The new chromatexperten.de and two expert analyses on cr6.info
The Chromate Experts – Don’t give Chromium(VI) a chance!
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NEWSLETTER · ISSUE 1 · NOVEMBER 2026
chromatexperten.de has been rebuilt
Dear Sir or Madam,
chromatexperten.de now appears in a new form and in three languages. The German version is based on German regulations, the English version on EU law with notes on the United Kingdom, the Dutch version on the Arbobesluit (Dutch Working Conditions Decree). In this first newsletter I present what is new.
Maintenance technician with ear protection and tablet at an insulated gas engine in a CHP plant
What you will find on the site
The Chromate Compendium collects studies, analyses and the manufacturers’ warnings on chromium(VI) on insulated hot components and in waste incineration. Studies and warnings can now be displayed separately, and all documents are available as PDF downloads.
New is the section Press releases and technical notes. The network page presents the companies we work with, from analysis through remediation to disposal.
Visit the new website

The two works on cr6.info
Both expert analyses are published in full on cr6.info, each as expert analysis, summary and overview.
EXPERT ANALYSIS · VERSION 1.11
The Overlooked Ingredient
Chromium(VI) from thermal insulation (high-temperature insulation) and in combustion ashes
High temperature insulation contains basic oxides, above all calcium oxide and sodium oxide. Above about 300 °C they react with the chromium oxide layer of chromium alloyed hot components to form calcium chromate and sodium chromate, sodium chromate already from about 200 °C. It is released during maintenance, removal, cleaning, overhaul and dismantling.
EXPERT ANALYSIS · VERSION 0.18
The Overlooked Use Ban
Reinstalling chromate-contaminated mineral wool as an authorisation-required use (REACH) of the chromium(VI) compound sodium chromate
Anyone working on a thermally stressed chromium-alloyed component under insulation that contains alkali or alkaline earth metal oxides has to check whether sodium chromate is being handled. If it is present, that handling has been prohibited since 21 September 2017 without a granted authorisation.

Operator Check 561, for operators in Germany
The amended German TRGS 561 (in force since 4 May 2026) marks a turning point for the assessment of compliant work on “thermally insulated industrial components”. Work on insulated chromium-alloyed hot components may now only be carried out under special measures in accordance with the amended TRGS 561. With the modular Operator Check 561 we guide operators in Germany through this process.
For operators outside Germany, our occupational safety page sets out the duties under Directive 2004/37/EC.
An air measurement below the limit value does not lift the protective regime for carcinogens as long as settled chromate-containing dusts and fibres can be stirred up at any time or skin contact is possible.
Occupational safety and Operator Check 561

Press release and technical note
For two fields of application there are separate documents for free use, for vehicles and for CHP plants.
Press release Chromium(VI) on exhaust components
PRESS RELEASE · 05.10.2026
Chromium(VI) on exhaust components
Carcinogenic chromium(VI) compounds form on turbochargers, exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, particulate filters and SCR systems during normal driving. Several vehicle, engine and component manufacturers have issued service information on this to their workshops since 2023.
Technical note Chromium(VI) in CHP and cogeneration engines
TECHNICAL NOTE · 02.10.2026
Chromium(VI) in CHP and cogeneration engines
During dismantling, overhaul and maintenance work on CHP engines, carcinogenic chromium(VI) compounds can be released, or their release cannot be ruled out. Affected are thermally insulated, chromium-alloyed hot components and the textile or mineral high-temperature insulation on them.

From practice: incineration ash
Two decontamination jobs in August and September 2026 in Poland show what chromium(VI) in incineration ash looks like during the overhaul of incineration furnaces and which protection and cleaning regime follows from it. In Warsaw and at a waste incineration plant in Krakow, chromate-containing dust lay on all surfaces, on door frames, inspection windows and on the scaffolding inside the furnace.
Furnace door with chromate-containing dust, Warsaw

Kind regards
Markus Sommer
The Chromate Expert, The Chromate Experts
The Chromate Experts · Markus SommerPrivacy
markus.sommer@chromatexperten.dechromatexperten.de

This is the web version of the Chromate Experts newsletter. You can subscribe at the bottom of every page on www.chromatexperten.de.