FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 06/16/2006
Material Safety Data Sheet
(Essentially Similar to U.S. Department of Labor Suggested
Form For Hazard Communication Compliance)
I. Product Identification
Product Type - SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
Manufacturer - THE ESAB GROUP, INC. Telephone No. - 1-717-637-8911
Website: 1-800-933-7070
www.esabna.com
Address - 801 Wilson Avenue, P. O. Box 517 Emergency No. - 1-717-637-8911
Hanover, PA 17331 (CHEMTREC) 1-800-424-9300
Product Description: SMAW (shielded metal arc welding) electrodes are covered rods manufactured by concentrically
extruding silicated chemical mixtures followed by an oven cure.
Process Description: The SMAW process uses an arc between a covered electrode and the weld pool. The arc and molten
metal are shielded by the decomposition of the electrode covering. The SMAW electrode also supplies
filler metal to the weld pool and to the weld metal. The extreme heat from the welding arc creates
hazardous fumes and gases that emanate from the base plate, shielding gases, and the electrode.
II. Product Composition and Information on the Ingredients
APPROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES (Wt. %)
10P SW-14 SW-612 SW-15 6013 6013-LV 710P
10P-Plus
Product Trade Name:
鉃? 鉃? 鉃? 鉃? 鉃? 鉃? 鉃?
鉃?
Sureweld
<0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3
Carbon
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Chromium & Cmpds
1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1.5-2.5 2-3 1-2
Manganese
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- <0.5
Molybdenum
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- <0.5
Nickel
<0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2
Silicon
0.5-2.5 0-1.5 -- 0.5-2.5 2.5-4 1-2.5 1-2.5 0.2-1
Mineral Silicates:
Other Silicates:
-- -- -- 0.3-2 -- 0.3-2 0.3-2 0.3-2
Kaolinite Clay
-- -- -- 0.3-2 0.3-2 -- 0.3-2 --
Mica
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Sodium Silicate Powder
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Talc
-- -- -- -- -- -- 0.1-1 --
Aluminum Oxide
<0.5 1-2.5 <0.5 1-2.5 <0.5 1-2.5 1-2.5 <0.5
Calcium Carbonate
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Calcium Oxide
2-6 2-6 2-6 0.5-2.5 0.5-2.5 0.5-2.5 0.5-2.5 2-6
Cellulose
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Fluorspar
<0.3 <0.3 -- -- -- -- -- --
Graphite
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Iron Carbonate
0.3-1.5 -- 0.3-1.5 -- 0.3-1.5 -- -- 0.3-1.5
Magnesite
0.05- 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1
Mill Scale
-- -- 2-3 -- -- -- -- --
Potassium Titanate
0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1
Silica
1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5
Silicate Binder (cured)
1-3 1-3 1-3 6-10 4-7 8-12 8-12 1-3
Titanium Dioxide
Bal >80 Bal >80 Bal >80 Bal >75 Bal >75 Bal >75 Bal >70 Bal >80
Iron
A5.1 A5.1 A5.1 A5.1 A5.1 A5.1 A5.1 A5.5
AWS Classification*
E6010 E6010 E6011 E6012 E6013 E6013 E6013 E7010-P1
鉃? 鉃?
NOTE: See Note in Section XV See Note in Section XV
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 06/16/2006
APPROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES (Wt. %)
SW-75 7013 SW-15 IP 70 LA-2 716P 70 LH SW-44 7024 810P
Product Trade Name:
鉃? 鉃? 鉃? 鉃? 鉃? 鉃? 鉃? 鉃? 鉃?
