The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) has contributed to international discussions on occupational health and safety, sharing its work on Chromium VI training standards at the 4th Chromium ESG Technical Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Held on 6–7 October 2026, the conference was organised by the International Chromium Development Association (ICDA), a non-profit industry association headquartered in Paris, France, representing organisations across the global chromium industry.
The event brought together technical experts and industry professionals to explore environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges, regulatory developments and opportunities to improve safety and sustainability throughout the chromium value chain.
Representing UKATA, Director and Deputy Chair Adam Harding delivered a presentation entitled 'Developing Chromium VI Training Standards under EU & UK Regulations'.
His presentation explored the development of UKATA's Chromium VI Awareness training syllabus, the regulatory considerations surrounding occupational exposure and the importance of effective training in supporting workplace safety.
The presentation also provided an opportunity to share UKATA's experience of developing training standards with an international audience, encouraging discussion around approaches to managing Chromium VI risks across different jurisdictions.
Reflecting on the event, Adam Harding, UKATA Director and Deputy Chair, said:
"It was a privilege to speak at the ICDA Technical Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, last month.
UKATA has worked hard to develop a comprehensive syllabus on Chromium VI, and sharing our development journey with international industry stakeholders sparked meaningful debate around global implementation of control measures.
Special thanks to the ICDA team for hosting a fantastic event, and to Vargön Alloys AB for the insightful tour of their production site."
Developing UKATA's Chromium VI Awareness Training
UKATA's involvement in the conference follows the development and approval of its Chromium VI Awareness training syllabus, reflecting the Association's commitment to supporting improvements in occupational health and safety beyond its established expertise in asbestos training.
The syllabus was developed by UKATA Chief Operating Officer Craig Evans in response to increasing awareness of the occupational health risks associated with Chromium VI and the importance of ensuring workers have access to appropriate information and training.
Following its development, the syllabus was formally approved by UKATA's Board of Directors, establishing a structured framework for training providers to deliver Chromium VI Awareness training.
The course is designed for employees whose work could foreseeably expose them to Chromium VI compounds, providing an understanding of the associated health hazards, exposure risks, relevant legislation and appropriate control measures.
Craig Evans, Chief Operating Officer of UKATA, commented:
"The development of our Chromium VI Awareness syllabus came from recognising a growing need for greater awareness and understanding of the risks associated with occupational exposure.
Whilst UKATA is widely recognised for its work in asbestos training, the principles of effective training, competence and protecting people from occupational health risks extend well beyond asbestos.
I developed the syllabus to provide a consistent and structured approach to Chromium VI awareness training, which was subsequently approved by our Board of Directors. Having this work presented at an international conference demonstrates the value of sharing knowledge and experience across industries and borders.
It is encouraging to see UKATA contributing to these wider conversations, and we hope our work will support improved awareness and safer working practices."
Supporting International Collaboration
UKATA's participation in the conference provided an opportunity to engage with international stakeholders, exchange knowledge and contribute to discussions about occupational health risks and the role of training in protecting workers.
The Association continues to explore opportunities to apply its experience in training standards and quality assurance to other areas of occupational health and safety, whilst maintaining its core commitment to improving the quality of asbestos training.
UKATA's Chromium VI Awareness syllabus is intended to provide foundational knowledge and awareness and does not replace any task-specific instruction, practical training or additional competence requirements relevant to an individual's work.
Organisations interested in delivering or undertaking UKATA Chromium VI Awareness training can contact info@ukata.org.uk or telephone 01246 824437 for further information.
About UKATA
The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) is a leading association dedicated to raising standards in asbestos training and protecting workers and the public from the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Working with its approved training providers and industry partners, UKATA promotes high-quality training, professional competence and the sharing of knowledge and best practice.
Building on its established experience in training standards and quality assurance, UKATA also supports the development of awareness training in other areas of occupational health and safety, including Chromium VI.
Published on Monday 9th November 2026