12
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
CARBON & LOW ALLOY STEEL
ELECTRODES
Some low levels of dust may be produced during handling. DO NOT
BREATHE THE DUST.
1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY DESIGNATION
When using these electrodes as part of the welding process additional potential
Product Name: CARBON STEEL/LOW ALLOY WELDING
hazards are likely:
ELECTRODES
Electric shock from the welding equipment or electrode. This can be fatal.
Product Specification: AWS/ASME SFA 5.1
Hot metal spatter and heat, which can cause burns to the hand and body, and
Product Classifications & Brands: The following Afrox electrodes are
may cause fire if in contact with combustible materials.
covered by this MSDS:
E6013: Vitemax, Superweld Speedcraft, WeldMate GP UV, IR and light radiation from the arc, which can produce `arc eye' and
possible eye damage to unprotected eyes. WEAR SUITABLE PROTECTIVE
E7024: Afrolux, Superweld Extra
EQUIPMENT.
E7016: 36S, 56S
Fumes produced from the welding consumable, material being welded, and the
E7018: LH7018-1, 78MR, Ferron 1, Superweld Ductile, 76S
arc radiation:
E7015: KV2, KV5L
Particulate fume such as complex metal oxides, fluorides, and silicates
E8015: KV5, Rockweld 502 from the weld materials.
E8016: 75 Gaseous fume such as ozone and nitrogen oxides from the action of arc
E8018: 88, Rockweld C1, Rockweld B2 radiation on the atmosphere, and carbon monoxide and dioxide from the
E9015: KV3 dissociation of some flux constituents during welding.
E9018: 98 SHORT TERM INHALATION OF THESE FUMES AND GASES MAY
E11018:118 LEAD TO IRRITATION OF THE NOSE, THROAT AND EYES.
Recommended use: Manual Metal Arc (MMA) Welding of carbon/Low LONG TERM OVEREXPOSURE OR INHALATION OF HIGH
Alloy steels LEVELS OF FUMES MAY RESULT IN HARMFUL EFFECTS TO
Supplier: Afrox THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Address: P.O. Box 207, Germiston, 1400. AND LUNGS.
Telephone number: 0860 020202 LOCAL EXTRACTION AND /OR VENTILATION SHOULD BE
Telefax: (011) 821-3066 / 0860 020201 USED TO ENSURE THAT ALL HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS IN
customer.service@afrox.boc.com
E Mail: THE FUME ARE KEPT BELOW THEIR INDIVIDUAL
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE STANDARDS IN THE WELDER'S
AND OTHER WORKERS' BREATHING ZONES.
2. DETAILS OF COMPOSITION
NOTE: If welding is performed on plated or coated materials such as
These electrodes consist of a mild steel inner core with a flux coating. The mild
galvanised steel, excessive fume may be produced which contains additional
steel inner core is an uncoated solid steel rod. The flux coatings vary
hazardous components, and may result in metal fume fever and other health
depending on the type of electrode, and contain varying amounts of metal
effects.
powders, ferro-alloy powders, mineral ores, inorganic oxides, carbonates and
fluorides, cellulosic compounds and other siliceous materials mixed together
with liquid silicate binders. 4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Specific details of the contents of the core wire and flux coating for the No first aid measures should be required for the unused electrode consumables.
electrode types covered by this data sheet are given below. During welding:
Inhalation
TABLE 1: CORE WIRE COMPOSITION DATA (WT %) If breathing is difficult, bring the patient in fresh air; breathe in fresh air
deeply.
Mild steel core Fe Mn Cr Ni Cu Si
For skin burns
Typical 98-99 <0.6 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.2
Submerge affected area in cold water until burning sensation ceases and refer
for immediate medical attention.
TABLE 2: COATING COMPOSITION DATA (WT%)
For eye effects such as arc eye and dusts
Flux coating Rutile Basic Low Hydrogen Rutile Iron Cas No.