Sureweld
<0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3
Carbon
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.03-0.10
Chromium & Cmpds
1-2 2-3 1.5-2.5 1-2 1-2 1-2 2.5-3.5 3-4 1-2
Manganese
0.3-0.7 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- <0.5
Molybdenum
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.5-1
Nickel
<0.2 <0.2 <0.5 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 <0.5 <0.5 <0.2
Silicon
-- 1-2.5 1-2.5 0.5-2 0.5-2 2-3.5 0.5-2.5 1-2.5 0.5-2
Mineral Silicates:
Other Silicates:
-- 0.5-1.5 -- -- -- -- -- 0.2-1.5 --
Kaolinite Clay
-- -- 2-4 -- -- -- 0.5-1.5 -- 0.2-1.5
Mica
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Sodium Silicate Powder
0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Talc
-- <0.3 <0.3 0.3-1.5 0.3-1.5 -- 0.3-1.5 0.3-1.4 --
Aluminum Oxide
-- 1.5-3 0.5-1.5 6-9 6-9 7-11 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 --
Calcium Carbonate
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Calcium Oxide
2-4 1-3 1-3 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 1-3 1-3 3-6
Cellulose
-- -- -- 3-6 3-6 9-13 -- -- --
Fluorspar
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Graphite
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.5-1.5
Iron Carbonate
0.3-1.5 -- -- -- -- -- 0.3-1.5 0.3-1.5 0.3-1.5
Magnesite
0.3-1.5 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 0.3-1.5 0.3-1.5 0.3-1.5
Mill Scale
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Potassium Titanate
0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.05-1 0.5-3 0.05-1 0.05-1
Silica
1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5 1-4.5
Silicate Binder (cured)
1-3 9-13 9-13 5-8 5-8 <0.5 9-13 9-13 1-3
Titanium Dioxide
Bal >80 Bal >70 Bal >70 Bal >70 Bal >70 Bal >65 Bal >70 Bal >70 Bal >80
Iron
A5.5 A5.5 A5.1 A5.1 A5.1 A5.1 A5.1 A5.1 A5.5
AWS Classification*
E7010-A1 NONE E7014 E7016 E7016 E7018 E7024 E7024 E8010-P1
鉃?
NOTE:鉃? See Note in Section XV See Note in Section XV
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 06/16/2006
Hazardous Ingredients
IMPORTANT: This section covers the materials from which these products are manufactured. The term HAZARDOUS should be
interpreted as a term required and defined by Laws, Statutes, or Regulations. Under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard,
these products are considered hazardous.
WHMIS Classification: Class D, Division 2, Subdivision A
ACGIH TLV OSHA - PEL
3 3
Material (CAS No.) SARA TWA (mg/m ) TWA (mg/m ) STEL
3
(mg/m )
Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) (1344-28-1) 10 5 (Respirable) --
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) (1317-65-3) 10 5 (Respirable Fraction) --
Calcium Oxide (CaO) (1305-78-8) 2 5 --
Cellulose (9004-34-6) 10 5 (Respirable Fraction) --
Chromium Compounds (7440-47-3) * 0.5 (Metal) 1 (Metal) --
0.05 (CrVI inorganic compounds 0.005 (CrVI inorganic compounds
as Cr , water soluble) as CrVI, water soluble)
C 0.1 (as CrO3)
0.005 (CrVI inorganic compounds
0.01 (CrVI inorganic compounds
as CrVI, water insoluble)
as Cr, water insoluble)
C 0.1 (as CrO3)
Fluorspar (CaF2) (7789-75-5) 2.5 (as F) 2.5 (as F) --
Graphite (C) (7782-42-5) 2 (Respirable Dust) 2.5 (Respirable Fraction) --
Iron (Fe) (7439-89-6) 5 (Oxide Fume) 10 (Total Particulate) --
Iron Carbonate (FeCO3) (Not Est.) 5 (Oxide Fume) 10 (Total Particulate) --
Magnesite (MgCO3) (546-93-0) 10 5 (Respirable Fraction) --
Manganese (Mn) (7439-96-5) * 0.2 (Fume) C5 (STEL) 1 (Fume) 3
Mill Scale (Ferrous metal) (65996-74-9) 5 (Iron Oxide Fume) 10 (Total Particulate) --
Mineral Silicates, SEE NOTE (4) BELOW --
Bentonite Clays (1302-78-9)
Chlorite (14808-60-7)
Feldspar (14808-60-7)
Hectorite (14808-60-7)
Pyrropholite (14808-60-7)
Wollanstanite (14808-60-7)
Zircon (14808-60-7)
Molybdenum (Mo), (7439-98-7) 10 (Inhalable Fraction) Not listed --
Insoluble Compounds as Mo 3 (Respirable Fraction) Not listed
Soluble Compounds as Mo 0.5 (Respirable Fraction) 5
Nickel (Ni) (7440-02-0) * 1.5 (Inhalable Fraction, 0.1 (Soluble) --
elemental)
0.2 (Inhalable insoluble inorganic
compounds)
0.1 (Inhalable soluble inorganic
compounds)
Potassium Titanate (12030-97-6) 10 (Nuisance Particulate) 5 (Respirable Fraction) --
(K2TiO3)
Silica, Use Quartz Formula (14808-60-7) 0.1 0.05 (Respirable Dust) --
(SiO2)
Silicate Binder 10 5 (Respirable) --
(Na2O[SiO2]n) aq. (1344-09-8)
(Ka2O[SiO2]n) aq. (1312-76-1)
Silicon (Si) (7440-21-3) 10 (Dust) 5 (Respirable) --
Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) (13463-67-7) 10 (Dust) 5 (Respirable) --
NOTE: (1) Some of these products may not contain all of the materials listed. For details of composition, refer to the
COMPOSITION TABLES.
