MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Carbon and Alloy Steels
CAS Number: Not applicable
Synonyms: Steels
Use/Description: Bar and structural steel products, billets
Nucor Bar Mill Locations 24 Hour Contact 鈥? CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300
Nucor Steel 鈥? Nebraska
Nucor Steel 鈥? South Carolina Nucor Steel Kankakee, Inc. Nucor Steel Jackson, Inc.
One Nucor Way 3630 Fourth Street 2911 East Nucor Road
300 Steel Mill Road
Flowood, MS 39208 Norfolk, Nebraska 68702
Darlington, S.C. 29540 Bourbonnais, IL 60914
(815) 939-5541 (601) 939-1623 (402) 644-0200
(843) 393-5841
Nucor Steel Birmingham, Inc. Nucor Steel Seattle, Inc.
Nucor Steel 鈥? Auburn, Inc. Nucor Steel 鈥? Utah
2301 F.L. Shuttlesworth Drive 2424 SW Andover
25 Quarry Road West Cemetery Road
Birmingham, Alabama 35234 Seattle, WA 98106
Auburn, N.Y. 13021 Plymouth, Utah 84330
(205) 250-7400 (206) 933-2222
(315) 253-4561 (435) 458-2300
Nucor Steel 鈥? Berkeley Nucor Yamato Steel
Nucor Steel 鈥? Texas Nucor Steel Marion, Inc.
1455 Hagan Avenue 5929 E. State Hwy 18
U.S. Highway 79 South 912 Cheney Avenue
Huger, SC 29450 Armorel, AR 72310
Jewett, Texas 75846 Marion, Ohio 43302
(740) 383-4011 (843) 336-6000 (870) 762-5500
(903) 626-4461
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Components CAS No. % Weight Exposure Limits
3 3
ACGIH TLV (mg/m ) OSHA PEL (mg/m )
Base Metal:
(Fe) 7439-89-6 Balance 5 Oxide Dust/Fume 10 Oxide Dust/Fume
Iron
Alloying
Elements
Aluminum (Al) 7429-90-5 0-0.01 10 Dust 15 Dust
5 Fume 5 Respirable fraction
Antimony (Sb) 7440-36-0 <0.9 0.5 As Antimony 0.5 As Antimony
<0.09
Arsenic (As) 7440-38-2 0.01 As Arsenic (A1 Carcinogen) 0.01 As Arsenic
Beryllium (Be) 7440-41-7 0.00 As Beryllium (A1 Carcinogen) 0.002 As Beryllium
<0.09 2 As Beryllium (STEL) 0.005 As Beryllium (Ceiling)
0.01
<0.9
Boron (B) 7440-42-8 10 Oxide Dust 15 Oxide Dust
Cadmium (Cd) 7440-43-9 0.01 As Cadmium (A2 Carcinogen) 0.005 As Cadmium
<0.09 0.00 Respirable fraction 0.0025 As Cadmium (Action Level)
2
<0.9
Calcium (Ca) 1305-78-8 2 Oxide Dust 5 Oxide Dust
Carbon (C) 7440-44-0 0.04-0.95 Not Established Not Established
Chromium (Cr) 7440-47-3 0.01-1.0 0.5 Metal 1 Metal
Cobalt (Co) 7440-48-4 <0.09 0.02 As Cobalt (A3 Carcinogen) 0.1 Metal/Dust/Fume
Copper (Cu) 7440-50-8 <0.9 1 Dust 1 Dust
0.2 Fume 0.1 Fume
Lead (Pb) 7439-92-1 0.0-0.04 0.05 Dust / Fume (A3 Carcinogen) 0.05 Dust / Fume
Page 1 of 7 Revision Date: 02/26/2007
Carbon and Alloy Steels
Components CAS No. % Weight Exposure Limits
3 3
ACGIH TLV (mg/m ) OSHA PEL (mg/m )
Magnesium (Mg) 7439-95-4 <0.9 Not Established Not Established
Manganese (Mn) 7439-96-5 0.2 Elemental Mn and Inorg 5 Fume (Ceiling)
0.2-2
Compounds
Molybdenum (Mo) 7439-98-7 <0.9 10 Insoluble Compounds 15 Insoluble Compounds
<0.9
Niobium (Nb) 7440-03-1 Not Established
0.01-0.1
Nickel (Ni) 7440-02-0 1.5 Metal 1 Metal and Insoluble Compounds
<0.9
Nitrogen (N) 7727-37-9 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant
<0.9
Phosphorus (P) 7723-14-0 0.1 Phosphorus 0.1 Phosphorus
<0.9
Selenium (Se) 7782-49-2 0.2 Selenium 0.2 Selenium
<0.9
Silicon (Si) 7440-21-3 10 Dust 15 Dust
Sulfur (S) 7446-09- <0.9 5.2 Sulfur Dioxide 13 Sulfur Dioxide
05 13 Sulfur Dioxide (STEL)
Tin (Sn) 7440-31-5 2 Metal,Oxide and Inorganic 2 Inorganic Compounds
<0.9
Compounds
<0.9
Titanium (Ti) 7440-32-6 Not Established Not Established
Tungsten (W) 7440-33-7 <0.9 5 Insoluble Compounds as W Not Established
10 Insoluble Compounds as W (STEL)
Vanadium (V) 7440-62-2 <0.9 0.05 Oxide Dust/Fume 0.5 Oxide Dust (Ceiling)
0.1 Oxide Fume (Ceiling)
Zinc (Zn) 7440-66-6 10 Oxide Dust 5 Oxide Fume
0.0-0.01 5 OxideFume 10 Oxide Dust
10 Oxide Fume (STEL)
NOTE: No permissible exposure limits (PEL) or threshold limit values (TLV) exist for steel over all. The above listing is a summary of