Irrigate eye with sterile water, cover with damp dressing and refer for
6013 E7016, 7018, 7015, 8015, Powder
immediate medical attention if irritation persists.
8016, 8018, 9015, 9018, E7024
11018 Ingestion
Ingestion is considered unlikely due to product form. However, if detached
Limestone and/or Calcium <10 20-55 <10 1317-65-3
flux coating is swallowed do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention.
Carbonate
Advice to doctor: treat symptomatically.
Magnesite <5 - - 546-93-0
(total inhalable dust)
Electric shock
(respirable dust)
If necessary resuscitate and seek immediate medical attention.
Cellulose <15 - - 9004-34-6
(total inhalable dust)
(respirable dust)
5. FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES
Iron Oxides (as Fe) <10 <10 <10 1309-37-6
Inorganic Fluorides (as F) <10 10-30 <10 16984-48-8 No specific measures required for the welding consumable prior to welding.
Iron powder <10 10-35 10-60 7439-89-6
Welding should not be carried out in the presence of flammable materials,
Manganese and its Inorganic 5-15 <15 <15 7439-96-5 & other
vapours, tanks, cisterns and pipes and other containers which have held
compounds (as Mn)
Rutile/Titanium Dioxide flammable substances unless these have been checked and certified safe.
(total inhalable dust) 15-60 <15 10-30 13463-67-7
(respirable dust)
Silicon and Silicon Alloys, (as Si) - <10 <5 7440-21-3
6. MEASURES IN CASE OF UNINTENTIONAL RELEASE
Silicate Binders <15 <15 <15 1344-09-8
No specific actions for welding consumable prior to use.
Mica <20 <5 <5 12001-26-2
Welding in proximity to stored or used halogenated solvents may produce toxic
(total inhalable dust)
(respirable dust)
and irritant gases. Prohibit welding in areas where these solvents are used.
Quartz/Silica
Respirable crystalline <15 5-60 <10 14808-60-7 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE (FOR SAFETY)
Kaolin (respirable dust) <20 - <5 1332-58-7
No special precautions are required for these welding consumables.
Other Mineral Silicates 5-30 5-10 5-30 1332-58-7
Welding electrodes are dense materials and can give rise to a handling hazard
Nickel <1
Chromium or its compounds (as <4 when multiple packages of the electrodes are lifted or handled incorrectly or
Cr)
with poor lifting posture.
Molybdenum (as Mo) <2
Good practice for handling and storage should be adopted to prevent physical
Vanadium (V2O5) <0.5
injuries.
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION 8. EXPOSURE PREVENTION/CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
There are no recognised hazards associated directly with unused welding Exposure Prevention
consumables prior to welding. Packaged consumables may be heavy, and Welders should not touch live electrical parts, and should insulate themselves
should be handled and stored with care. FOLLOW MANUAL HANDLING from the work and the ground. Manufacturer's guidelines for the use of
REGULATIONS. electrical welding machines should be observed at all times.
Welders and co-workers should be educated about the health hazards In confined spaces where ventilation is not adequate, an air fed breathing
associated with welding fume, and trained to keep their heads out of the fume system should be used. All precautions for working in confined space should
plume. be observed. Refer to OHSAct No. 85 of 1993 General Safety Regulation 9.
During welding, fumes and gases will be produced and emitted from the For further information see the American National Standard Z49.1 Safety in
welding process. The content of the fume is dependent on the electrode type Welding and Cutting and SABS 0238 (SANS 10238) Welding and Thermal
and base material being welded. The amount and concentration of fume Cutting Processes ?Health and Safety.
generated is dependent on factors such as current, voltage, welding practices Where fume levels exceed the recognised exposure limits, respiratory
and number of welders in a given area. By following recommended welding protection may be required in the form of a Class P2 (metal fume) respirator.
