Electrodes

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

29 CFR 1910.1200) Important: This section covers the material from which the product is manufactured. The fumes and gases produced during welding with the normal use of this product are covered under Section V. Thorium dioxide is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986(SARA) and 40 CFR Part 372. Tungsten welding electrodes 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. 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. Welding arcs or torch flame may be a source of ignition to combustible materials. 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. Welding fumes and gases cannot be classified simply. The composition and quantity of both are dependent upon the metal being welded, the process, procedure and electrodes used. Other conditions which also influence the composition and quantity of the fumes and gases to which workers may be exposed include ; coatings on the metal being welded ( such as paint, plating, or galvanizing ), the number of welders and the volume of the work area, the quality and amount of ventilation, the position of the welders head with respect to the fume plume, as well as the presence of contaminants in the atmosphere ( such as chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors from cleaning and degreasing activities ). When the electrode is consumed, the fume and gas decomposition products generated are different in percent and form from the ingredients listed in Section 3. Most fume ingredients are present as complex oxides and compounds and not as pure metals. Decomposition products of normal operation include those originating from the volatilization, reaction, or oxidation of the materials shown in Section 3, plus those from the base metal and coating, etc. as noted above. 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. Always, wear correct eye, ear, and body protection and do not touch live electrical parts. Designation Chemical Composition Impurities ≤ 0.1% Tip Color ISO 6848 AWS A5.12 Oxide Additive, % Tungsten, % WT20 EWTH-2 ThO2: 1.70-2.20 ≥ 97.30 RED WP EWP ---- ≥ 99.95 GREEN WL15 EWLa-1.5 LaO2: 1.30-1.70 ≥ 97.80 GOLD WC20 EWCe-2 CeO2: 1.80-2.20 ≥ 97.30 ORANGE/GRAY WL20 EWLa-1 La2O3: 0.80-2.20 ≥ 98.30 BLACK WL10 EWLa-2 La2O3: 1.80-2.20 ≥ 97.30 SKY-BLUE WZ3 EWZR-1ns ZrO2: 0.15-0.50 ≥ 99.10 BROWN The term “HAZARDOUS MATERIALS” should be interpreted as a term required and defined in OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD 29 CFR 1910.1200 however the use of this term does not necessarily imply the existence of any hazard.