The Rules
2006
marks a watershed year for environmental legislation on
hazardous materials, with tough new rules being introduced
worldwide, including the OSHA Cr6+ PEL in the US
and the European Union’s RoHS directive. Combined with the
recent ELV and WEEE regulations in Europe and a host of
other laws either enacted or under consideration around the
globe, the latest rules present a formidable array of
restrictions for manufacturers and surface finishers.
Summary of Rules
|
|
OSHA
Cr6+ PEL |
ELV |
WEEE |
RoHS |
|
What the rule covers |
Worker exposure to Cr6+ |
Disposal of vehicles |
Disposal of electronics |
Materials used in electronics |
|
Materials covered |
Cr6+ |
Cd, Cr6+, Pb, Hg |
Various |
Cd, Cr6+, Pb, Hg, PBBs,
PBDEs |
|
When it becomes operational |
November 2006 (May 2007 for small companies) |
July 2003 |
August 2005 (Europe – but only
some countries so far) |
July 2006 (Europe) |
|
Major inclusions |
All US workplaces |
Vehicles |
Electrical and electronic
equipment |
Electrical and electronic
equipment |
|
Major exemptions |
Partial exemption for aircraft painting |
Cr6+ coatings until
July 2007 (July 2008 for fasteners)
Spare parts for older vehicles |
Military
Major fixed equipment
|
Military
Major fixed equipment
Spares for older equipment |
Rowan
Technology advises its clients on clean alternatives to
materials and coatings that are under pressure from these
and other environmental regulations in the US, Europe or
elsewhere. However, while the most far-reaching aspect of
the WEEE and RoHS directives is the mandating of lead-free
solders, we do not currently cover lead-free solders on this
site because there are many alternative places where the
subject is covered in great detail.
For more information on lead
solders:
|