practices, fume production can sometimes be minimised. Personal Protection
For carbon steel electrodes, the main constituents of the fume will be iron, Welders and co-workers in the vicinity should wear protective clothing and eye
manganese, sodium, potassium and calcium oxides, fluorides and silicates, protection appropriate to arc welding as specified by local standards.
mainly in the form of complex oxides and other compounds. There will also be Protection of Body and Skin
smaller amounts of other complex metal oxides and silicates. Suitable clothes for welding should be worn such as non light reflective
Gaseous ozone and nitrous oxides are also formed by arc radiation, and carbon fireproof overalls, leather apron, welding helmet, leather boots spats and gloves
monoxide and carbon dioxide can also be present due to dissociation of some Protection of Hands
of the flux constituents. Welders should wear suitable hand protection such a welding gloves or
Fume composition data for the major carbon steel electrodes are given below, gauntlets of a suitable standard. Co-worker should also wear suitable hand
and the individual exposure limits for the constituents (when specified) are also protection against hot metal, sparks and spatter.
given. Eye Protection
Fume exposure should be controlled to below the recognised exposure limit for Welders should wear a welding helmet fitted with the appropriate optical
each of the individual constituents, and to below 5 mg/m3 for the total welding filter for the operation. Suitable protective welding screens and
particulate fume. goggles should be provided, and used by others working in the same area.
TABLE 3: FUME COMPOSITION DATA (WT%) 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Physical state: Solid
Electrode Type %Fe %Mn %Si %Mg %Ni %Cr %Ti %Cu %Na %K %Ca %F
Colour: Generally greyish, but other colours can be present
C-steel, rutile 15-65 4-9 2-11 0.3 - - 3-6 0.1 0-3 5-20 0-5 0-1
Form: Metal wire with flux coating
E6013
C-steel, basic 10-30 3-9 1-8 <1 - - 0.7 0.1 5-15 2-20 8-20 5-25 Odour: Odourless
E7016, E7018
PH: Not available
C Steel, iron powder 25-55 4-15 1-15 0.1 - - 1.1 0.1 5-10 1-5 5-10 0-2
Vapour pressure: Not relevant
Rutile E 7024
Low Hydrogen E7015, 14-20 5-7 - - <0.5 0.1- - <0.2 - - - 14-18
Vapour Density: Not relevant
1815, 8016, 8018, 9015, 1.5
Boiling point / range: Not relevant
9018, 11018
Melting Point: ~1500篊
Solubility in water: Insoluble
TABLE 4: HAZARDOUS FUME COMPONENTS
Density: Not available
Welding fume component CAS No. OEL STEL
Explosive / ignition point: Non-flammable. No fire or explosion hazard exists
8hr 15min
TWA TWA
Total welding fume (particulate) - 5 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Iron oxide fume (as Fe) 1309-37-1 5 10
There are no stability or reactivity hazards from electrodes as supplied.
Manganese and its inorganic compounds (as Mn) 7439-96-5 1.0 3
Hazardous decomposition products such as metal oxide fumes and gases (see
Silica, amorphous -
(total inhalable dust) Section 8) are produced during welding.
(respirable dust)
Magnesium oxide (as Mg) 1309-48-4
(total inhalable dust) 10
11. TOXICITY DATA
(fume and respirable dust)
Welding fumes if inhaled can potentially produce several differing health
Titanium dioxide 13463-67-7
effects caused by the metal containing particles and the gases produced during
(total inhalable dust) 10
(respirable dust)
the welding process, both of which are present in the `fumes'. The exact nature
Calcium Oxide 1305-78-8 2
of any likely health effect is dependent on the consumable, material being
Calcium Silicate 1344-95-2
(total inhalable dust) welded, weld process, all of which affect fume quantity and composition, as
(respirable dust)
well as the use of adequate ventilation, respirators, or breathing equipment as
Fluoride, inorganic (as F) 16984-48-8 2.5
circumstances require.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 10102-44-0 5.6 9.4
Ozone (O3) 10028-15-6 0.2 Inhalation of the fumes/gases produced during welding may lead to irritation to
Nitrogen monoxide (NO) 10102-43-9
the nose throat and eyes. The range of health effects include respiratory effects
Chromium IV Compounds (as Cr) 0.05
with symptoms such as asthma, impaired respiratory and lung function, chronic
Chromium III Compounds (as Cr) 0.05
Nickel and its inorganic Compounds (as Ni) 1 bronchitis, metal fume fever, pneumoconiosis , possible emphysema and acute
Water Soluble 0.1
pulmonary oedema.
