Welding Aid

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Effects of acute exposure:

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation and skin contact Eye and Skin: when welding, arc rays can injure eyes and burn skin Inhalation: Exposure to nickel containing dust and welding fumes, may cause irritation to upper respiratory tract. May cause respiratory sensitisation in susceptible individuals. Reasonable expected decomposition products from normal use of these products include a complex of the oxides of the materials listed in Section 2, as well as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen oxides (refer to “Characterization of Arc Welding Fume” available from the American Welding Society). THE TLV FOR MANGANESE (0.02 mg/m3) WILL BE REACHED BEFORE THE GENERAL LIMIT FOR WELDING FUMES OF 5 mg/m3 IS REACHED. MONITOR FUMES FOR MAGANESE LEVELS. The only way to determine the true identity of the decomposition products is by sampling and analysis. The composition and quantity of the fumes and gases to which a worker may be overexposed can be determined from a sample obtained from inside the welder’s helmet, if worn, or in the worker’s breathing zone. See ANSI/AWS F1.1 “Method for Sampling Airborne Particles Generated by Welding and Allied Processes.” Available from the American Welding Society. Ingestion: Amounts ingested incidental to industrial handling are not likely to cause injury. Single dose oral toxicity is low. Effects of chronic exposure: Refer to section 11 for specific toxicological information.