MISCELLANEOUS BARE SOLID ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview: Metal wires or rods in varying colors. These products are normally not considered hazardous as shipped. Gloves should be worn when handling to prevent cuts and abrasions. These products contain nickel, which is classified as a skin sensitizer and a suspect carcinogen. Some of these products contain cobalt which is possibly carcinogenic and may cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact, and long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. In the form these substances are present in some of these products, they do not contribute to a hazard classification of the products. Skin contact is normally no hazard but should be avoided to prevent possible allergic reactions. Persons with a pacemaker should not go near welding or cutting operations until they have consulted their doctor and obtained information from the manufacturer of the device. When these products are used in a welding process, the most important hazards are heat, radiation, electric shock and welding fumes. Heat: Spatter and melting metal can cause burn injuries and start fires. Radiation: Arc rays can severely damage eyes or skin. Electricity: Electric shock can kill. Fumes: Overexposure to welding fumes may result in symptoms like metal fume fever, dizziness, nausea, dryness or irritation of the nose, throat or eyes. Chronic 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.