WELDCOTE METALS
842 Oak Grove Rd.
MSDS#109 Kings Mountain, NC 28086
NFPA Ratines
Fire
DATE REVIEWED: 05/15/06 704-739-4115
EMERGENCY: 800-424-9300
Health
Material Safety Data Sheet
(Essentially Similar to U.S. Department of Labor Suggested
Hazard Ratings
Form For Hazard Communication Compliance)
4 4 = Extreme
3 = High
2 = Moderate
1 = Slight
0 = Insignificant
1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Product Type - BARE ALUMINUM WELDING ELECTRODES AND RODS
EMERGENCY NUMBER (CHEMTREC) 1-800-424-9300
2. COMPOSITION INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
NOMINAL CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (Wt. %)
Product ER4043 and ER4047 and ER5183 and ER5356 and ER5554 and
Trade Names R4043 R4047 R5183 R5356 R5554
Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance
Al
0.30 0.30 0.10 0.10 0.10
Cu
0.05-0.25 0.05-0.20 0.05-0.20
Cr
0.8 0.8 0.40 0.40 0.40
Fe
0.05 0.10 4.3-5.2 4.5-5.5 2.4-3.0
Mg
0.05 0.15 0.50-1.0 0.05-0.20 0.50-1.0
Mn
4.5-6.0 11.0-13.0 0.40 0.25 0.25
Si
0.20 0.15 0.06-0.20 0.05-0.20
Ti
0.10 0.20 0.25 0.10 0.25
Zn
AWS ER4043 ER4047 ER5183 ER5356 ER5554
Classification*
AWS A5.10 Specification
Note: Single values are maxima.
Note: Beryllium shall not exceed 0.0008%.
See Note in Section 3
See Note in Section 3
Weldcote Metals requests the users of these products to study this Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the product labels and
become fully aware of the product hazards and safety information. To promote the safe use of these products a user should (1) notify
and train its employees, agents and contractors concerning the information on this MSDS and any product hazards and safety
information, (2) furnish this same information to each of its customers for these products, and (3) request that such customers notify and
train their employees and customers, for these products, of the same product hazards and safety information.
1
Product Identity: BARE ALUMINUM WELDING ELECTRODES AND RODS
MSDS#109
DATE REVIEWED: 05/15/06
IMPORTANT: This section covers the materials from which this product is manufactured. The fumes and gases produced during
normal use of these products are covered in Section 3. The term HAZARDOUS should be interpreted as a term required and defined
by Laws, Statutes or Regulations, and does not necessarily imply the existence of any hazard when the products are used as directed
by Weldcote Metals.
EXPOSURE LIMITS
(TWA in mg/m3 unless noted)
ACGIH_TLV OSHA_PEL
CAS No.
Component Form
Aluminum 7429-90-5 Total Dust, Fume 5 15
Respirable 5
Beryllium 7440-41-7 All compounds as Be 0.002, 0.01 (STEL) 0.002, 0.005 (ceiling);
0.025 (30 min peak/8 hr
shift)
0.2 0.1
Copper 7440-50-8 Fume
Dust/mist 1 1
Oxide Dust & Fume (as Fe) 5 10
Iron 7439-89-6
Oxide Fume 10 15 (Total Particulate)
Magnesium 7439-95-4
Manganese 7439-96-5 Dust Fume 0.2 5 (Ceiling)
Silicon 7440-21-3 Total Dust 10 15
Respirable 5
Titanium 7440-32-6 Oxide 10 15 (Total Dust)
Total Oxide Dust 15
Zinc 7440-66-6
Respirable Oxide Dust 2, 10 (STEL) 5
Chromium 7440-47-3 Metals 0.5 1
Cr II compounds --- 0.5 as Cr
Cr III compounds 0.5 as Cr 0.5 as Cr
Cr VI compounds* 0.05 as Cr 0.1 (ceiling) as CrO3
Cr VI compounds** 0.01 as Cr 0.1 (ceiling) as CrO,
*(water soluble) **(certain water insoluble)
Possible hazards during processing by welding, or arc spray metallizing
ACGIH TLV OSHA PEL
0.1 ppm 0.05 ppm
Ozone
Nitric oxide 25 ppm 25 ppm
5 ppm (ceiling)
Nitrogen dioxide 3, 5ppm (STEL)
Welding fumes 5 mg/m3
3. HAZARDS INFORMATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Solid, silvery, odorless. Non-flammable as supplied. Small chips, fine turnings, and dust from processing may ignite readily.
Explosion/fire hazards may be present when (See Sections 5, 7 and 10 for additional information):
鈥? 鈥?
