Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WIA WELDWELL 700

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Metal arc welding electrodes.

SYNONYMS

"metal arc welding electrode", PH700

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Danger of cumulative effects.
Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

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

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  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.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Fumes evolved during welding operations may be irritating to the upper-respiratory tract and may be harmful if inhaled.  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.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Repeated or long-term occupational exposure is likely to produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There has been concern that this material can cause cancer or mutations, but there is not enough data to make an assessment.  Extended exposure to inorganic fluorides causes fluorosis, which includes signs of joint pain and stiffness, tooth discoloration, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, anemia, weakness and general unwellness. There may also be frequent urination and thirst. Redness, itchiness and allergy-like inflammation of the skin and mouth cavity can occur. The central nervous system may be involved.  Metallic dusts generated by the industrial process give rise to a number of potential health problems. The larger particles, above 5 micron, are nose and throat irritants. Smaller particles however, may cause lung deterioration. Particles of less than 1.5 micron can be trapped in the lungs and, dependent on the nature of the particle, may give rise to further serious health consequences.  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.