Tungsten Thoriated

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

According to the German regulation “BGBI. 1979, No. 125 Z1997A, 13. Oct. 1976” activity ingestion of Thorium-contaminated air of 4.8.10-10 Curie/year is permitted. References available at this time do not report toxicity or other adverse health effects are known.

2.3 Other hazards

Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive element, emitting primarily alpha radiation. Its decay products emit both alpha and gamma radiation. NCR exposure limit for natural thorium in air is 2 x 10 –12 micro curies per ml of air (9 micrograms per m3). There are no recognized hazards associated directly with unused electrodes prior to grinding and welding. Packaged consumables may be heavy, and should be handled and stored with care. FOLLOW MANUAL HANDLING REGULATIONS. Some very low levels of dust may be produced during handling. DO NOT BREATHE THE DUST. When preparing (grinding) and using these electrodes as part of the welding process additional potential hazards are likely: GRINDING. Toxic dusts. ENSURE ADEQUATE DUST EXTRACTION, VENTILATION AND DUST DISPOSAL WELDING. Electric shock from the welding equipment or electrode. This can be fatal. 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 welded 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 welding is performed on plated or coated materials such as galvanized steel, excessive fume may be produced which contains additional hazardous components, and may result in metal fume fever and other health effects.