Dust or fines are dispersed in the air. Chips, fines, or dust are in contact with water
鈥? 鈥?
Fines or dust are in contact with other metal oxides (e.g., Molten aluminum is in contact with water/moisture or
rust). other metal oxides.
Dust or fume from processing can cause eye, skin, or upper respiratory tract irritation; metal fume fever: lung diseases and other
systematic effects.
2
Product Identity: BARE ALUMINUM WELDING ELECTRODES AND RODS
MSDS#109
DATE REVIEWED: 05/15/06
Potential Health Effects
EYES: Fume can cause irritation. Ultraviolet radiation from welding can cause flash burns.
SKIN: Can c aus e irritation, Ul travi ol et radi ati on from wel ding c an c ause flash burns .
Can cause respiratory tract irritation, metal fume fever, and other health effects listed below:
INHALATION:
Cancer hazard
Aluminum is welded in a protective, inert atmosphere such as argon or helium using the MIG or TIG process. Welding processes
generate welding fumes and an intense ultraviolet radiation that results in the formation of ozone, and oxides of nitrogen. Ultraviolet
radiation from welding can also cause flash burns to the eyes and skin.
鈥? Welding fumes are carcinogenic and are listed as an IARC Group 2B*.
鈥? Exposure to low levels of ozone can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Inhalation can cause chest tightness,
headache, shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, nausea, and narrowing of airways. Symptoms disappear when removed from
exposure.
鈥? Exposure to high levels of ozone may cause acute respiratory distress with shortness of breath, pulmonary changes,
hemorrhage, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Symptoms of pulmonary edema may be delayed for one or more hours.
Exposure of test animals and human tissue to high concentrations has shown chromosomal changes, reproductive effects, blood
changes, and death from lung congestion.
Oxides of nitrogen can cause irritation of the eyes, skin (when moist), and respiratory tract. Exposure to high levels of nitrogen
oxides can cause delayed pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) which may be fatal. Nitric oxide can cause formation of
methemoglobin, which decreases the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Chronic overexposure can cause pulmonary fibrosis
(scarring of the lungs).
鈥? Aluminum dust/fines and fumes are a low health risk by inhalation. For standard operations (milling, cutting, grinding), aluminum
dust should be treated as a nuisance dust as defined by the ACGIH.
鈥? Overexposure to magnesium oxide fumes can cause respiratory tract irritation and fever, chills, shortness of breath, and malaise
(metal fume fever). Temporary symptoms can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and muscular pain. Chronic exposure to
high levels of manganese dust or fumes can cause nervous system disorders, pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue), and
may cause fibrosis (scarring of lung tissue) and reproductive disorders in males.
鈥? Chronic exposure to inert dusts of silicon can cause increased airway resistance and contributes to chronic bronchitis.
Intratracheal administration of silicon in rabbits produced significant pulmonary lesions.
鈥? Exposure to zinc oxide fumes subsequent to burning, welding, and molten metal work can result in fever, chills, shortness of
breath, and malaise (metal fume fever), and upper respiratory tract irritation. Temporary symptoms can include fever, chills,
nausea, vomiting, and muscular pain. Exposure to dust or fines presents a low health risk by inhalation.
鈥? Hexavalent chromium (Chrome VI) can cause asthma, kidney damage, primary irritant dermatitis, sensitization dermatitis, skin
ulceration, and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Chronic inhalation or overexposure has been associated with lung, nasal,
and gastrointestinal cancer. Hexavalent chromium is listed as carcinogenic to humans by IARC (Group 1)*. Chromium and
some of its compounds are listed as carcinogenic by the NTP. Hexavalent chromium compounds may be generated during
welding operations, with alloys containing chromium.
鈥? The potential for overexposure to copper fume may exist when welding, flame cutting, etc. Overexposure to copper dust/mists
can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract. Chronic overexposure may result in blood disorders (anemia),
and skin and hair discolorations. Overexposure to copper fume can result in respiratory tract irritation, nausea, and fever, chills,
shortness of breath and malaise (metal fume fever).
鈥? Beryllium can cause irritant dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and skin granulomas. Inhalation of excessive levels of
beryllium can result in acute pneumonitis (inflammation of the lung tissues).
Beryllium can cause lung sensitization in susceptible individuals. Chronic inhalation of dust and fumes by these sensitized
individuals can result in a serious, progressive disease called Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD). This disease, often
misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis, is an allergic condition in which the lung tissues become inflamed. This inflammation, sometimes
accompanied with fibrosis (lung scarring), restricts the uptake of oxygen into the blood stream. CBD can, over time, be fatal.
