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Find out more about chromium (VI) compounds (calcium chromate) in the workplace, especially when using currently available insulating materials for thermal insulation of turbines, engines and generators.
international warnings for chromium (VI) or chromates for high-temperature insulation
On this page we present a large number of worldwide alerts regarding the emergence carcinogenic chromium (VI) compounds (chromates; in particular calcium chromate (CaCrO4)), in connection with thermal Insulation on engines, turbines, pipelines and other plant components.
These are documents published by authorities, engine and turbine manufacturers, but also by institutions that you can download by clicking on the pdf icon in the column.
Germany - Authority
The most detailed warning to date was published in April 2023 by the Specialist Center for Product Safety and Hazardous Substances of the Hessian State Measuring Center for Hazardous Substances. The extensive information letter also names sources for scientific studies on the subject.
Germany - Authority
The State Office for Consumer Protection of the Free State of Thuringia was the first German authority to issue a warning in the second half of 2022 regarding the formation of chromate during maintenance work on engines and turbines. The flyer also contains a useful risk assessment checklist.
worldwide - engine manufacturers
The warning message from an American engine manufacturer, which has sales and service centers throughout Germany, indicates "yellow deposits" which are chromates that are produced and can be released during maintenance work.
worldwide - turbine manufacturers
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As part of a congress lecture in 2020, one of the world's largest steam and gas turbine manufacturers will provide information about chromates on turbines in connection with assembly pastes and insulation containing calcium and point out that the formation of chromates does not only happen on turbines, but also reflects the "state of the art".
Great Britain - Association
As early as 2019, Energy UK warned employees in the power plant industry about hexavalent chromium compounds in assembly pastes and insulation containing calcium.
Canada - Association
hexavalent chromium (chromates) also in Canada:
"Energy Safety Canada" states in 2022: "the exposures have long been thought to be sulfur...the Cr6 formation process has not been aware of in recent years..."
other international warnings: