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Oil, Gas & Mining Laboratory Services

Chromium VI Awareness, Training and Procedural Review

Specialist training and an independent procedural review helped strengthen workforce understanding, validate existing controls and identify practical opportunities for improvement.

TTEP Language Power Limited

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The challengeUnderstanding Chromium VI risks and validating existing working procedures.
Service deliveredChromium VI awareness training, Procedural review, Control review
IndustryPower & Energy
LocationUnited Kingdom

The challenge

The client challenge

TTEP Language Power Limited wanted greater assurance that its approach to managing hexavalent chromium (Chromium VI) was effectively protecting workers.

Awareness of Chromium VI had increased, but information circulating within the industry was often influenced by hearsay, assumptions and incomplete understanding. This made it harder to assess risks confidently and make informed decisions about safe working practices.

The organisation also recognised that many of its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) had developed over time from individual knowledge and experience. Although these procedures were broadly effective, the client wanted an independent technical perspective to validate existing good practice and identify where improvements could be made.

Growing awareness. Conflicting information. Established procedures needing independent assurance. The client needed a clear, evidence-based approach.

How we helped

Our approach

  1. Build understanding IOM delivered specialist Chromium VI awareness training, giving workers and managers clear, evidence-based information about the hazard and associated workplace risks.
  2. Turn awareness into safe practice Rather than focusing solely on the hazard, the training explained how work involving Chromium VI can be undertaken safely when appropriate controls are understood and implemented.
  3. Review existing procedures IOM specialists reviewed the organisation’s operating procedures and SOPs, assessing their effectiveness and alignment with good practice.
  4. Recommend practical improvements The review identified strengths in the existing arrangements alongside opportunities to strengthen procedures, supporting continual improvement and more informed decision-making.

Services delivered

Chromium VI awareness training Clear, evidence-based training for workers and managers on Chromium VI hazards, risks and controls.
Procedural review Independent technical assessment of existing operating procedures and SOPs.
Control review Assessment of existing arrangements to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Practical recommendations Actionable recommendations designed to strengthen procedures and support safer working practices.

Client outcomes

Measurable outcomes

Greater awareness Improved workforce understanding of Chromium VI and its associated risks
Validated Independent review of existing procedures and working practices
Actionable Practical recommendations being incorporated into operational routines and SOPs
We wished we’d found IOM sooner. It was reassuring to have an informed external opinion that recognised what we were doing well and showed us where we could improve. The training was very well received and the review was exactly what we were looking for. The recommendations have helped us develop a more balanced, knowledge-based approach.
David Mogridge

What changed

Before

  • Understanding of Chromium VI was affected by hearsay and assumptions
  • Assessing the actual level of workplace risk could be difficult
  • SOPs had evolved largely through individual knowledge and experience
  • The organisation wanted independent assurance that its approach was appropriate

After

  • Greater workforce understanding of Chromium VI risks
  • Increased confidence in how work involving Chromium VI can be undertaken safely
  • Independent validation of existing procedures and good practice
  • Practical improvements identified for operational routines and SOPs
  • A more balanced, evidence-based approach to risk management
  • Training materials available to support ongoing workforce education

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT

From assurance to ongoing improvement

Following the project, the client planned to incorporate IOM’s recommendations into its operational procedures and maintenance activities.

As refurbishment and maintenance work progresses at the power station, the organisation is also exploring further occupational hygiene support from IOM, including air monitoring before maintenance work, workplace exposure assessments, formaldehyde monitoring and welding fume exposure assessment and monitoring.

The client is also considering a flexible training package, including video-based learning that could be delivered to different teams as required.

Related expertise

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Hexavalent Chromium Testing

Detect chromium VI in materials and workplace processes, assess exposure and identify practical control improvements.

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