2. Legislation and chrome-free satin finishing

2.1 REACH legislation

Chemical metallization processes use products that are hazardous to health and the environment. Chromic anhydride, present in satin finishes and electrolytic chromium plating baths, is classified as highly toxic by inhalation and carcinogenic. The concentration at which it is used and the volume of these baths are therefore essential factors in the classification of risk-prone workshops under the European Seveso II Directive (96/82/EC).

This environmental directive is now reinforced by the new European Parliament directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (2004/37/EC). In addition, the implementation of European regulation no. 1907/2006 launched the REACH process (Registration,...