In 2005, OSHA advised manufacturers of upcoming requirements for working with hexavalent chromium. In response to these requirements, Goodrich’s Troy, Ohio Aircraft Wheels and Brakes facility identified the steps necessary to become compliant with the new regulation. A primer used in its paint department was going to be the biggest challenge for compliance.

The team took on the challenge in a collaborative manner.  Issues were discussed by plant leadership ranging from engineering, EHS, operations, finance, sales and quality. A workstream team was created to validate and implement a new chromate-free primer prior to the OSHA deadline. The team represented a wide cross section of the Troy manufacturing facility and U.S. Wheels and Brakes Service Centers. The team utilized elements of Continuous Improvement to prioritize activities and expedite customer notification and approval.

The scope of work accomplished in this time included: testing to customer specification requirements; field evaluation; sensitivity studies; and customer notification. Thanks in part to prior efforts to evaluate primers and topcoats, and the cooperation of all the representatives on the workstream team, the team’s goal was accomplished.

The benefits include cost savings and an improved work environment. Also, with new requirements coming from customers on banned, targeted and restricted materials, the team can continue to productively meet their needs and expectations.

Mark Eckert
Manager, Sustaining Project Engineering
Goodrich Aircraft Wheels and Brakes
Troy, Ohio, USA