
Studies in which animals are chronically exposed to cadmium confirm the
renal effects observed in humans (Friberg et al., 1986). Animal studies also
confirm problems with calcium metabolism and related skeletal effects which
have been observed among humans exposed to cadmium in addition to the renal
effects. Other effects commonly reported in chronic animal studies include
anemia, changes in liver morphology, immunosuppression and hypertension. Some
of these effects may be associated with co-factors. Hypertension, for
example, appears to be associated with diet as well as cadmium exposure.
Animals injected with cadmium have also shown testicular necrosis (Ex.
It is universally recognized that the best measures of cadmium exposures and
its effects are measurements of cadmium in biological fluids, especially
urine and blood. Of the two, CdU is conventionally used to determine body
burden of cadmium in workers without kidney disease. CdB is conventionally
used to monitor for recent exposure to cadmium. In addition, levels of CdU
and CdB historically have been used to predict the percent of the population
likely to develop kidney disease (Thun et al., Ex. L-140-50; WHO, Ex. 8-674;
ACGIH, Exs. 8-667, 140-50).
The third biological parameter upon which OSHA relies for medical
surveillance is Beta-2-microglobulin in urine (B(2)-M), a low molecular
weight protein. Excess B(2)-M has been widely accepted by physicians and
scientists as a reliable indicator of functional damage to the proximal
Excess B(2)-M is found when the proximal tubules can no longer reabsorb this
protein in a normal manner. This failure of the proximal tubules is an early
stage of a kind of kidney disease that commonly occurs among workers with
excessive cadmium exposure. Used in conjunction with biological test results
indicating abnormal levels of CdU and CdB, the finding of excess B(2)-M can
establish for an examining physician that any existing kidney disease is
probably cadmium-related (Trs. 6/6/90, pp. 82-86, 122, 134). The upper limits
of normal levels for cadmium in urine and cadmium in blood are 3 ug Cd/gram
creatinine in urine and 5 ugCd/liter whole blood, respectively. These levels
were derived from broad-based population studies.
Three issues confront the physicians in the use of B(2)-M as a marker of
kidney dysfunction and material impairment. First, there are a few other
causes of elevated levels of B(2)-M not related to cadmium exposures, some of
which may be rather common diseases and some of which are serious diseases
(e.g., myeloma or transient flu, Exs. 29 and 8-086). These can be medically
evaluated as alternative causes (Friberg, Ex. 29). Also, there are other
factors that can cause B(2)-M to degrade so that low levels would result in
workers with tubular dysfunction. For example, regarding the degradation of
B(2)-M, workers with acidic urine (pH< 6) might have B(2)-M levels that are
within the "normal" range when in fact kidney dysfunction has occurred (Ex.
L-140-1) and the low molecular weight proteins are degraded in acid urine.
Thus, it is very important that the pH of urine be measured, that urine
samples be buffered as necessary (See appendix F.), and that urine samples be
handled correctly, i.e., measure the pH of freshly voided urine samples, then
if necessary, buffer to pH>6 (or above for shipping purposes), measure pH
again and then, perhaps, freeze the sample for storage and shipping. (See
also appendix F.) Second, there is debate over the pathological significance
of proteinuria, however, most world experts believe that B(2)-M levels
greater than 300 ug/g Cr are abnormal (Elinder, Ex. 55, Friberg, Ex. 29).
Such levels signify kidney dysfunction that constitutes material impairment
of health. Finally, detection of B(2)-M at low levels has often been
considered difficult, however, many laboratories have the capability of
detecting excess B(2)-M using simple kits, such as the Phadebas Delphia test,
that are accurate to levels of 100 ug B(2)-M/g Cr U (Ex. L-140-1).
Specific recommendations for ways to measure B(2)-M and proper handling of
urine samples to prevent degradation of B(2)-M have been addressed by OSHA in
appendix F, in the section on laboratory standardization. All biological
samples must be analyzed in a laboratory that is proficient in the analysis
of that particular analyte, under paragraph (l)(1)(iv). (See appendix F).
