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Cadmium Hazard Analysis

ON-DUTY Workplace OSHA Corner OSHA Significant Issues Cadmium Hazard Analysis
Cadmium Hazard Analysis
Cadmium Hazard Analysis
Cadmium is a chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. This soft, silvery-white metal is chemically similar to the two other stable metals in group 12, zinc and mercury. Like zinc, it demonstrates oxidation state +2 in most of its compounds

WARNING: CADMIUM IS A HIGHLY TOXIC CARCINOGENIC THAT IS HARMFUL TO MOST OF THE BODY'S SYSTEMS, ESPECIALLY TO THE LUNGS, BONES, AND KIDNEYS.

Hazard
Breathing high levels of cadmium can severely damage the lungs. Eating food or drinking water with very high levels severely irritates the stomach, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to lower levels of cadmium in air, food, or water leads to a buildup of cadmium in the kidneys and possible kidney disease. Other long-term effects are lung damage and fragile bones.

Standard


Policy

  • HQDA EXORD 031-19 - Ensuring safe and healthy workplaces that generate or have potential for exposure to heavy metals. Army Occupational Exposure Limits. CAC login required

Technical Guidance


Common HRAs

  • Metal Working/Machining
  • Welding
  • Forging
  • Grinding

Controls

  • Engineering
    • Enclose processes if process produces respirable particles.
    • Use local exhaust or vacuum system with HEPA filters if process produces respirable particles. Industrial Hygiene must verify controls are adequate.
  • Administrative
    • Never grind heavy metals or produce respirable particles without proper controls.
    • Establish a regulated area if exposure is expected to be greater than OSH PEL IAW 1910.1027(e)(1), Industrial Hygiene must verify.
    • If exposure is expected to be greater than OSH PEL, employer shall provide clean change rooms, handwashing facilities, showers, and lunchroom facilities that comply with 29 CFR 1910.141. Industrial Hygiene must verify.
    • Minimize the number of workers who have potential to be exposed to Cadmium.
    • Safety data sheets (SDSs) for Cadmium.
    • Medical screening.
    • HAZCOM training.
  • PPE
    • Respirators required if exposure above OSHA PEL, NIOSH REL or ACGIH TLV.
    • Face shielding, uniforms and gloves.
    • Industrial Hygiene must verify.