ER80SB2

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA The products are not considered to be hazardous by the manufacturer; however they can contain hazardous ingredients. Different kinds of fume and dust occur during the welding and grinding processes. Chromium-VI compounds and nickel oxides might occur, if product contains nickel and chromium, which are classified as carcinogenic. In addition irritant substances such as fluorides and manganese oxides as well as fine dusts (mostly iron oxides) occur. Welding electrodes and wires are non-hazardous solids at ambient temperature. Skin contact is normally not hazardous but should be avoided to prevent possible allergic reaction. Avoid eye contact or inhalation of dust or fumes from the product. Occupational exposure limits of components are described in section 8. Actual exposure should be determined by monitoring the fume in the operator’s breathing zone. When this product is used in a welding process the most significant hazards are electric shock, fumes, gases, radiation, spatter, slag and heat. Electric shock can kill. Arc rays can damage eyes and burn skin. Spatter and slag can damage eyes. Spatter, slag, melting metal, arc rays and hot welds can cause burn injuries and start fires. When welding arc or torch flame may be a source of ignition of combustible. The primary entry route for welding fumes and gases is by inhalation. Short term overexposure to welding fumes may result in symptoms like dizziness, nausea, dryness or irritation of the nose, throat or eyes and may aggravate pre-existing respiratory problems (e.g. asthma, emphysema). Long term overexposure to welding fumes may affect pulmonary function. Prolonged inhalation of nickel and chromium compounds above safe exposure limits can cause cancer. Overexposure to manganese and manganese compounds above safe exposure limits can cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system, including the brain, symptoms of which may include slurred speech, lethargy, tremor, muscular weakness, psychological disturbances and spastic gait. Carcinogenicity Welding fumes must be considered as carcinogens. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified welding fumes as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Hence, before using welding wire and/or electrodes read and understand the manufacturer's instructions, SDSs, and your employer's safety practices. Take necessary precautions and use proper ventilation and absorption system to remove fumes and gases from your breathing zone and the general area. Keep your head out of the fumes. Do not breathe gas and fumes. Besides, wear correct eye, ear, and body protection and do not touch live electrical parts. NICKEL: The International Agency for Research on Cancer indicates nickel refining and "certain nickel compounds" were cancer-causing, but could not state with certainty which forms of nickel may be carcinogenic. The National Toxicology Program lists nickel powder, nickel subsulfide, nickel oxide, nickel carbonate, nickel carbonyl and nickelocene as substances