Specifically, under paragraph (l)(1)(iv), the employer is to assure that the
collecting and handling of biological samples of cadmium in urine (CdU),
cadmium in blood (CdB), and beta-2 microglobulin in urine (B(2)-M) taken from
employees is collected in a manner that assures reliability. The employer
must also assure that analysis of biological samples of cadmium in urine
(CdU), cadmium in blood (CdB), and beta-2 microglobulin in urine (B(2)-M)
taken from employees is performed in laboratories with demonstrated
proficiency for that particular analyte. (See appendix F.)
3. Lung and Prostate Cancer
The primary sites for cadmium-associated cancer appear to be the lung and
the prostate (L-140-50). Evidence for an association between cancer and
cadmium exposure derives from both epidemiological studies and animal
experiments. Mortality from prostate cancer associated with cadmium is
slightly elevated in several industrial cohorts, but the number of cases is
small and there is not clear dose-response relationship. More substantive
evidence exists for lung cancer.
The major epidemiological study of lung cancer was conducted by Thun et al.,
(Ex. 4-68). Adequate data on cadmium exposures were available to allow
evaluation of dose-response relationships between cadmium exposure and lung
cancer. A statistically significant excess of lung cancer attributed to
cadmium exposure was observed in this study even when confounding variables
such as co-exposure to arsenic and smoking habits were taken into
consideration (Ex. L-140-50).
The primary evidence for quantifying a link between lung cancer and cadmium
exposure from animal studies derives from two rat bioassay studies; one by
Takenaka et al., (1983), which is a study of cadmium chloride and a second
study by Oldiges and Glaser (1990) of four cadmium compounds.
Based on the above cited studies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) classified cadmium as "B1", a probable human carcinogen, in 1985 (Ex.
4-4). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1987 also
recommended that cadmium be listed as "2A", a probable human carcinogen (Ex.
4-15). The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
has recently recommended that cadmium be labeled as a carcinogen. Since 1984,
NIOSH has concluded that cadmium is possibly a human carcinogen and has
recommended that exposures be controlled to the lowest level feasible.
Acute pneumonitis occurs 10 to 24 hours after initial acute inhalation of
high levels of cadmium fumes with symptoms such as fever and chest pain (Exs.
30, 8-86B). In extreme exposure cases pulmonary edema may develop and cause
death several days after exposure. Little actual exposure measurement data is
available on the level of airborne cadmium exposure that causes such
immediate adverse lung effects, nonetheless, it is reasonable to believe a
cadmium concentration of approximately 1 mg/m(3) over an eight hour period is
"immediately dangerous" (55 FR 4052, ANSI; Ex. 8-86B).
In addition to acute lung effects and chronic renal effects, long term
exposure to cadmium may cause other severe effects on the respiratory system.
Reduced pulmonary function and chronic lung disease indicative of emphysema
have been observed in workers who have had prolonged exposure to cadmium dust
or fumes (Exs. 4-29, 4-22, 4-42, 4-50, 4-63). In a study of workers conducted
by Kazantzis et al., a statistically significant excess of worker deaths due
to chronic bronchitis was found, which in his opinion was directly related to
high cadmium exposures of 1 mg/m(3)or more (Tr. 6/8/90, pp. 156-157).
Cadmium need not be respirable to constitute a hazard. Inspirable cadmium
particles that are too large to be respirable but small enough to enter the
tracheobronchial region of the lung can lead to bronchoconstriction, chronic
pulmonary disease, and cancer of that portion of the lung. All of these
diseases have been associated with occupational exposure to cadmium (Ex.
88-86B). Particles that are constrained by their size to the extra-thoracic
regions of the respiratory system such as the nose and maxillary sinuses can
be swallowed through mucocillary clearance and be absorbed into the body
(ACGIH, Ex. 8-692). The impaction of these particles in the upper airways can
lead to anosmia, or loss of sense of smell, which is an early indication of
overexposure among workers exposed to heavy metals. This condition is
commonly reported among cadmium-exposed workers (Ex. 8-86-B).