Inhalation of beryllium has produced lung tumors in animals. Beryllium is listed on the NTP and is known to be carcinogenic to
humans by IARC (Group 1)*. (See Section 8)
WARNING: This product, when used for welding or cutting, produces fumes or gases which contain chemicals known to the State
of California to cause birth defects and, in some cases, cancer. (California Health & Safety Code 搂25249.5 et seq.)
WARNING: This product contains or produces a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects (or
other reproductive harm). (California Health & Safety Code 搂25249.5 et seq.)
Medical conditions aggravated by exposure to the product:
Chronic lung disease, skin rashes, and asthma.
3
Product Identity: BARE ALUMINUM WELDING ELECTRODES AND RODS
MSDS#109
DATE REVIEWED: 05/15/06
*IARC CLASSIFICATIONS:
Group 1: The agent is carcinogenic to humans.
There is sufficient evidence that a casual relationship existed between exposure to the agent and human cancer.
Group 2B: The agent is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Generally includes agents for which there is limited evidence in humans in the absence of sufficient evidence in
experimental animals.
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
EYES: Flush eyes with plenty of water or saline for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician.
SKIN: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Consult a physician if irritation persists.
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air. Check for clear airway, breathing, and presence of pulse Provide CPR for persons without
pulse or respirations. Consult a physician immediately.
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
FLAMMABLE PROPERTIES:
Non-flammable as shipped. Small chips and dust from processing may ignite readily.
FIRE/EXPLOSION: May be a potential hazard under the following conditions:
鈥? Dusts or fines dispersed in the air can be explosive.
鈥? Chips, fines and dust in contact with water can generate flammable/explosive hydrogen gas. These gases could present an
explosion hazard in confined or poorly ventilated spaces.
鈥? Fines and dust in contact with certain metal oxides (e.g., rust). A thermite reaction, with considerable heat generation, can be
initiated by a weak ignition source.
鈥? Molten aluminum in contact with water/moisture or other metal oxides (e.g., rust). Moisture entrapped by molten aluminum
can be explosive. Contact of molten aluminum with other metal oxides can initiate a thermite reaction.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Use fire fighting methods and materials that are appropriate for surrounding fire. Use coarse water spray
on chips or turnings. For fines, dust or molten aluminum, use Class D extinguishing agents.
DO NOT USE halogenated extinguishing agents on small chips/fines. Do not use water in fighting fires around molten aluminum.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS: Fire fighters should wear NIOSH approved, positive pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus
and full protective clothing when appropriate.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
SMALL/LARGE SPILL: If molten: Contain the flow using dry sand or salt flux as a dam. Do not use shovels or hand tools to halt the
flow of molten aluminum. Allow the spill to cool before remelting as scrap.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Product should be kept dry. Avoid generating dust. Avoid contact with sharp edges or heated metal. Hot and cold aluminum are not
visually different.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PROCESSES WHICH GENERATE DUSTS OR FINES
鈥? If processing of these products includes operations where dust or extremely fine particulate is generated, obtain and follow the
safety procedures and equipment guides contained in Aluminum Association Bulletin Fl and National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) brochures listed in Section 16. Use non-sparking handling equipment. Cover and reseal partially empty containers.
Provide grounding and bonding where necessary to prevent accumulation of static charges during aluminum dust handling and
transfer operations. (See Sectionl5).
鈥? Local ventilation and vacuum systems must be designed to handle explosive dusts. Dry vacuums and electrostatic precipitators
must not be used. Dust collection systems must be dedicated to aluminum dust only and should be clearly labeled as such. Do
not co-mingle fines of aluminum with fines of iron, iron oxide (rust) or other metal oxides.
鈥? Do not allow chips, fines or dust to contact water, particularly in enclosed areas.
鈥? Avoid all ignition sources. Good housekeeping practices must be maintained.
4
Product Identity: BARE ALUMINUM WELDING ELECTRODES AND RODS
MSDS#109
DATE REVIEWED: 05/15/06
REQUIREMENTS FOR REMELTING OF ALUMINUM SCRAP MATERIAL AND/OR INGOT
鈥? Molten aluminum and water can be an explosive combination. The risk is greatest when there is sufficient molten aluminum to
entrap or seal off the water. Water and other forms of contamination on or contained in aluminum scrap or remelt ingot are
known to have caused explosions in melting operations. While the products may have minimal surface roughness and internal
voids, there remains the possibility of moisture contamination or entrapment. If confined, even a few drops of water can lead to
violent explosions.
鈥? All tooling and containers which come in contact with molten aluminum must be preheated or specially coated and rust free.
Molds and ladles must be preheated or oiled before casting. Any surfaces that may contact molten aluminum (i.e., concrete)
should be specially coated.
鈥? Drops of molten aluminum in water (e.g. from plasma arc cutting), while not normally an explosion hazard, can generate enough
flammable hydrogen gas to present an explosion hazard. Circulation of the water and removal of the aluminum particles
minimize the hazards.
During melting operations, the following minimum guidelines should be observed:
鈥? Inspect all aluminum materials before furnace charging and completely remove surface contamination such as water, ice, snow,
deposits of grease and oil or other surface contamination resulting from weather exposure, shipment, or storage.
鈥? Store materials in dry, heated areas with any cracks or cavities pointed downwards.
鈥? Preheat and dry large or heavy items such as ingot adequately before charging into a furnace containing molten aluminum. This is
typically done by use of a drying oven or homogenizing furnace. The drying cycle should bring the internal metal temperature of
the coldest item of the batch to 400掳F and then hold at that temperature for 6 hours.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Use with adequate explosion-proof ventilation to meet the limits listed in Section 2.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Use NIOSH-approved respiratory protection [dust, fume, high efficiency dust/fume mask for lead, or
other (organic vapor)] as specified by an Industrial Hygienist or other qualified professional if concentrations exceed the limits
listed in Section 2.
EYE PROTECTION: Welders should use appropriate equipment (e.g. welder's helmet, face shield, filter lens) to prevent eye irritation
or flash burns.
SKIN PROTECTION: Wear impervious gloves to avoid any skin injury.
鈥? The presence of airborne beryllium has been detected during the welding of aluminum alloys with beryllium content at only
0.002% by weight. In accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252: Welding or cutting operations involving beryllium-containing
base or filler metals shall be done using local exhaust ventilation and airline respirators unless atmospheric tests under the most
adverse conditions have established that the workers' exposures is within the acceptable concentrations defined by 29 CFR
1910.1000. In all cases, workers in the immediate vicinity of the welding or cutting operations shall be protected as necessary by
local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators.
鈥? Good industrial hygiene practices, including reducing occupational exposures to as low as reasonably achievable. are
recommended. Where employees are exposed to beryllium above the PEL or where excessive contamination of clothing with
beryllium is possible, adequate protective clothing should be provided to prevent contamination of personal clothing. Personnel
assigned to launder such clothing should be advised of beryllium's presence and potential health effects.
鈥? Sampling to establish lead level exposure is advised where exposure to airborne particulate or fumes is possible. Consult OSHA
Lead Standard 29 CFR 1910.1025 for specific health/industrial hygiene precautions and requirements to follow when handling
lead compounds.
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE: ODOR:
Solid
BOILING POINT: FREEZE-
Not applicable
MELT POINT: VAPOR
' 掳
970 -1215 F (521-657*C)
PRESSURE (mm VAPOR
Not applicable N o t
DENSITY (air = 1
a p p l i c a b l e None
SOLUBILITY IN WATER:
Not determined
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
Approximately 0.1 lb./in
DENSITY:
N o t a p p l i c a b l e None
pH:
ODOR THRESHOLD (ppm): Not applicable
COEFFICIENT OF WATER/OIL DISTRIBUTION: Not applicable
5
Product Identity: BARE ALUMINUM WELDING ELECTRODES AND RODS
MSDS#109
DATE REVIEWED: 05/15/06
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Stable under normal conditions of use, storage, and transportation as shipped. Chips, fines, dust and molten aluminum are
considerable more reactive with the following:
鈥? Water: Slowly generates flammable/explosive hydrogen gas and heat. Generation rate is greatly increased with smaller particles
(e.g., fines and dusts).
Molten aluminum can react violently/explosively with water or moisture, particularly when the water is entrapped.
鈥? Heat: Oxidizes at a rate dependent upon temperature and particle size.
Strong oxidizers: Violent reaction with considerable heat generation.
o
Can react explosively with nitrates (e.g., ammonium nitrate and fertilizers containing nitrate) when heated or molten.
鈥? Acids and alkalis: Reacts to generate flammable/explosive hydrogen gas. Generation rate is greatly increased with smaller
particles (e.g., fines and dusts).
鈥? Halogenated compounds: Many halogenated hydrocarbons, including halogenated fire extinguishing agents, can react violently
with finely divided aluminum.
Iron oxide (rust) and other metal oxides (e.g., copper and lead oxides): A violent thermite reaction generating considerable
o
heat can occur. Reaction with aluminum fines and dusts requires only very weak ignition sources for initiation.
Molten aluminum can react violently without external ignition source.
鈥?
掳
Iron powder: An explosive reaction forming hydrogen gas occurs when heated above 1470 F (600掳C).
