Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WIA AUSTFIL 309LT1-1

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Gas shielded flux cored wire for all positional welding.

SYNONYMS

"flux-cored stainless-steel electrode", "stainless steel wire", "309 LT 1"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  

EYE

  Fumes from welding/brazing operations may be irritating to the eyes.  

SKIN

  Skin contact does not normally present a hazard, though it is always possible that occasionally individuals may be found who react to substances usually regarded as inert.  Chrome fume, as the chrome VI oxide, is corrosive to the skin and may aggravate pre-  existing skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. As a potential skin sensitizer, the fume may cause dermatoses to appear suddenly and without warning. Absorption of chrome VI compounds through the skin can cause systemic poisoning effecting the kidneys and liver.  

INHALED

  Fumes evolved during welding operations may be irritating to the upper-respiratory tract and may be harmful if inhaled.  Effects on lungs are significantly enhanced in the presence of respirableparticles.  Harmful levels of ozone may be found when working in confined spaces. Symptoms of exposure include irritation of the upper membranes of the respiratory tract and lungs as well as pulmonary (lung) changes including irritation, accumulation of fluid (congestion and edema) and in some cases hemorrhage. Exposure may aggravate any pre-existing lung condition such as bronchitis, asthma or emphysema.  Manganese fume is toxic and produces nervous system effects characterized by tiredness. Acute poisoning is rare although acute inflammation of the lungs may occur. A chemical pneumonia may also result from frequent exposure. Inhalation of freshly formed metal oxide particles sized below 1.5 microns and generally between 0.02 to 0.05 microns may result in "metal fume fever". Symptoms may be delayed for up to 12 hours and begin with the sudden onset of thirst, and a sweet, metallic or foul taste in the mouth. Other symptoms include upper respiratory tract irritation accompanied by coughing and a dryness of the mucous membranes, lassitude and a generalized feeling of malaise. Mild to severe headache, nausea, occasional vomiting, fever or chills, exaggerated mental activity, profuse sweating, diarrhea, excessive urination and prostration may also occur. Tolerance to the fumes develops rapidly, but is quickly lost. All symptoms usually subside within 24-36 hours following removal from exposure.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  Principal route of exposure is inhalation of welding fumes from electrodes and workpiece. Reaction products arising from electrode core and flux appear as welding fume depending on welding conditions, relative volatilities of metal oxides and any coatings on the workpiece. Studies of lung cancer among welders indicate that they may experience a 30-  40% increased risk compared to the general population. Since smoking and exposure to other cancer-causing agents, such as asbestos fibre, may influence these results, it is not clear whether welding, in fact, represents a significant lung cancer risk. Whilst mild steel welding represents little risk, the stainless steel welder, exposed to chromium and nickel fume, may be at risk and it is this factor which may account for the overall increase in lung cancer incidence among welders. Cold isolated electrodes are relatively harmless.  Welding fume with high levels of ferrous materials may lead to particle deposition in the lungs (siderosis) after long exposure. This clears up when exposure stops. Chronic exposure to iron dusts may lead to eye disorders.  Exposure to fume containing high concentrations of water-soluble chromium (VI) during the welding of stainless steels in confined spaces has been reported to result in chronic chrome intoxication, dermatitis and asthma. Certain insoluble chromium (VI) compounds have been named as carcinogens (by the ACGIH) in other work environments. Chromium may also appear in welding fumes as Cr2O3 or double oxides with iron. These chromium (III) compounds are generally biologically inert.  Ozone is suspected to produce lung cancer in laboratory animals; no reports of this effect have been documented in exposed human populations.  Other welding process exposures can arise from radiant energy UV flash burns, thermal burns or electric shockThe welding arc emits ultraviolet radiation at wavelengths that have the potential to produce skin tumours in animals and in over-exposed individuals, however, no confirmatory studies of this effect in welders have been reported.