(2) In the ingredients table, an asterisk (*) after the CAS number indicates a toxic chemical subject to the reporting requirements
of Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (SARA) and 40 CFR Part 372.
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 06/16/2006
(3) In the table above, when 鈥淐鈥? appears with an exposure number, the 鈥淐鈥? indicates a 鈥淐eiling Limit鈥?; the number is the
concentration that should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure.
(4) These mineral silicates do not have a specific TLV but they contain from 5% to 30% quartz. The OSHA PEL formula is 10
mg/m3 / (%SiO2+2). The quartz (silica) exposure limits are found in the Table above.
This section covers some of the additional hazardous ingredients that may be generated by the SMAW welding process.
See Section V.
ACGIH TLV OSHA PEL
Ozone 0.1 ppm (ceiling) 0.1 ppm
Nitric oxide 25 ppm 25 ppm
Nitrogen dioxide 3 ppm, 5ppm (STEL) 5 ppm (ceiling)
5 mg/m3
Welding fumes ---
Carbon monoxide 25 ppm 50 ppm
Hydrogen Fluoride 0.5 ppm, 2 ppm (ceiling) 3 ppm
Phosgene gas 0.1 ppm 0.1 ppm
III. Hazards Identification
SUREWELD COVERED ELECTRODES:
OVERVIEW: As shipped, these products are not flammable, combustible, or explosive. They pose little or no hazard to humans. When
consumed during SMAW, the process poses very severe health and physical hazards.
PHYSICAL HAZARDS: SKIN AND EYE CONTACT
Some Sureweld covered electrodes are packaged in sealed tin-plated steel containers. The sealed containers preserve the
electrodes in the intended 鈥渁s-manufactured鈥? condition until use. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when opening the tin cans
and when removing electrodes from the tin container. The ribbon from opening the 鈥淧unch and Roll鈥? tear strip containers, the can鈥檚
edges, and the cut or removed lid are extremely sharp and will cut skin and damage eyes. The steel core wire extends beyond the
covering and may have sharp edges.
Shipping conditions may cause excessive impact between electrodes that may generate coating dust and chips. Do not use
pressurized air to clean the containers.
FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARD:
Flammable/Explosive: NO (X) YES ( )
Under what conditions: Only the packaging for this product will burn.
Fire Hazard: When involved in a fire, these products may emit toxic and irritating fumes of the metals, metal oxides, metal fluorides
and their compounds.
HEALTH HAZARDS: SKIN CONTACT
The electrodes covering may have a dust from abrasion during shipping; the covering may react with sweat. Avoid direct and
prolonged skin/eye contact.
SHIELDED METAL ARC WELDING PROCESS:
Health Hazards: Inhalation/Ingestion of Fumes and Gases; Skin and Eye Contact with Fume, Gases, and Residue
The Shielded Metal Arc Welding process uses electrical circuits that sustain a welding arc between the consumable electrode and the
base plate. The welding arc converts the electrical energy into a localized, concentrated heat source. The tremendously high
temperatures of the arc cause the Sureweld covered electrodes (or Filler Metal, when used as such) to decompose. Electric arc
working may create one or more of the following health hazards. Fumes and gases can be dangerous to your health. Fumes and
gases containing fluoride burn eyes and skin on contact and can be fatal if swallowed. Noise can damage hearing. See American
National Standard Z-49.1, 鈥淪afety in Welding and Cutting,鈥? published by the American Welding Society, P. O. Box 351040, Miami, FL
33135.
Hazardous decomposition products: Welding fumes and gases cannot be classified simply. The composition and quantity of both
are dependent upon the material being worked, the process, procedures, and consumables used. Other conditions which also
influence the composition and quantity of the fumes and gases to which workers may be exposed include: coatings on the material
being worked (such as paint, plating or galvanizing), the number of welding operations and the volume of the work area, the quality
and amount of ventilation, the position of the worker鈥檚 head with respect to the fume plume, as well as the presence of contaminants
in the atmosphere (such as chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors from cleaning or painting activities). Vapors of chlorinated hydrocarbon
solvents will decompose in the presence of heat and ultraviolet radiation and may form highly toxic phosgene gas. When the
materials are consumed, the fume and gas decomposition products generated are different in percent and form from the ingredients
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 06/16/2006
listed in Section II. Decomposition products of normal operation include those originating from the volatilization, reaction or oxidation
of the ingredients, plus those from the material being worked and the coatings etc. noted above.