elements used in alloying Nucor Steel Products. Various grades of steel will contain different combinations of these elements and/or
trace materials. Exact specifications can be found by calling the division and asking for a specifications sheet.
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
WARNING! WELDING, SAWING, BRAZING, GRINDING, AND MACHINING MAY CAUSE DUSTS
AND/OR FUME TO BE RELEASED. MAY BE HARMFUL IF INHALED. MAY IRRITATE THE EYES,
SKIN, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MOLTEN MATERIAL MAY CAUSE THERMAL BURNS
Potential Health Effects
Note: Steel products in their solid state under normal conditions, do not present an inhalation, ingestion or
skin hazard. However, operations resulting in fume or particulate formation such as welding, sawing,
brazing, grinding and machining may present health hazards. Molten steel also is hazardous.
Eye Contact
Dusts or particulates may cause mechanical irritation including pain, tearing, and redness. Scratching of
the cornea can occur if eye is rubbed. Fumes may be irritating. Contact with the heated material may
cause thermal burns.
Skin Contact
Dusts or particulates may cause mechanical irritation due to abrasion. Coated steel may cause skin
irritation in sensitive individuals (see Section 16 for additional information.) Some components in this
product are capable of causing an allergic reaction, possibly resulting in burning, itching and skin eruptions.
Contact with heated material may cause thermal burns.
Inhalation
Dusts may cause irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs. Excessive inhalation of metallic fumes and dusts
may result in metal fume fever, an influenza-like illness. It is characterized by a sweet or metallic taste in
the mouth, accompanied by dryness and irritation of the throat, cough, shortness of breath, pulmonary
edema, general malaise, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, blurred vision, fever and chills. Typical
symptoms last from 12 to 48 hours.
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Carbon and Alloy Steels
Ingestion
Not expected to be acutely toxic via ingestion based on the physical and chemical properties of the
product. Swallowing of excessive amounts of the dust may cause irritation, nausea, and diarrhea.
Chronic or Special Toxic Effects
Repeated exposure to fine dusts may inflame the nasal mucosa and cause changes to the lung. In
addition, a red-brown pigmentation of the eye and/or skin may occur.
Welding fumes have been associated with adverse health effects. Contains components that may cause
cancer or reproductive effects. The following components are listed by NTP, OSHA, or IARC as
carcinogens: Nickel, chromium (hexavalent), cobalt, lead, cadmium, antimony (trioxide), arsenic, beryllium.
See Section 11, for additional, specific information on effects noted above.
Target Organs
Overexposure to specific components of this product that are generated in dusts or fumes may cause
adverse effects to the following organs or systems: eyes, skin, liver, kidney, central nervous system,
cardiovascular system, respiratory system,.
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure
Diseases of the skin such as eczema may be aggravated by exposure. Also, disorders of the respiratory
system including asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Long-term inhalation exposure to agents that cause
pneumoconiosis (e.g. dust) may act synergistically with inhalation of oxide fumes or dusts of this product.
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Eye Contact- In case of overexposure to dusts or fumes, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes occasionally lifting the eye lids. Get medical attention if irritation persists. Thermal burns
should be treated as medical emergencies.