In general, the main provisions of the medical surveillance section of the
standard, under paragraphs (l)(1)-(17) of the regulatory text, are as
3. Past workers who are covered receive biological monitoring for at least
4. Initial examinations include a medical questionnaire and biological
monitoring of cadmium in blood (CdB), cadmium in urine (CdU), and
Beta-2-microglobulin in urine (B(2)-M);
5. Biological monitoring of these three analytes is performed at least
annually; full medical examinations are performed biennially;
6. Until five years from the effective date of the standard, medical removal
is required when CdU is greater than 15 ug/gram creatinine (g Cr), or CdB is
greater than 15 ug/liter whole blood (lwb), or B(2)-M is greater than 1500
ug/g Cr, and CdB is greater than 5 ug/lwb or CdU is greater than 3 ug/g Cr;
7. Beginning five years after the standard is in effect, medical removal
triggers will be reduced;
8. Medical removal protection benefits are to be provided for up to 18
10. Major provisions are fully described under section (l) of the regulatory
text; they are outlined here as follows:
A. Eligibility B. Biological monitoring C. Actions triggered by
levels of CdU, CdB, and B(2)-M (See Summary Charts and Tables in
Attachment-1.) D. Periodic medical surveillance E. Actions triggered by
periodic medical surveillance (See appendix A Summary Chart and Tables in
Attachment-1.) F. Respirator usage G. Emergency medical examinations H.
Termination examination I. Information to physician J. Physician's medical
opinion K. Medical removal protection L. Medical removal protection benefits
M. Multiple physician review N. Alternate physician review O. Information
employer gives to employee P. Recordkeeping Q. Reporting on OSHA form 200 11.
The above mentioned summary of the medical surveillance provisions, the
summary chart, and tables for the actions triggered at different levels of
CdU, CdB and B(2)-M (in appendix A Attachment-1) are included only for the
purpose of facilitating understanding of the provisions of paragraphs (l)(3)
of the final cadmium standard. The summary of the provisions, the summary
chart, and the tables do not add to or reduce the requirements in paragraph
(l)(3).
1. It is strongly recommended that patients with tubular proteinuria are
counseled on: The hazards of smoking; avoidance of nephrotoxins and certain
prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that may exacerbate kidney
symptoms; how to control diabetes and/or blood pressure; proper hydration,
diet, and exercise (Ex. 19-2). A list of prominent or common nephrotoxins is
attached. (See appendix A Attachment-2.) 2. DO NOT CHELATE; KNOW WHICH DRUGS
ARE NEPHROTOXINS OR ARE ASSOCIATED WITH NEPHRITIS.
3. The gravity of cadmium-induced renal damage is compounded by the fact
there is no medical treatment to prevent or reduce the accumulation of
cadmium in the kidney (Ex. 8-619). Dr. Friberg, a leading world expert on
cadmium toxicity, indicated in 1992, that there is no form of chelating agent
that could be used without substantial risk. He stated that tubular
proteinuria has to be treated in the same way as other kidney disorders (Ex.
4. After the results of a workers' biological monitoring or medical
examination are received the employer is required to provide an information
sheet to the patient, briefly explaining the significance of the results.
(See Attachment 3 of this appendix A.) 5. For additional information the
physician is referred to the following additional resources:
a. The physician can always obtain a copy of the preamble, with its full
discussion of the health effects, from OSHA's Computerized Information System
(OCIS).
b. The Docket Officer maintains a record of the rulemaking. The Cadmium
Docket (H-057A), is located at 200 Constitution Ave. NW., room N-2625,
Washington, DC 20210; telephone: 202-219-7894.
