The SEA Fit 4 Chrome Scheme
Our organisation is a proud representative of UK-based entities that have received authorisation from the UK Regulatory Authority to engage in decorative/hard chromium electroplating. We have established the Fit4Chrome approval scheme, comprising of companies committed to adhering to its terms and conditions (please see the full terms and conditions below).
Each member adheres to stringent regulations and legislation, ensuring the continued use of chrome meets the highest standards of safety and environmental care. This dedication not only reflects our commitment to excellence but also our proactive approach to adopting sustainable practices in the industry. By participating in a scheme that guarantees adherence to these standards, our members demonstrate their leadership in responsible chrome use and their contribution to a healthier planet.
See the list of companies that have joined the Surface Engineering Association’s Fit4Chrome approval scheme and click on their logo to be directed to their website.
Hard Chrome – Sub contract
Chromate Conversion Coating
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| East Lancashire Platers | Global Metal Finishers Limited | Hard Anodising Surface Treatments Ltd | Nu-Pro Limited |
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| Russell Laboratories Ltd | Twickenham Plating Group Limited | Walton Plating Ltd |
Fit 4 Chrome Terms & Conditions
All companies applying to use the Fit 4 chrome logo agree to comply with the following terms and conditions:
1 – Operate under an authorisation granted by the Secretary of State for DEFRA issued in accordance with the UK REACH Regulations. Each company will have an individual authorisation number granted by the UK Regulatory Authority and this must be shown on all
relevant paperwork.
2 – Ensure that they protect both human health and the environment by ensuring any emissions of chromium trioxide are in accordance with ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable) principles. ALARP values are shown in section 3 below for human health.
Environmental emissions should be inline with the values stated in the annex 1 of the latest version of the surface treatment of metals and plastics by electrolytic and chemical processes (EPR 2.07) produced by the Environment Agency.
3 – Undertake personal air monitoring and biological monitoring to ensure the protection of their employees. Personal air monitoring will be carried out in accordance with BS ISO 16740:2005 and should be below 0.005mg/m3 (8-hr TWA). Biological monitoring should be
below the UK biological monitoring guidance value for total chromium of 10µmol/mol creatinine and preferably closer to 3µmol/ mol creatinine.
4 – Operate a series of RMMs (Risk Management Measures) approved by the UK REACH Authorities to ensure the protection of both their employees and the environment. Each company will have its own site-specific set of risk management measures supplied in an excel spreadsheet by the UK Regulatory Authority. A copy of a typical RMM spreadsheet is attached and the aim is to ensure that all RMMs are coloured coded green. Green = full compliance, yellow = part compliance and red = action is required.
5 – Be subject to an annual auditing and reporting process to ensure continuing compliance. The annual audit will be undertaken by a suitably qualified member of the SEA REACH Team and will examine emission data and compliance with RMMs. If a company is found to be not in compliance, then a time-sensitive improvement plan will be issued, and a re-audit arranged. If the re-audit shows that the company is still non-compliant then they will no longer be able to use the approved logo until they can demonstrate that they are in full compliance with the terms of the scheme and authorisation.
6 – If a company is refused permission to use the logo or has permission to use the logo rescinded, then it can make an appeal to the SEA REACH Team by stating in writing why it believes that the decision is incorrect and how it can demonstrate full compliance. If the SEA REACH Team dismisses an appeal, then the company can appeal to the President of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), the SEA’s parent company, and ask for a review of the appeal decision. The BATF President is entirely independent from the Fit4Chrome
scheme, and the decision made by the BATF President will be considered as final.
7 – Information on all approved companies will be kept in a secure register and be made available to the UK Regulatory Authority on request.
8 – There will be no charges or fees to join the approved scheme. Should companies require extra visits over and above the annual audit, then there will be a subsequent charge of £500 per visit. Charges / fees will be reviewed on an annual basis, usually in September for the coming year, and a notice period of 3 months will be given to companies explaining what the new charges / fees will be and the reasons for any adjustments.