Cobalt Cutting Tools

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA Emergency Overview: During normal operation and usage, high speed steel products do not present inhalation, ingestion, or other chemical hazards. However, operations such as grinding, cutting, machining, burning, and welding of such products may release dusts, fumes, or vapors which may present health hazards, if the exposure limits described in Section 2 are exceeded. The above operations should be performed in well ventilated areas. The health hazards described below relate to these non-routine operations, as well as exposure to component materials.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Grinding steel products will produce a dust of potentially hazardous ingredients that can be inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with skin or eyes.

Potential Acute Health Effects

Excessive inhalation of metallic fumes and dusts may result in irritation of eyes, nose, and throat. High concentrations of fumes and dusts of iron oxide, manganese, copper, zinc, and lead may result in metal fume fever. Typical symptoms consist of a metallic taste in the mouth, dryness and irritation of the throat, chills and fever. These symptoms may persist from 12 to 48 hours. Carcinogen listed in: NTP (National Toxicology Program) Chromium and Nickel IARC (International Agency for Cobalt listed as Group 2B by IARC. Chromium listed as Group 3. Research on Cancer) Monographs Nickel listed as Group 2B. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Chromium and Nickel Health Administration) Chromium or Nickel: Various forms of dermatitis, inflammation and/or ulceration of the upper respiratory tract, and possibly cancer of nasal passages and lungs. Based on available information, there does not appear to be any evidence that exposure to welding fume induces human cancer. Cobalt: Chronic exposure to dusts, fumes and mists containing cobalt carry the potential to cause permanent respiratory diseases, including occupational asthma, interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosis (hard-metal disease), and emphysema. Symptoms include productive cough, wheezing, dyspnea upon exertion, pleuritic chest pain, and weight loss. Skin sensitization is noted in a small percentage of cases. Copper: Irritation of the upper respiratory tract and metal fume fever, a flu-like illness. Iron: Prolonged exposure may produce pulmonary effects and/or siderosis. Manganese: Bronchitis, pneumonitis, lack of coordination Tungsten: Some evidence of pulmonary involvement such as cough Vanadium: Eye and respiratory tract irritant. Signs and symptoms of exposure Inhalation: Dust from grinding may cause irritation of the nose and throat. It also has the potential for causing transient or permanent respiratory disease including occupational asthma and interstitial fibrosis in a small percentage of exposed individuals. It is reported that cobalt dust is the most probable cause of such respiratory diseases. Symptoms include productive cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath, chest tightness and weight loss. Interstitial fibrosis (lung scaring) can lead to permanent disability or death. Certain pulmonary conditions may be aggravated by exposure. Skin contact: Can cause irritation or an allergic skin rash due to cobalt sensitization. Certain skin conditions, such as dry skin, may be aggravated by exposure. Eye contact: May cause eye irritation Ingestion: None expected during normal use conditions. Swallowing large pieces may cause obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.