Specification AWS/ASME SFA 5.10, Din 1732 S-AlSi 12

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. Wire wound on reels or spools, or supplied in bulk packages can be coiled under tension. Take care to avoid the wire uncoiling rapidly when released. WEAR GLOVES AND EYE PROTECTION When using these consumables as part of the welding process additional potential hazards are likely: Electric shock from the welding equipment or electrode. This can be fatal. Hot metal spatter and heat from the electric arc and the welding flame, 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, the arc radiation and the welding flame: Particulate fume such as complex metal oxides 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 oxidation of carbon in the components, and from the flame combustion products. SHORT TERM INHALATION OF THESE FUMES AND GASES MAY LEAD TO IRRITATION OF THE NOSE, THROAT AND EYES. LONG TERM OVEREXPOSURE OR INHALATION OF HIGH LEVELS OF FUMES MAY RESULT IN HARMFUL 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.