c. The following articles and exhibits in particular from that docket
(H-057A):
Lauwerys et. al., Guide for physicians, "Health Maintenance of Workers Exposed to Cadmium," published by the Cadmium Council
Takenaka, S., H. Oldiges, H. Konig, D. Hochrainer, G Oberdorster. "Carcinogenicity of Cadmium Chloride Aerosols in Wistar Rats". JNCI 70:367-373, 1983.(32)
Thun, M.J., T.M. Schnoor, A.B. Smith, W.E. Halperin, R.A Lemen. "Mortality Among a Cohort of U.S. Cadmium Production Workers - An Update." JNCI 74(2):325-33, 1985.(8)
Elinder, C.G., Kjellstrom, T., Hogstedt, C., et al., "Cancer Mortality of Cadmium Workers." Brit. J. Ind. Med 42:651-655, 1985.(14)
Ellis, K.J. et al., "Critical Concentrations of Cadmium in Human Renal Cortex: Dose Effect Studies to Cadmium Smelter Workers." J. Toxicol. Environ. Health 7:691-703, 1981.(76)
Ellis, K.J., S.H. Cohn and T.J. Smith. "Cadmium Inhalation Exposure Estimates: Their Significance with Respect to Kidney and Liver Cadmium Burden." J. Toxicol. Environ Health 15:173-187, 1985
Falck, F.Y., Jr., Fine, L.J., Smith, R.G., McClatchey, K.D., Annesley, T., England, B., and Schork, A.M "Occupational Cadmium Exposure and Renal Status." Am. J. Ind. Med. 4:541, 1983.(64)
Elinder, C.G., "Cancer Mortality of Cadmium Workers", Brit. J. Ind. Med., 42, 651-655, 1985
Thun, M., Elinder, C.G., Friberg, L, "Scientific Basis for an Occupational Standard for Cadmium, Am. J. Ind. Med., 20; 629-642, 1991
The information sheet (appendix A Attachment-3.) or an equally explanatory
one should be provided to you after any biological monitoring results are
reviewed by the physician, or where applicable, after any medical
Attachment 1 - Appendix A Summary Chart and Tables A and B of Actions
Triggered by Biological Monitoring
Appendix A Summary Chart: Section (1)(3) Medical Surveillance
(A) Biological monitoring results categories are set forth in Appendix A
Table A for the periods ending December 31, 1998 and for the period beginning
(B) The results of the biological monitoring for the initial medical exam
and the subsequent exams shall determine an employee's biological monitoring
result category.
(A) (i) The actions triggered by biological monitoring for an
employee are set forth in Appendix A Table B.
(ii) The biological monitoring results for each employee under section
(1)(3) shall determine the actions required for that employee. That is, for
any employee in biological monitoring category C, the employer will perform
all of the actions for which there is an X in column C of Appendix A Table B.
(iii) An employee is assigned the alphabetical category ("A" being the
lowest) depending upon the test results of the three biological markers.
(iv) An employee is assigned category A if monitoring results for all three
biological markers fall at or below the levels indicated in the table listed
(v) An employee is assigned category B if any monitoring result for any of
the three biological markers fall within the range of levels indicated in the
table listed for category B, providing no result exceeds the levels listed
(vi) An employee is assigned category C if any monitoring result for any of
the three biological markers are above the levels listed for category C.
(B) The user of Appendix A Tables A and B should know that these tables are
provided only to facilitate understanding of the relevant provisions of
paragraph (l)(3) of this section. Appendix A Tables A and B are not meant to
add to or subtract from the requirements of those provisions.
Cadmium in urine (CdU)(ug/g creatinine).
< than or
>3 and < than or
= to 3
= to 15
B(2)-microglobulin (B(2)-M) (ug/g creatinine)
>300 and < than
>1500(*)
= to 300
or = to 1500
Cadmium in blood (CdB) (ug/liter whole blood)
>5 and < than or
= to 5
Footnote(*) If an employee's B(2)-M levels are above 1,500 ug/g creatinine, in order for mandatory medical removal to be required (See Appendix A Table B.), either the employee's CdU level must also be >3 ug/g creatinine or CdB level must also be >5 ug/liter whole blood
Cadmium in urine (CdU)(ug/g creatinine)
>3 and< than or
= to 7
B(2)-microglobulin (B(2)-M)(ug/g creatinine)
>300 and< than
>750(*)
or = to 750
Cadmium in blood (CdB)(ug/liter whole blood)
>5 and< than or
= to 10
Footnote(*) If an employee's B(2)-M levels are above 750 ug/g creatinine, in order for mandatory medical removal to be required (See Appendix A Table B.), either the employee's CdU level must also be >3 ug/g creatinine or CdB level must also be >5 ug/liter whole blood
Appendix A Table B - Actions Determined by Biological Monitoring
This table presents the actions required based on the monitoring result in
Appendix A Table A. Each item is a separate requirement in citing
non-compliance. For example, a medical examination within 90 days for an
(4) Discretionary medical removal
Footnote(1) For all employees covered by medical surveillance exclusively because of exposures prior to the effective date of this standard, if they are in Category A, the employer shall follow the requirements of paragraphs (l)(3)(i)(B) and (l)(4)(v)(A). If they are in Category B or C, the employer shall follow the requirements of paragraphs