Skin Contact - In case of overexposure to dusts or particulates, wash with soap and plenty of water. Get
medical attention if irritation develops or persists. If thermal burn occurs, flush area with cold water and get
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation - In case of overexposure to dusts or fumes, remove to fresh air. Get immediate medical
attention if symptoms described in this MSDS develop.
Ingestion - Not considered an ingestion hazard. However, if excessive amounts of dust or particulates are
swallowed, treat symptomatically and supportively. Get medical attention.
Notes to Physician - Inhalation of metal fume or metal oxides may produce an acute febrile state, with
cough, chills, weakness, and general malaise, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and remarkable
leukocytosis. Treatment is symptomatic, and condition is self limited in 24-48 hours. Chronic exposure to
dusts may result in pneumoconiosis of mixed type.
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flash Point (Method) - Not applicable
Flammable Limits (% volume in air) - Not applicable
Autoignition Temperature - Not applicable
Extinguishing Media - For molten metal, use dry powder or sand.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures - Do not use water on molten metal. Firefighters should not enter
confined spaces without wearing NIOSH/MSHA approved positive pressure breathing apparatus (SCBA)
with full face mask and full protective equipment.
Unusual Fire or Explosion Hazards - Steel products do not present fire or explosion hazards under
normal conditions. Fine metal particles such as produced in grinding or sawing can burn. High
concentrations of metallic fines in the air may present an explosion hazard.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Precautions if Material is Spilled or Released - Emergency response is unlikely unless in the form of
dust. Avoid inhalation, eye, or skin contact of dusts by using appropriate precautions outlined in this MSDS
(see section 8). Fine turnings and small chips should be swept or vacuumed and placed into appropriate
disposable containers. Keep fine dust or powder away from sources of ignition. Scrap should be
reclaimed for recycling. Prevent materials from entering drains, sewers, or waterways.
Page 3 of 7 Revision Date: 04/30/2007
Carbon and Alloy Steels
Environmental Precautions - Some grades of steel may contain reportable quantities of alloying
elements. See Section 15 for additional information.
Waste Disposal Methods - Dispose used or unused product in accordance with applicable Federal, State,
and Local regulations.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Storage Temperatures - Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storing - Store away from strong oxidizers. Dusts or powders
may form explosive mixtures with air. Avoid breathing dusts or fumes.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Operations with potential for generating high concentrations of airborne particulates or fumes should be
evaluated and controlled as necessary.
Eye Protection - Use safety glasses. Dust resistant safety goggles are recommended under
circumstances where particles could cause mechanical injury such as grinding or cutting. Face shield
should be used when welding or cutting.
Skin - Appropriate protective gloves should be worn as necessary. Good personal hygiene practices
should be followed including cleansing exposed skin several times daily with soap and water, and
laundering or dry cleaning soiled work clothing.
Respiratory Protection - NIOSH/MSHA approved dust/fume/mist respirator should be used to avoid
excessive exposure. See Section 2 for component material information exposure limits. If such
concentrations are sufficiently high that this respirator is inadequate, or high enough to cause oxygen
deficiency, use a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Follow all applicable
respirator use, fitting, and training standards and regulations.
Ventilation - Provide general and/or local exhaust ventilation to control airborne levels of dust or fumes
below exposure limits.
Exposure Guidelines - No permissible exposure limits (PEL) or threshold limit values (TLV) exist for
steel. See Section 2 for component materials. Various grades of steel will contain different combinations of
these elements. Trace elements may also be present in minute amounts.
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance and Odor - Red, Grey or other color steel panels, pulins, and built-up joists and trusses
Boiling Point - Not applicable
Melting Point - Approximately 2800 oF
pH - Not applicable
Specific Gravity (at 15.6 oC) - Not applicable
Density (at 15.6 oC) - Not applicable
Vapor Pressure - Not applicable
Vapor Density (air = 1) - Not applicable
% Volatile, by Volume - Not applicable
Solubility in Water - Insoluble.
Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate = 1) - Not applicable
Other Physical and Chemical Data
None
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Stability - Stable
Conditions to Avoid - Steel at temperatures above the melting point may liberate fumes containing oxides
of iron and alloying elements. Avoid generation of airborne fume.
Page 4 of 7 Revision Date: 04/30/2007
Carbon and Alloy Steels
Hazardous Polymerization - Will not occur.
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid) - Reacts with strong acids to form hydrogen gas. Do not store near
strong oxidizers.
