Chromium Electroplating, Chromium Anodizing and Reverse Etching Regulations

7 (1) Subject to subsection (2), every person that controls the release of hexavalent chromium compounds from a tank by limiting the surface tension of the solution containing a hexavalent chromium compound must maintain that surface tension in the tank at a value of less than

• (a) 35 dyn/cm if the surface tension is measured with a tensiometer; or

• (b) 45 dyn/cm if the surface tension is measured with a stalagmometer.

(2) If surface tension limiting is being used to control the release of hexavalent chromium compounds from a tank located at a facility at which chromium electroplating, chromium anodizing or reverse etching is carried out on the day on which this section comes into force, subsection (1) applies three months after that day.

(3) Every person referred to in subsection (1) must measure and record, for each tank, the surface tension of the solution containing the hexavalent chromium compound once every day during which the tank is used, and the measurements must be taken at least 16 hours apart.

(4) The surface tension must be measured in accordance with

• (a) the ASTM International method ASTM D 1331-89 (Reapproved 2001), Standard Test Methods for Surface and Interfacial Tension of Solutions of Surface-Active Agents, except Method B, as amended from time to time, if measured with a tensiometer; or

• (b) the manufacturer’s instructions, if measured with a stalagmometer.

(5) If a tank is unused for more than 24 consecutive hours, every person referred to in subsection (1) must, before resuming chromium electroplating, chromium anodizing or reverse etching, measure the surface tension of the solution containing the hexavalent chromium compound in the tank and, if necessary, reduce the surface tension to less than the value prescribed in paragraphs (1)(a) or (b), as applicable.