(l)(4)(v)(B)-(C)
Footnote(2) See footnote Appendix A Table A
A list of the more common medications that a physician, and the employee,
may wish to review is likely to include some of the following: (1)
Anticonvulsants: Paramethadione, phenytoin, trimethadone; (2)
antihypertensive drugs: Captopril, methyldopa; (3) antimicrobials:
Aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cephalosporins, ethambutol; (4)
antineoplastic agents: Cisplatin, methotrexate, mitomycin-C, nitrosoureas,
radiation; (4) sulfonamide diuretics: Acetazolamide, chlorthalidone,
furosemide, thiazides; (5) halogenated alkanes, hydrocarbons, and solvents
that may occur in some settings: Carbon tetrachloride, ethylene glycol,
toluene; iodinated radiographic contrast media; nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs; and, (7) other miscellaneous compounds:
Acetominophen, allopurinol, amphetamines, azathioprine, cimetidine,
cyclosporine, lithium, methoxyflurane, methysergide, D-penicillamine,
phenacetin, phenendione. A list of drugs associated with acute interstitial
nephritis includes: (1) Antimicrobial drugs: Cephalosporins, chloramphenicol,
colistin, erythromycin, ethambutol, isoniazid, para-aminosalicylic acid,
penicillins, polymyxin B, rifampin, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and
vancomycin; (2) other miscellaneous drugs: Allopurinol, antipyrene,
azathioprine, captopril, cimetidine, clofibrate, methyldopa, phenindione,
phenylpropanolamine, phenytoin, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, sulfonamid
diuretics, triamterene; and, (3) metals: Bismuth, gold.
This list have been derived from commonly available medical textbooks (e.g.,
Ex. 14-18). The list has been included merely to facilitate the physician's,
employer's, and employee's understanding. The list does not represent an
official OSHA opinion or policy regarding the use of these medications for
particular employees. The use of such medications should be under physician
Attachment 3 - Biological Monitoring and Medical Examination Results Employee __________________________________________________________
Testing Date ______________________________________________________
Cadmium in Urine _____________________ ug/g Cr - Normal
Levels: < than or = to 3 ug/g Cr.
Cadmium in Blood _____________________ ug/lwb - Normal
Levels: < than or = to 5 ug/lwb.
Beta-2-microglobulin in Urine _________________ ug/g
Cr - Normal Levels: < than or = to 300 ug/g Cr.
Physical Examination Results: N/A _______________________________
Satisfactory ____________________ Unsatisfactory _______________ (see
physician again).
N/A ________________ Normal ____________ Abnormal ________________
Next biological monitoring or medical examination scheduled
for _______________________________________________________________
The biological monitoring program has been designed for three main purposes:
1) to identify employees at risk of adverse health effects from excess,
chronic exposure to cadmium; 2) to prevent cadmium-induced disease(s); and 3)
to detect and minimize existing cadmium-induced disease(s).
The levels of cadmium in the urine and blood provide an estimate of the
total amount of cadmium in the body. The amount of a specific protein in the
urine (beta-2-microglobulin) indicates changes in kidney function. All three
tests must be evaluated together. A single mildly elevated result may not be
important if testing at a later time indicates that the results are normal
and the workplace has been evaluated to decrease possible sources of cadmium
exposure. The levels of cadmium or beta-2-microglobulin may change over a
period of days to months and the time needed for those changes to occur is
different for each worker.
If the results for biological monitoring are above specific "high levels"
[cadmium urine greater than 10 micrograms per gram of creatinine (ug/g Cr),
cadmium blood greater than 10 micrograms per liter of whole blood (ug/lwb),
or beta-2-microglobulin greater than 1000 micrograms per gram of creatinine
(ug/g Cr)], the worker has a much greater chance of developing other kidney
One way to measure for kidney function is by measuring beta-2-microglobulin
in the urine. Beta-2-microglobulin is a protein which is normally found in
the blood as it is being filtered in the kidney, and the kidney reabsorbs or
returns almost all of the beta-2-microglobulin to the blood. A very small
amount (less than 300 ug/g Cr in the urine) of beta-2-microglobulin is not
reabsorbed into the blood, but is released in the urine. If cadmium damages
the kidney, the amount of beta-2-microglobulin in the urine increases because
the kidney cells are unable to reabsorb the beta-2-microglobulin normally. An
increase in the amount of beta-2-microglobulin in the urine is a very early
sign of kidney dysfunction. A small increase in beta-2-microglobulin in the
urine will serve as an early warning sign that the worker may be absorbing
cadmium from the air, cigarettes contaminated in the workplace, or eating in
areas that are cadmium contaminated.
