Twenty Gauge WELDING WIRE

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: These products consist of odorless, carbon steel with iron powder, deoxidizers and arc stabilizers, which have a metallic luster. There are no immediate health hazards associated with these products. These products are not reactive. If involved in a fire, these products may generate irritating fumes and a variety of metal oxides. Finely divided dusts of these products may result in explosive air/dust mixtures. Emergency responders must wear personal protective equipment suitable for the situation to which they are responding. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: During welding operations, the most significant route of over-exposure is via inhalation of fumes. INHALATION: Inhalation of large amounts of particulates generated by these products during welding operations may be physically irritating and cause deposits of dust in nasal passages. Inhalation of large amounts of dusts or fumes of Iron, the main component of these products, can cause iron pneumoconiosis. Inhalation of dusts and fumes of Iron can also cause metal fume fever. Symptoms of metal fume fever include flu-like symptoms, metallic taste, fever, chills, cough, weakness, chest pain, muscle pain, cardiac abnormalities, and increased white blood cell count. Damage to lungs can occur. Symptoms of metal fume fever can be delayed 24-48 hours. Thermal decomposition can result in generation of fluoride compounds, which in high enough concentration, can cause burns to the respiratory system and possible pulmonary edema in severe causes. (Continued) INHALATION (continued): Chronic inhalation of dusts and fumes of Iron, the main component of these products can result in HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM deposition of iron in body tissues (siderosis), with symptoms of fibrosis of the pancreas, diabetes mellitus and liver cirrhosis. Chronic inhalation of fumes of Manganese can cause a condition known as “Manganism”. Symptoms include central nervous system HEALTH (BLUE) 0 effects such as tremors, muscle weakness, and behavioral changes. Chronic inhalation of fumes of Calcium Carbonate, a minor component of this product, can result in a condition known as hypercalcemia, characterized by elevated serum calcium levels, FLAMMABILITY increased density of the skeleton, mental deterioration and possible (RED) 0 adverse effects on the renal system. Refer to Section 10 (Stability and Reactivity) for information on the specific composition of welding fumes and gases. products with the skin is not anticipated to be irritating. Contact with REACTIVITY CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Contact of the rod form of these (YELLOW) 0 the rod form of these products can be physically damaging to the eye. Fumes generated during welding operations can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Symptoms of skin over-exposure may include PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT X irritation and redness; prolonged or repeated skin over-exposures may lead to dermatitis. These products also contain a low level of Fluorspar, a fluoride compound. Thermal decomposition of this EYES RESPIRATORY HANDS BODY compound can generate fluoride compounds, which are toxic and can cause burns in extreme cases. Burns from fluoride compounds can be delayed. Contact with the molten core wire or rods will burn See contaminated skin or eyes. SKIN ABSORPTION: Skin absorption is not known to be a For routine industrial applications for the rods significant route of over-exposure for any component of these products. INGESTION: Not applicable. See Section 16 for Definition of Ratings INJECTION: Though not a likely route of occupational exposure for these products, injection (via punctures or lacerations in the skin) may cause local reddening, tissue swelling, and discomfort.

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE An Explanation in Lay Terms. Symptoms associated with over- exposure to these products and the fumes generated during welding operations are as follows: ACUTE: Inhalation of large amounts of particulates generated by these products during metal processing operations may be physically irritating and cause deposits of dust in nasal passages. Inhalation of dusts and fumes of Iron (the main component of these products) can cause metal fume fever. Contact with the molten material will burn contaminated skin or eyes. In extreme cases, burns may occur from contact with fluoride compounds that are generated during thermal decomposition. CHRONIC: Chronic skin over-exposure to the fumes of these products during welding operations may produce dermatitis (red, inflamed skin). Repeated or prolonged over-exposures, via inhalation, to the dusts generated by these products may cause pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of lung tissue). Chronic inhalation of fumes or dusts of the components of these products, can result in a conditions such as hypercalcemia, and manganism. Adverse effects or damage to the liver, lungs, pancreas, renal system and central nervous system can occur. TARGET ORGANS For fumes ACUTE Skin, eyes, respiratory system, central nervous system. CHRONIC Skin, respiratory system, pancreas and liver. What should I do if a hazardous situation occurs? ]