Reasonably expected decomposition products from normal use of these products include a complex of the oxides and fluorides of
the materials listed in Section II, as well as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides (refer to 鈥淐haracterization of Arc
Welding Fume鈥? available from the American Welding Society). THE TLV FOR MANGANESE, CHROMIUM AND NICKEL WILL BE
REACHED BEFORE THE GENERAL LIMIT FOR WELDING FUMES OF 5 mg/m3 IS REACHED. MEASURE THE FUME FOR
MANGANESE, CHROMIUM AND NICKEL. A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF THE CHROMIUM IN THE FUMES CAN BE
HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM, WHICH HAS A VERY LOW EXPOSURE LIMIT, 0.005 mg/m3 (5碌g/m3 ). The only way to determine the
true identity of the decomposition products is by sampling and analysis. The composition and quantity of the fumes and gases to
which a worker may be overexposed can be determined from a sample obtained from inside the welder鈥檚 helmet, if worn, or in the
workers breathing zone. See ANSI/AWS F1.5, 鈥淢ethods for Sampling and Analyzing Gases from Welding and Allied Processes,鈥?
and ANSI/AWS F1.1 鈥淢ethod for Sampling Airborne Particles Generated by Welding and Allied Processes,鈥? available from the
American Welding Society.
Cancer: Nickel and Chromium compounds are carcinogenic to humans; overexposure to respirable crystalline silica is a known
cause of carcinogenicity in humans; vanadium oxide and welding fume not otherwise classified may be carcinogenic.
PROCESS PHYSICAL HAZARDS: SKIN AND EYE CONTACT, LETHAL ELECTRIC SHOCK, ARC RADIATION
Electric arc working may create one or more of the following physical hazards. Electric shock can kill you. Arc rays can injure eyes
and burn skin. Heat rays from arc or hot metal can injure eyes. Innocent contact with hot base plate/weld and recently extinguished
SMAW electrode can cause severe skin burns. Weld spatter, ejected metal droplets from the arc-weld pool region, can cause skin
burns and pose a fire hazard to the surroundings. Slag removal from the weld can create airborne particles and dusts. Electrode
holders stowed with a covered electrode create an unreasonable risk for electric shock. See AWS 鈥淪afety and Health Fact Sheet No.
X鈥?. Series available at no cost at: www.aws.org (www.aws.org/technical/facts/index.html); and American National Standard
Z-49.1, 鈥淪afety in Welding and Cutting,鈥? published by the American Welding Society, P. O. Box 351040, Miami, FL 33135.
IV. First Aid Measures
Emergency First Aid Measures: In case of emergency, call for medical aid. Employ first aid technique recommended by the Red
Cross. IF BREATHING IS DIFFICULT, give oxygen and call for a physician. FOR ELECTRIC SHOCK, disconnect and turn off the
power. Use a nonconducting material to pull victim away from contact with live parts or wires. If not breathing, begin artificial
respiration, preferably mouth-to-mouth. If no detectable pulse, begin Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Immediately call a
physician. FOR ARC BURN, apply cold, clean compresses and call a physician.
Eye Contact: Flush with water for at least fifteen minutes to remove all residue. If irritation persists, obtain medical
assistance.
Skin Contact: Promptly flush with soap and water, rinsing till clean. Get medical attention for irritation or burns.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration and obtain medical assistance
immediately!
Ingestion: Call a physician or your Poison Control Center IMMEDIATELY! Advise of Section II.
Note: Fluorides can reduce serum calcium levels resulting in potentially fatal hypocalcemia.
V. Fire-Fighting Measures
Conditions Of Flammability: This product will not burn.
Extinguishing Media: Welding arcs and sparks can ignite combustible and flammable materials. Use the extinguishing media
recommended for the burning materials and fire situation. See ANSI Z49.1 鈥淪afety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes鈥? and the
AWS publication, 鈥淪afe Practices鈥?, both published by the American Welding Society, P. O. Box 351040, Miami, FL 33135, and NFPA
51B 鈥淪tandard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work鈥? published by the National Fire Protection
Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169, for additional fire prevention and protection information.
FLAMMABLE PROPERTIES:
Flash Point: Not applicable.
Flash Point Method: Not applicable.
Upper Flame Limit (volume % in air): Not applicable.
Lower Flame Limit (volume % in air): Not applicable.
Auto Ignition Temperature: Not applicable.
Hazardous Combustion Products: When involved in a fire, these products may emit toxic and irritating fumes of the metals,
metal oxides, metal fluorides and their compounds.
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 06/16/2006
Explosion Data- Mechanical Impact: Not applicable.
Explosion Data- Static Discharge: Not applicable.