Even if cadmium causes permanent changes in the kidney's ability to reabsorb
beta-2-microglobulin, and the beta-2-microglobulin is above the "high
levels", the loss of kidney function may not lead to any serious health
problems. Also, renal function naturally declines as people age. The risk for
changes in kidney function for workers who have biological monitoring results
between the "normal values" and the "high levels" is not well known. Some
people are more cadmium-tolerant, while others are more cadmium-susceptible.
For anyone with even a slight increase of beta-2-microglobulin, cadmium in
the urine, or cadmium in the blood, it is very important to protect the
kidney from further damage. Kidney damage can come from other sources than
excess cadmium-exposure so it is also recommended that if a worker's levels
are "high" he/she should receive counseling about drinking more water;
avoiding cadmium-tainted tobacco and certain medications (nephrotoxins,
acetaminophen); controlling diet, vitamin intake, blood pressure and
diabetes; etc.
Appendix B to 1915.1027 - Substance Technical Guidelines for Cadmium
I. Cadmium Metal.
A. Physical and Chemical Data. 1. Substance Identification. Chemical
name: Cadmium. Formula: Cd. Molecular Weight: 112.4. Chemical Abstracts
Service (CAS) Registry No.: 7740-43-9. Other Identifiers: RETCS EU9800000;
EPA D006; DOT 2570 53. Synonyms: Colloidal Cadmium: Kadmium (German): CI
77180. 2. Physical data. Boiling point: (760 mm Hg): 765 degrees C. Melting
point: 321 degrees C. Specific Gravity: (H(2)O= at 20 deg. C): 8.64.
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in dilute nitric acid and in sulfuric
Appearance: Soft, blue-white, malleable, lustrous metal or grayish-white
B. Fire, Explosion and Reactivity Data. 1. Fire. Fire and Explosion
Hazards: The finely divided metal is pyrophoric, that is the dust is a severe
fire hazard and moderate explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame.
Burning material reacts violently with extinguishing agents such as water,
foam, carbon dioxide, and halons.
Flash point: Flammable (dust). Extinguishing media: Dry sand, dry
dolomite, dry graphite, or sodimum chloride.
2. Reactivity. Conditions contributing to instability: Stable when
kept in sealed containers under normal temperatures and pressure, but dust
may ignite upon contact with air. Metal tarnishes in moist air.
Incompatibilities: Ammonium nitrate, fused: Reacts violently or explosively
with cadmium dust below 20 deg. C. Hydrozoic acid: Violent explosion occurs
after 30 minutes. Acids: Reacts violently, forms hydrogen gas. Oxidizing
agents or metals: Strong reaction with cadmium dust. Nitryl fluoride at
slightly elevated temperature: Glowing or white incandescence occurs.
Selenium: Reacts exothermically. Ammonia: Corrosive reaction. Sulfur dioxide:
Corrosive reaction. Fire extinguishing agents (water, foam, carbon dioxide,
and halons): Reacts violently. Tellurium: Incandescent reaction in hydrogen
Hazardous decomposition products: The heated metal rapidly forms highly
toxic, brownish fumes of oxides of cadmium.
C. Spill, Leak and Disposal Procedures. 1. Steps to be taken if the
materials is released or spilled. Do not touch spilled material. Stop leak if
you can do it without risk. Do not get water inside container. For large
spills, dike spill for later disposal. Keep unnecessary people away. Isolate
hazard area and deny entry. The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
of 1986 Section 304 requires that a release equal to or greater than the
reportable quantity for this substance (1 pound) must be immediately reported
to the local emergency planning committee, the state emergency response
commission, and the National Response Center (800) 424-8802; in Washington,
DC metropolitan area (202) 426-2675.