Water Insoluble 0.2
Other potential health effects at elevated levels of exposure include central
Molybdenum Compounds (as Mo) 5
Soluble
nervous effects possible lung cancer, bone disease, skin and fertility effects.
Insoluble
Which of these health effects is potentially likely is related to the fume
Units are in mg/m3, except when stated otherwise
composition, and this needs to be consulted with the specific toxicity data
below to assess the health risk when using any particular welding process.
The fume analyses for the carbon steel electrodes covered by this data sheet,
Unprotected skin exposed to UV and IR radiation from the welding arc may
and used for welding clean, uncoated plain carbon steels indicate that as long
burn or redden, and UV radiation is potentially a carcinogen. UV radiation can
as the 5 mg/m3 total fume exposure limits are met, fume levels of the other
affect the unprotected eye by producing an acute condition known as `arc eye'.
constituents will generally be below their respective exposure limits.
Specific effects relevant to major particulate and gaseous fume constituents
An exception is manganese, as this has a low exposure limit, and additional
produced when welding with these electrodes
controls to limit this may be required.
Iron
THE FUME LEVELS GIVEN ABOVE WERE GENERATED UNDER
The chief component of fume generated by welding carbon steels is iron oxide.
LABORATORY CONDITIONS WHEN WELDING CLEAN, PLAIN
Iron oxide is generally considered a nuisance material and unlikely to cause
CARBON STEEL UNDER THE MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED
any significant health effects. The fume particles however accumulate in the
WELDING PARAMETERS, AND ARE INDICATIVE OF REASONABLY
lungs and lead to a benign pneumoconiosis called siderosis.
EXPECTED FUME LEVELS. ACTUAL FUME LEVELS WILL VARY IN
Manganese
PRACTICE, DEPENDING ON THE WELDING PARAMETERS AND
Manganese compounds are also found in carbon steel welding fumes.
OTHER CONDITIONS, AND MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN
Manganese is mainly a systemic chronic toxin, although exposure to high
THOSE LISTED ABOVE.
particulate concentrations can cause some respiratory irritation.
ADDITIONAL FUME MAY ARISE WHEN THESE ELECTRODES ARE
Overexposure or inhalation of excessive amounts of manganese has been
USED TO WELD CONTAMINATED BASE MATERIALS, COATED OR
shown to affect pulmonary function, blood and may cause irreversible central
PLATED STEELS, OTHER METALS AND ALLOYS, OR WHEN
nervous system damage (manganism) which resembles Parkinsons disease.
INCORRECT WELDING CONDITIONS ARE USED.
Symptoms of manganism include tremors, impaired speech, facial expression
THE ONLY ACCURATE WAY TO DETERMINE THE COMPOSITION
changes, slow clumsy movements and eventually impaired walking. The
AND QUANTITY OF FUMES AND GASES TO WHICH WORKERS ARE
symptoms are typically not apparent for several years.
EXPOSED IS TO TAKE AIR SAMPLES FROM INSIDE THE WELDERS
Fluorides
HELMET, IF WORN, OR IN THE WORKER'S BREATHING ZONES.
The main source of fluorides is from the flux coatings on some welding
Individual fume measurements should be made in these cases using recognised
electrodes such as basic types (E7016 and 7018 , and this produces mainly
sampling and analysis standards. Based on the results of these measurements,
fluoride particulate fume. Fluorides are respiratory irritants and if absorbed
additional fume controls may be required to ensure that all the fume
through inhalation can lead to bone disease known as fluorosis.
constituents are controlled below their exposure limits.
