Steel Powder

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

29 CFR 1910.1200) Stainless steel is not hazardous according to the criteria specified in European Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC. Solid metallic products are classified as “articles” and are not hazardous material under the definitions of OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). Stainless steel products in their solid state present no inhalation, ingestion or contact health hazard. However, inhaling dusts fumes or musts which may be generated during certain manufacturing procedures such as burning, melting, welding, sawing, brazing, grinding and machining may be hazardous to your health. Dusts may also be irritating to the unprotected skid and eyes. Short Term exposure to fumes/dust generated from stainless steel use and processing may produce irritation of the eyes and respiratory system. Inhalation of high concentrations of freshly formed oxide fumes of iron, manganese and copper may cause metal fume fever, characterized by a metallic taste in the mouth, dryness and irritation of the throat and influenza-­‐like symptoms. Chronic inhalation of high concentrations of iron oxide fumes or dust may lead to a benign pneumoconiosis (siderosis). Inhalation of high concentrations of ferric oxide may possibly have a synergistic effect and increase the risk of lung cancer development in workers exposed to pulmonary carcinogens. Chromium and nickel and their compounds are listed in NTP’s 7th Annual Report on Carcinogens. Exposure to dust and fumes can cause sensitization dermatitis, inflammation and/or ulceration of upper respiratory tract, and cancer of nasal passages and lungs. NTP classifies nickel metal and certain nickel compounds as “reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens.” IARC classifies nickel metal as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) and certain nickel compounds as known human carcinogens (Group 1). NTP reports that there is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of chromium metal and most trivalent chromium (CrIII) compounds in humans and experimental animals. However, NTP classifies certain hexavalent chromium compounds as “known to be carcinogens.” Similarly, IARC indicates that chromium metal and trivalent chromium compounds are not classifiable as human carcinogens (Group 3), but that certain hexavalent chromium compounds are known carcinogens (Group 1). Since the hexavalent form of chromium may be produced during welding, heat-­‐treating and alkaline descaling processes, an industrial hygiene evaluation of such process should be conducted to determine if exposure to hexavalent chromium is present.