II. Cadmium Oxide.
A. Physical and Chemical Date. 1. Substance identification. Chemical
name: Cadmium Oxide. Formula: CdO. Molecular Weight: 128.4. CAS No.:
1306-19-0. Other Identifiers: RTECS EV1929500. Synonyms: Kadmu tlenek
(Polish). 2. Physical data. Boiling point (760 mm Hg): 950 degrees C
decomposes. Melting point: 1500 deg. C. Specific Gravity: (H(2)O=1 at 20 deg.
C): 7.0. Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in acids and alkalines.
Appearance: Red or brown crystals. B. Fire, Explosion and Reactivity Data. 1.
Fire. Fire and Explosion Hazards: Negligible fire hazard when exposed to heat
Flash point: Nonflammable. Extinguishing media: Dry chemical, carbon
dioxide, water spray or foam. 2. Reactivity. Conditions contributing to
instability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Incompatibilities: Magnesium may reduce CdO(2) explosively on
heating. Hazardous decomposition products: Toxic fumes of cadmium. C. Spill
Leak and Disposal Procedures. 1. Steps to be taken if the material is
released or spilled. Do not touch spilled material. Stop leak if you can do
it without risk. For small spills, take up with sand or other absorbent
material and place into containers for later disposal. For small dry spills,
use a clean shovel to place material into clean, dry container and then
cover. Move containers from spill area. For larger spills, dike far ahead of
spill for later disposal. Keep unnecessary people away. Isolate hazard area
and deny entry. The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
Section 304 requires that a release equal to or greater than the reportable
quantity for this substance (1 pound) must be immediately reported to the
local emergency planning committee, the state emergency response commission,
and the National Response Center (800) 424-8802; in Washington, DC
metropolitan area (202) 426-2675.
III. Cadmium Sulfide.
name: Cadmium sulfide. Formula: CdS. Molecular weight: 144.5. CAS No.
1306-23-6. Other Identifiers: RTECS EV3150000. Synonyms: Aurora yellow;
Cadmium Golden 366; Cadmium Lemon Yellow 527;
Cadmium Orange; Cadmium Primrose 819; Cadmium Sulphide; Cadmium Yellow;
Cadmium Yellow 000; Cadmium Yellow Conc. Deep; Cadmium Yellow Conc. Golden;
Cadmium Yellow Conc. Lemon; Cadmium Yellow Conc. Primrose; Cadmium Yellow Oz.
Dark; Cadmium Yellow Primrose 47-1400; Cadmium Yellow 10G Conc.; Cadmium
Yellow 892; Cadmopur Golden Yellow N; Cadmopur Yellow: Capsebon; C.I. 77199;
C.I. Pigment Orange 20; CI Pigment Yellow 37; Ferro Lemon Yellow; Ferro
Orange Yellow; Ferro Yellow; Greenockite; NCI-C02711.
2. Physical data. Boiling point (760 mm. Hg): sublines in N(2) at
980 deg. C. Melting point: 1750 degrees C (100 atm). Specific Gravity: (H(2)O
= 1 at 20 deg. C): 4.82. Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in
acid. Appearance: Light yellow or yellow-orange crystals. B. Fire, Explosion
and Reactivity Data. 1. Fire. Fire and Explosion Hazards: Neglible fire
hazard when exposed to heat or flame.
instability: Generally non-reactive under normal conditions. Reacts with
acids to form toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.
Hazardous decomposition products: Toxic fumes of cadmium and sulfur
C. Spill Leak and Disposal Procedures. 1. Steps to be taken if the
material is released or spilled. Do not touch spilled material. Stop leak if
you can do it without risk. For small, dry spills, with a clean shovel place
material into clean, dry container and cover. Move containers from spill
area. For larger spills, dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. Keep
unnecessary people away. Isolate hazard and deny entry.
IV. Cadmium Chloride.
name: Cadmium chloride. Formula: CdCl(2). Molecular weight: 183.3. CAS No.
10108-64-2. Other Identifiers: RTECS EY0175000. Synonyms: Caddy; Cadmium
dichloride; NA 2570 (DOT); UI-CAD;
dichlorocadmium.
