The manufacturers of CHP engines in particular warn their customers about the release of calcium chromate (CaCrO4) during maintenance and overhaul work on power-generating plants. Contact us if you do not have these warning notices; we will be happy to provide them.
These warnings are not issued without reason: even the handling of removable insulation elements involves a risk of exposure or of absorbing the substances through the skin. Air turbulence also occurs during normal operation; yellowish dusts, which are often calcium chromate, can be found throughout the engine area.
The Chromate Experts are your first point of contact for this problem, because the classification as H350 (may cause cancer, carcinogenic 1B) together with H410 (very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects) turns every engine compartment fitted with calcium-containing insulation into a workplace that is hazardous to health. Directive 2004/37/EC then requires, among other things:
- the determination of the nature, degree and duration of exposure, taking into account all routes of exposure including the skin (Article 3(2) and (3))
- the replacement of the carcinogen, in so far as technically possible (Article 4(1))
- a closed system, or else the reduction of exposure to as low a level as is technically possible (Article 5(2) and (3))
- the safe collection, storage and removal of waste in hermetically sealable, clearly labelled containers (Article 5(5)(m))
- a list of exposed workers, kept for at least 40 years after the end of exposure (Articles 12(c) and 15(1))
Source: The Overlooked Ingredient, expert analysis V1.11, section 36