11.TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
LD50 or LCLO found for oral, dermal or inhalation routes of administration:
Silicon: oral rat LD50: 3160 mg/kg body weight
Manganese: oral rat LD50: 9000 mg/kg body weight
Iron: intraperitoneal rabbit LDLo: 20 mg/kg - no toxic effect noted
12.ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
ECOTOXICOLOGICAL/CHEMICAL FATE INFORMATION: Not available.
13.DISPOSAL CONSIDERATION
Collect scrap for remelting and recycling. To maintain metal purity, it may be desirable to segregate this scrap from other alloys.
RCRA Status: Characterize in accordance with 40 CFR 261 or state equivalent.
14.TRANSPORT INFORMATION
USA DOT: Not Regulated - Enter the proper freight classification, "MSDS Number," and "Product Name" on the shipping paperwork.
Canadian TDG Hazard Class & PIN: Not regulated.
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Product Identity: BARE ALUMINUM WELDING ELECTRODES AND RODS
MSDS#109
DATE REVIEWED: 05/15/06
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
All electrical equipment must be suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres involving aluminum powder in accordance with 29
CFR 1910.307. The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, contains guidelines for determining the type and design of equipment
and installation, which will meet this requirement.
U.S. Federal Regulations
TSCA STATUS: All components of this product are listed on the TSCA inventory.
CERCLA HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES: Beryllium, Chromium, Chromium compounds, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Nickel, Zinc.
SARA TITLE III:
Section 311/312 Physical and Health Hazard Categories: Immediate (acute), delayed (chronic) if particulates/fumes are generated
during processing.
Section 313 Toxic Chemicals: Aluminum (fume/dust), Beryllium, Chromium, Copper, Manganese, and Zinc (fume/dust).
State Regulations
PENNSYLVANIA "Special Hazardous Substance": Beryllium; Chromium compounds, hexavalent.
International Regulations
CANADIAN DOMESTIC SUBSTANCES LIST: All components of this product are listed on the Canadian DSL.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY: All components of this product are listed on ECOIN, the European Core Inventory.
16. OTHER INFORMATION
STATUS: Changes in all Sections except 9 and 12.
鈥? OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.252
鈥? ANSI 249.1, Safety in Welding and Cutting
鈥? Aluminum Association's Bulletin F-1,"Guidelines for Handling Aluminum Fines Generated during Various Aluminum Fabricating
Operations." The Aluminum Association, 900 19th Street, NW, Washington. DC 20006.
鈥? NFPA 65, Standard for Processing and Finishing of Aluminum (NFPA phone: 800-344-3555)
鈥? NFPA 70, Standard for National Electrical Code
鈥? NFPA 77, Standard for Static Electricity
鈥? Guide to Occupational Exposure Values-2003, Compiled by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
(ACGIH).
鈥? Dept. of Health and Human Services, NIOSH: Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances, 1985-86 Edition
鈥? Sax, N. Irving: Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., Inc., 1984
Weldcote Metals believes this data to be accurate and to reflect qualified expert opinion regarding
current research. However, Weldcote Metals can not make any expressed or implied warranty as to
this information.
7
Product Identity: BARE ALUMINUM WELDING ELECTRODES AND RODS
MSDS#109
DATE REVIEWED: 05/15/06
INFORMATION HEREIN IS GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH AS AUTHORITATIVE AND VALID;
HOWEVER, NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, CAN BE MADE.
LEGEND:
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists atm atmosphere
ACGIH
cm centimeter
Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances
AICS
Chemical Abstract Services g gram
CAS
in inch
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, & Liability Act
CERCLA
kg kilogram
Code of Federal Regulations
CFR
lb. pound
Department of Transportation
DOT
m meter
Domestic Substances List (Canada)
DSL
mg milligram
European Core Inventory
ECOIN mm millimeter
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA n.o.s. not otherwise specified
International Agency for Research on Cancer
IARC ppb parts per billion
Lethal Concentration (50 percent kill)
LC50 ppm parts per million
Lowest published lethal concentration
LCL,, psia pounds/square inch absolute
Lethal dose (50 percent kill)
LD50 ug microgram
Lowest published lethal dose
LDLO
Metal Inert Gas
MIG
National Fire Protection Association
NFPA
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NIOSH
National Toxology Program
NTP
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA
Permissible Exposure Limit
PEL
Product Identification Number
PIN
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RCA
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
SARA
Short Term Exposure Limit
STEL
Toxic Chemicals Leachate Program
TCLP
Transportation of Dangerous Goods
TDG
Tungsten Inert Gas
TIG
Threshold Limit Value
TLV
Toxic Substances Control Act
TSCA
Time weighted Average
TWA
8
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