2. Physical data. Boiling point (760 mm Hg): 960 degrees C. Melting
point: 568 degrees C. Specific Gravity: (H(2)O = 1 at 20 deg. C): 4.05.
Solubility: Soluble in water (140 g/100 cc); soluble in acetone. Appearance:
Small, white crystals. B. Fire, Explosion and Reactivity Data. 1. Fire. Fire
and Explosion Hazards: Negligible fire and negligible explosion hazard in
dust form when exposed to heat or flame.
Flash point: Nonflamable. Extinguishing media: Dry chemical, carbon
instability: Generally stable under normal temperatures and
Incompatibilities: Bromine triflouride rapidly attacks cadmium chloride. A
mixture of potassium and cadmium chloride may produce a strong explosion on
Hazardous decomposition products: Thermal ecompostion may release toxic
fumes of hydrogen chloride, chloride, chlorine or oxides of cadmium.
unnecessary people away. Isolate hazard and deny entry. The Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 Section 304 requires that a
release equal to or greater than the reportable quantity for this substance
(100 pounds) must be immediately reported to the local emergency planning
committee, the state emergency response commission, and the National Response
Center (800) 424-8802; in Washington, DC Metropolitan area (202)
426-2675.
Appendix C to 15.1027 - Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Testing
I. Fit Test Protocols
A. General: The employer shall include the following provisions in the fit
test procedures. These provisions apply to both qualitative fit testing
(QLFT) and quantitative fit testing (QNFT). All testing is to be conducted
1. The test subject shall be allowed to pick the most comfortable respirator
from a selection including respirators of various sizes from different
manufacturers. The selection shall include at least three sizes of
elastomeric facepieces of the type of respirator that is to be tested, i.e.,
three sizes of half mask; or three sizes of full facepiece. Respirators of
each size must be provided from at least two manufacturers.
2. Prior to the selection process, the test subject shall be shown how to
put on a respirator, how it should be positioned on the face, how to set
strap tension and how to determine a comfortable fit. A mirror shall be
available to assist the subject in evaluating the fit and positioning the
respirator. This instruction may not constitute the subject's formal training
on respirator use; it is only a review.
3. The test subject shall be informed that he/she is being asked to select
the respirator which provides the most comfortable fit. Each respirator
represents a different size and shape, and if fitted, maintained and used
properly, will provide substantial protection.
4. The test subject shall be instructed to hold each facepiece up to the
face and eliminate those which obviously do not give a comfortable fit.
5. The more comfortable facepieces are noted; the most comfortable mask is
donned and worn at least five minutes to assess comfort. Assistance in
assessing comfort can be given by discussing the points in item 6 below. If
the test subject is not familiar with using a particular respirator, the test
subject shall be directed to don the mask several times and to adjust the
straps each time to become adept at setting proper tension on the straps.
6. Assessment of comfort shall include reviewing the following points with
the test subject and allowing the test subject adequate time to determine the
comfort of the respirator:
(a) Position of the mask on the nose;
(b) Room for eye protection;
(c) Room to talk; and
(d) Position of mask on face and cheeks.
7. The following criteria
shall be used to help determine the adequacy of the respirator fit:
(e) Tendency of respirator to slip; and
(f) Self-observation in mirror to evaluate fit and respirator
position. 8. The test subject shall conduct the negative and positive
pressure fit checks as described below or in ANSI Z88.2-1980. Before
conducting the negative or positive pressure test, the subject shall be told
to seat the mask on the face by moving the head from side-to-side and up and
down slowly while taking in a few slow deep breaths. Another facepiece shall
be selected and retested if the test subject fails the fit check
(a). Positive pressure test. Close off the exhalation valve and exhale
gently onto the facepiece. The face fit is considered satisfactory if a
slight positive pressure can be built up inside the facepiece without any
evidence of outward leakage of air at the seal. For most respirators this
method of leak testing requires the wearer to first remove the exhalation
valve cover before closing off the exhalation valve and then carefully
replacing it after the test.
(b). Negative pressure test. Close off the inlet opening of the canister or
cartridge(s) by covering with the palm of the hand(s) or by replacing the
filter seal(s). Inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses s