Laboratory and occupational hygiene service

Hexavalent Chromium Testing

IOM combines laboratory testing with occupational hygiene and engineering expertise to identify hexavalent chromium, assess exposure and help you put effective controls in place.

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Service overview

Understand and control hexavalent chromium exposure.

Hexavalent chromium, also known as Chromium VI or Cr (VI), can be present in materials, dust and workplace processes without being immediately obvious. If it is not identified, workers may be exposed and existing controls may not provide enough protection.

IOM helps you identify Chromium VI, assess exposure and put practical controls in place. Our occupational hygienists, engineers and laboratory specialists support you through each stage of managing the risk.

When this service may be needed

Paints, pigments, alloys or other materials may contain hexavalent chromium
Welding, hot work or maintenance could release contaminated dust or fumes
Deposits are found on high-temperature equipment or nearby surfaces
Evidence is needed to review controls or support a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessment

Understand the risk

Chromium VI compounds may be found in:

Paints and pigments
Chromium alloys
Stainless steel welding
Dyes and other industrial products
Deposits on high-temperature equipment and surrounding areas

Exposure can occur through breathing in contaminated dust or fumes, swallowing contaminated material or skin contact. It can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and respiratory system. Repeated exposure can cause serious health effects, including lung cancer and damage to internal organs.

Chromium VI compounds are carcinogenic, exposure must be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable—not simply kept below the relevant workplace exposure limit. Health and Safety Executive guidance

Practical support

How IOM can help

We help you understand and manage Chromium VI risks:

Site-specific risk assessments
Reviews of existing control measures
Air and surface sampling
Laboratory testing of bulk materials
Instant testing kits where appropriate
Clear laboratory reports and interpretation
Practical recommendations to reduce exposure
Engineering advice on controls and equipment
Face-fit testing where Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is required

We tailor the assessment to your workplace, the activities being carried out and the people who may be exposed.

From evidence to action

Turn evidence into action

Testing tells you whether Chromium VI is present and where exposure may occur. Our experts then help you use the findings to strengthen controls, improve working practices and reduce risk.

This gives you clear evidence to support your risk assessments and your responsibilities under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

Technical assurance

Worker awareness and training

Effective controls depend on people understanding the risk and following safe working practices.

IOM provides tailored training covering:

Correct use of Respiratory Protective Equipment
Use and maintenance of control measures
Managing contaminated areas
Good workplace hygiene standards
Handling contaminated clothing
Responding to an exposure incident
Safe waste disposal

Concerned about Chromium VI in your workplace? Talk to our team about testing, exposure assessment and practical support to manage the risk.

What the service includes

Review the activity, materials, people and existing controls.

Use air, surface, bulk-material or suitable instant testing where appropriate.

Explain where Chromium VI is present and how exposure may occur.

Recommend practical controls, RPE support and worker awareness measures.

What you receive

Clear evidence and usable next steps

Site-specific assessment and sampling plan
Laboratory or screening test results
Interpretation of exposure routes and control performance
Practical recommendations and training priorities

Get practical advice for your organisation.

Request a quote

Tell us what you need to achieve and your enquiry will be directed to the most appropriate team.

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