Gouging Carbon Electrodes

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

CLASSIFIED AS HAZARDOUS NOT CLASSIFIED AS DANGEROUS GOODS There are no recognised hazards associated directly with unused electrodes prior to gouging. Packaged consumables may be heavy, and should be handled and stored with care. Some low levels of dust may be produced during handling. DO NOT BREATHE THE DUST. When using these electrodes as part of the gouging process additional potential hazards are likely: Electric shock from the welding equipment or electrode. This can be fatal. Noise produced from the gouging process. WEAR EAR PROTECTION 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 electrodes, material being gouged and the arc radiation: • Particulate fume such as metal oxides from the electrodes, and 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. • 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 gouging 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.