SUBMERGED ARC WELDING FLUXES

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview: Granules in varying colors. These products are normally not considered hazardous as shipped. Gloves should be worn when handling to prevent contaminating hands with product dust. Some of these products contain cryolite, which is classified as toxic and dangerous for the environment. These products are however not classified as hazardous based on the limited concentration of the classified substance. Some of these products contain titanium dioxide which is possibly carcinogenic. These products contain quartz, but normally not in an inhalable fraction. Quartz can cause silicosis and may cause cancer. Avoid eye contact or inhalation of dust from these 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: Welding fumes are normally not a hazard with submerged arc welding, unless the arc burns through the flux bedding. Use enough flux to avoid burn-through. 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. 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.