HARDSURFACING WELDING ELECTRODES

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

There are no recognised hazards associated directly with unused welding consumables prior to welding. Packaged consumables may be heavy, and should be handled and stored with care. FOLLOW MANUAL HANDLING REGULATIONS. Some low levels of dust may be produced during handling. DO NOT BREATHE THE DUST When using these electrodes as part of the welding process additional potential hazards are likely. These are: Electric shock from the welding equipment or electrode. This can be fatal. Hot metal spatter and heat, which can cause burns to the hand and body, and may cause fire if in contact with combustible materials. UV, IR and light radiation from the arc, which can produce ‘arc eye’ and possible eye damage to unprotected eyes. WEAR SUITABLE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Fumes produced from the welding consumable, material being welded, and the arc radiation. These consist of: Particulate fume such as complex metal oxides, fluorides, and silicates from the weld materials Gaseous fume such as ozone and nitrogen oxides from the action of arc radiation on the atmosphere, and carbon monoxide and dioxide from the dissociation and reaction with the atmosphere of some of the flux constituents. SHORT TERM INHALATION OF THESE FUMES AND GASES MAY LEAD TO NOSE, THROAT AND EYES IRRITATION. LONG TERM OVEREXPOSURE OR INHALATION OF EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF FUMES MAY RESULT IN EFFECTS TO THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LUNGS. LOCAL EXTRACTION AND /OR VENTILATION SHOULD BE USED TO ENSURE THAT ALL HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS IN THE FUME ARE KEPT BELOW THEIR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE STANDARDS IN THE WELDER’S AND OTHER WORKERS’ BREATHING ZONES NOTE: If welding is performed on plated or coated materials such as galvanised steel, excessive fume may be produced which contains additional hazardous components, and may result in metal fume fever and other health effects.