REACH - Applications for authorisation AFA055-01 Chromium trioxide

Overview

Public consultation on alternatives

Reference: AFA055-01

Applicant: C&E Plating Limited

Application type: Initial

Substance: Chromium trioxide

• EC Number: 215-607-8
• CAS Number: 1333-82-0
• Annex 14 Entry Number: 16

Proposed use: Functional chrome plating with decorative character

Broad information on use applied for (conditions of use and function):

Industrial use of chromium trioxide for the electroplating of metal objects and components to provide a chrome coating with a combination of technical and aesthetic qualities to client specifications.

C&E Plating Limited provides electroplating using chromium trioxide for a range of clients including jewellery manufacturers, manufacturers of electrical fittings, and manufacturers of clothing accessories. It also provides electroplating for a company in the same group which manufactures components (badges, bonnet mascots etc) for automotive clients.

The activities undertaken involve the receipt of hexavalent chromium supplied in metal drums. This material is stored before being transported to the area where it is used. The material is transferred directly to two tanks by weighing it out in a jug and pouring it into the tank. The plating activities are carried out within a single room. Two chrome plating tanks are used, one which provides a bright chrome finish and one which gives a black chrome finish. The components to be plated are hung on metal jigs which are then suspended in the appropriate plating tank where an electrical current is applied. The components are left in the tank for the appropriate period of time. After this, the jigs are removed and the remaining material on them neutralised and cleaned by passing them through a series of rinse tanks.

Descriptors:

• Life-cycle stage: Use at industrial sites
• Sector of end use (SU): SU 0
• Environmental release category (ERC): ERC 6B
• Process category (PROC): PROC 1, PROC 8b, PROC 9, PROC 3, PROC 4, PROC 28
• Product category (PC): PC 14
• Technical Function: Plating agent
• Article category: Not applicable

Annual tonnage used: Less than 1 tonne

Requested review period: 12 years

How to submit comments

Provide some basic information on possible alternative(s) in the online survey below but more detailed information should be provided in document(s) prepared using the commenting templates in the related section below. A “public version” should always be completed and will be published after the consultation has closed. If you want to include confidential information in your submission, please additionally complete a “confidential version” and submit both versions as attachments.

The consultation lasts for 8 weeks (unless otherwise specified) and closes at 23:59 London time (BST).