Hazardous Decomposition Products - Metallic fumes may be produced during welding, burning,
grinding, and possibly machining or any situation with the potential for thermal decomposition. Refer to
ANSI Z49.1
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The primary component of this product is iron. Long-term exposure to iron dusts or fumes can result in a
condition called siderosis which is considered to be a benign pneumoconiosis. Symptoms may include
chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and shortness of breath upon exertion. Penetration of iron particles in the
skin or eye may cause an exogenous or ocular siderosis which may be characterized by a red-brown
pigmentation of the affected area. Ingestion overexposures to iron may affect the gastrointestinal, nervous,
and hematopoietic system and the liver. Iron and steel founding, but not iron or iron oxide, has been listed
as potentially carcinogenic by IARC.
When this product is welded, fumes are generated. Welding fumes may be different in composition from
the original welding product, with the chief component being ordinary oxides of the metal being welded.
Chronic health effects (including cancer) have been associated with the fumes and dusts of individual
component metals (see above), and welding fumes as a general category have been listed by IARC as a
carcinogen (Group 2B). There is also limited evidence that welding fumes may cause adverse
reproductive and fetal effects. Evidence is stronger where welding materials contain known reproductive
toxins, e.g., lead which may be present in the coating material of this product.
Breathing fumes or dusts of this product may result in metal fume fever, which is an illness produced by
inhaling metal oxides. These oxides are produced by heating various metals including cadmium, zinc,
magnesium, copper, antimony, nickel, cobalt, manganese, tin, lead, beryllium, silver, chromium, aluminum,
selenium, iron, and arsenic. The most common agents involved are zinc and copper.
This product may contain small amounts of manganese. Prolonged exposure to manganese dusts or
fumes is associated with "manganism", a Parkinson-like syndrome characterized by a variety of
neurological symptoms including muscle spasms, gait disturbances, tremors, and psychoses.
This product may contain small amounts of cadmium. Primary target organs for cadmium overexposure
are the lung and the kidney. Because of its cumulative nature, chronic cadmium poisoning can cause
serious disease which takes many years to develop and may continue to progress despite cessation of
exposure. Progression of the disease may not reflect current exposure conditions. It is also capable of
causing a painful osteomalacia called 鈥淚tai-Itai鈥? in postmenopausal women, and has cause developmental
effects and/or reproductive effects in male and female animals. Cadmium is a listed carcinogen by NTP,
OSHA, and IARC (Group 1).
This product may contain small amounts of chromium. Prolonged and repeated overexposure to chromium
dusts or fumes may cause skin ulcers, nasal irritation and ulceration, kidney damage and cancer of the
respiratory system. Chromium is skin sensitizer. Cancer is generally attributed to the hexavalent (+6) form
of chromium which is listed as a carcinogen by NTP and IARC (Group 1).
This product may contain small amounts of nickel. Prolonged and repeated contact with nickel may cause
sensitization dermatitis. Inhalation of nickel compounds has caused lung damage as well as sinus, nasal
and lung cancer in laboratory animals. Nickel is a listed carcinogen by NTP and IARC (Group 1).
This product may contain small amounts of vanadium. Adverse effects from dermal, inhalation or
parenteral exposure to various vanadium compounds have been reported. The major target for vanadium
pentoxide toxicity is the respiratory tract. Fumes or dust can cause severe eye and respiratory irritation,
and systemic effects. Chronic bronchitis, green tongue, conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, rales, chronic
productive cough, and tightness of the chest have been reported following overexposure. Allergic
reactions resulting from skin and inhalation exposures have also been reported. A statistical association
Page 5 of 7 Revision Date: 04/30/2007
Carbon and Alloy Steels
between vanadium air levels and lung cancer has been suggested, but vanadium currently is not regarded
as a human carcinogen.
This product may contain small amounts of lead. Lead can accumulate in the body. Consequently,
exposure to fumes or dust may produce signs of polyneuritis, diminished vision and peripheral neuropathy,
such as tingling and loss of feeling in fingers, arms and legs. Lead is a known reproductive and
developmental toxin. It is also associated with central nervous system disorders, anemia, kidney
disfunction and neurobehavioral abnormalities. The brain is a major target organ for lead exposure.
Elemental lead is listed as an IARC 2B carcinogen.
The product may contain small amounts of copper. Copper dust and fume can irritate the eyes, nose and
throat causing coughing, wheezing, nosebleeds, ulcers and metal fume fever. Other effects from repeated
inhalation of copper fume include a metallic or sweet taste, and discoloration of skin, teeth or hair. Copper
also may cause an allergic skin reaction. Overexposure to copper can affect the liver.