Silica
Controls Silica is found in welding fumes produced by fluxes and flux coatings and is
Good general ventilation, and/or local fume extraction at the arc should be used
produced mainly as amorphous silica. This form of silica has not been
to control the fumes and gases produced during welding to below their
associated to any significant degree with lung pneumoconiosis which is
individual recognised exposure limits when measured in the welder's and co-
associated with crystalline forms of silica.
workers' breathing zone. In addition the ventilation and extraction should also
Rutile sand
be sufficient to ensure that the total particulate fume levels are reduced below
Mainly present as Titanium dioxide which is a respiratory irritant but in effect
5mg/m3 when measured in the breathing zone.
mainly a nuisance material of low toxicity.
Chromium
Chromium can exist in differing forms in welding fumes and this can
determine the potential health effects. Chromium can produce respiratory
effects such as nasal ulceration and possible lung cancer. It can also cause
contact skin dermatitis.
The most toxic form of chromium is hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) which is
classified as a human carcinogen. The other main form of chromium found in
welding fumes (Cr3+) is considerably less toxic and is not classified as a
carcinogen. Both types of chromium are found in the fume from this product.
Nickel
The main health effects of nickel are skin dermatitis (nickel `itch') and it being
classified as a potential human lung carcinogen. It may also cause nasal cancer.
Similar to chromium, nickel exists in the fume produced from stainless steel
welding.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum is of low toxicity, and no specific health effects would be
expected from exposure to it in welding fume.
Ozone and Nitrogen oxides.
These gases are formed due to interactions of the arc with the surrounding air
of the welding arc .Both gases can produce eye, respiratory and lung irritation
and also can produce longer term lung effects such as decreased lung capacity,
chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Of particular concern with both gases is
that exposure to high levels (eg due to build up in confined spaces) can result
in acute lung effects such as delayed pulmonary oedema.
Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a chemical asphyxiant and its toxicity is due to its
affinity for oxygen carrying blood haemoglobin causing fatigue, weakness,
dizziness and eventual unconsciousness and possible death. Carbon dioxide
(CO2) is mainly an asphyxiant but can exert some toxic properties by
increasing pulse and heart rate. These gases are mainly formed through
decomposition of some electrodes components (cellulose and carbonates).
12. ECOLOGICAL DATA
The welding process produces particulate fumes and gases which may cause
long term adverse effects in the environment if released directly into the
atmosphere. Welding fumes from basic electrodes covered by this data sheet
can produce carbon dioxide gas, which is dangerous to the ozone layer.
13. DISPOSAL DATA
Packaging, stub ends and slag residue should be disposed of as general waste
or recycled. No special precautions are required for this product.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
No special requirements are necessary in transporting these products.
15. REGULATIONS
?OHSAct No 85 of 1993 General Safety Regulation 9.
?SABS 0238 (SANS 10238) Welding and Thermal Cutting
Processes ?Health and Safety.
16. OTHER INFORMATION
The customer should provide this Materials Safety Data Sheet to any person
involved in the materials use or further distribution. Afrox requests the users
(or distributors) of this product to read this Materials Safety Data Sheet
carefully before usage. Further information can be obtained from the American
National Standard Z49.1 Safety in Welding and Cutting.
The information contained in this Material Safety Data Sheet relates only to the
specific materials designated and may not be valid for such material used in
combination with any other material or in any process.
Information is given in good faith and is based on the latest information
available to Afrox and is, to the best of Afrox's knowledge and belief, accurate
and reliable at the time of preparation. However, no representation, warranty or
guarantee is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the
information, and Afrox assumes no responsibility and disclaims any liability
incurred in using this information.
The product is supplied on the condition that the user accepts the responsibility
to satisfy himself as to the suitability and completeness of such information for
his own particular use. Freedom from patent rights must not be assumed.
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