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Aquatic Ecotoxicological Data - No specific information available on this product.
Environmental Fate Data - No specific information available on this product.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Recovery and reuse, rather than disposal, should be the ultimate goal of handling efforts. Dispose in
accordance with federal, state, and local health and environmental regulations. Prevent materials from
entering drains, sewers, or waterways.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
DOT Proper Shipping Name - Not regulated
DOT Hazard Classification - Not regulated
UN/NA Number - Not applicable
DOT Packing Group - Not applicable
Labelling Requirements - Not applicable
Placards - Not applicable
DOT Hazardous Substance - Not applicable
DOT Marine Pollutant - Not applicable
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
This product is not hazardous under the criteria of the Federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29
CFR 1910.1200. However, dusts and fumes from this product may be hazardous.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
This product contains chemicals (antimony [oxide], arsenic, beryllium, chromium [hexavalent], cobalt,
cadmium, lead, nickel) known to the State of California to cause cancer and chemicals (cadmium, lead)
known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Regulatory Lists
Some components of this product may be specifically listed by individual states; other product-specific
health and safety data in other sections of the MSDS may also be applicable for state requirements. For
details on your regulatory requirements, you should contact the appropriate agency in your state.
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
Components of this product are listed on the TSCA Inventory.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Page 6 of 7 Revision Date: 04/30/2007
Carbon and Alloy Steels
Steel is not reportable, however, it contains hazardous substances that may be reportable if released in
pieces with diameters less than or equal to 0.004 inches (RQ marked with a 鈥?*鈥?).
Reportable Quantity (in lb)
Chemical Name
Antimony 5000*
Arsenic 1*
Beryllium 10*
Cadmium 10*
Chromium 5000*
Copper 5000*
Lead 10*
Nickel 100*
Phosphorus 1
Selenium 100*
Zinc 1000*
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), Title III
SECTION 311/312 HAZARD CATEGORIES: Immediate Health Effect, Delayed Health Effect
This product contains the following EPCRA Section 313 chemicals subject to the reporting requirements of
section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right 鈥? To 鈥? Know Act of 1986 (40 CFR 372):
SECTION 313 REPORTABLE INGREDIENTS:
Chemical Name CAS Number Concentration (% by weight) Reportable
Aluminum 7429-90-5 <0.01 No 鈥? Less than 1%
Antimony 7440-36-0 <0.9 No 鈥? Less than 1%
Arsenic 7440-38-2 <0.09 No 鈥? Less than 0.1%
Beryllium 7440-43-9 <0.09 No 鈥? Less than 0.1%
Cadmium 7440-43-9 <0.09 No 鈥? Less than 0.1%
Chromium 7440-47-3 0.01-1.6 Yes 鈥? Greater than 0.1%
Cobalt 7440-48-4 <0.09 No 鈥? Less than 0.1%
Copper 7440-50-8 <0.9 No 鈥? Less than 1%
Lead 7439-92-1 0.0-0.04 No 鈥? Less than 0.1%
Manganese 7439-96-5 0.2-2 Yes 鈥? Greater than 1%
Nickel 7440-02-0 0.01-0.1 Yes 鈥? Greater than 0.1%
Phosphorus 7723-14-0 <0.9 No 鈥? Less than 1%
Selenium 7782-49-2 <0.9 No 鈥? Less than 1%
Vanadium 7440-62-2 <0.9 No 鈥? Less than 1%
Zinc 7440-66-6 0-0.01 No 鈥? Less than 1%
Concentrations based on analytical data and process knowledge of typical products distributed by the facility.
16. OTHER INFORMATION
This product may be coated with a variety of materials, including oils, paints, galvanization, etc. that are not
included in this MSDS. During welding precautions should be taken for airborne contaminants that may
originate from components of the welding rod. Arc or spark generated when welding or burning could be a
source of ignition or combustible and flammable materials. The information in this Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) was obtained from sources which we believe are reliable; however, the information is provided
without any representation of warranty, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or correctness. The
conditions or methods of handling, storage, use and disposal of the product are beyond our control and may
be beyond our knowledge. For this and other reasons, we do not assume responsibility and expressly
disclaim liability for loss, damage, or expense arising out of or in any way connected with the handling,
storage, use, or disposal of this product.
Page 7 of 7 Revision Date: 04/30/2007
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