Flame Propagation Rate (solids): Not applicable.
OSHA Flammability Class: Not applicable.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: None anticipated.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Full protective equipment required. Wear self contained breathing apparatus.
VI. Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precaution: Wear safety glasses and gloves. Gather the loose covered electrodes.
Environmental Impact: Not known. Prevent product and process waste from contaminating surrounding environment.
Method For Cleaning Up: Place waste in containers for recovery or disposal.
VII. Handling and Storage
Storage Precaution: No unusual methods are required. Keep product contained and retain all warning and identity labels. Preferred
storage is a sheltered warm area with temperature and humidity control to prevent high humidity and 鈥済oing through the dew point鈥?.
Preferred Storage for Product Performance: Depending on the classification, covered electrodes vary in moisture content and final
bake temperature. Optimum storage and reconditioning instructions for Sureweld covered electrodes to achieve the best welding
performance are available directly from ESAB.
Handling Precaution: Read and understand the manufacturer鈥檚 instructions and the precautionary label on this product. It is highly
recommended that the person that controls the welding area and the welder read and understand American National Standard Z-
49.1, 鈥淪afety in Welding and Cutting,鈥? published by the American Welding Society, P. O. Box 351040, Miami, FL 33135 and OSHA
Publication 2206 (29 C.F.R. 1910), U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA
15250-7954 for more detail on many of the following:
Exposure to Fumes and Gases: Keep your head out of the fumes. Do not breathe the fumes. Use enough ventilation to keep
the exposure within legal limits. In the worker鈥檚 breathing zone and the general area, the fumes and gases must be kept below
the TLVs and the equivalent exposure must compute to less than one. Keep exposure as low as possible.
Confined Spaces: Test confined space atmosphere for (1) suitable oxygen content, (2) no combustibles or reactives, (3) no
toxins. Continuously ventilate and monitor confined spaces to ensure that fumes and gases do not exceed safe exposure limits.
Special Precaution: Use industrial hygiene monitoring equipment to ensure that exposure does not exceed threshold limit
values.
Eye Protection: Wear helmet or use face shield with filter lens according to ANSI Z87.1. Provide protective screens and flash
goggles, if necessary, to shield others. Wear safety glasses with UV protective side shields or goggles. Wear contact lenses in
combination with safety eyewear, except where the contact lenses create a likelihood of injury from intense heat, highly
particulate atmosphere, or where their use is prohibited.
Protective Clothing: Wear head, hand and body protection that help to prevent injury from radiation, sparks and electrical
shock. Wear flame resistant ear plugs to keep sparks out of ears. See ANSI Z-49.1.
Avoid Fire and Explosion: Remove any combustible material from the work area; if relocation is not possible, protect with a
cover of fire-resistant material. Sparks can travel horizontally throughout an area within a 10 meter radius.
Protect Against Noise: Reduce the intensity of the sound; the TLV for noise is 85 dBA for an eight hour duration. Wear
approved ear plugs or ear muffs.
Protect Against Electric Shock: Do not touch live electrical parts. Wear dry, insulating gloves (in good condition) and
clothing. Insulate yourself from the workpiece and ground (wear rubber soled shoes, stand on dry insulating mat or platform).
Do not dip the electrode holder (gun) in water to cool it; do not lay it on a conductive surface or the work surface. Do not stow
electrode holders with a covered electrode or an electrode stub.
Heart Pacemakers: Warn wearers of heart pacemakers or other electronic equipment vital to life that the welding operation
may impede the function of the device. Consult a physician and the manufacturer of the device.
VIII. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Ventilation: Clean air for welding operations is provided by ventilation systems. Ventilation systems consist of local exhaust
and general ventilation supply. The most efficient method of contaminant control in the occupied zone of the welding shop,
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 06/16/2006
particularly in the breathing zone of the welder, is local exhaust which captures the contaminants at or near their source.
Consult AWSF3.2M/F3.2 鈥淰entilation Guide for Weld Fume鈥? published by the American Welding Society, P. O. Box 351040,
Miami, FL 33135 for the design of ventilation and exhaust systems. Use enough ventilation, local exhaust at the arc, or both, to
keep the exposure within legal limits. In the worker鈥檚 breathing zone and the general area, the fumes and gases must be kept
below the TLVs and the equivalent exposure must compute to less than one.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Respiratory Protection: Use respirable fume respirator or air supplied respirator when welding in confined space or where
local exhaust or ventilation does not keep exposure below TLV. Where respiratory protection is necessary, NIOSH approved
respiratory protection should be used. The selection of the appropriate respiratory protection (dust respirator, etc.) should be
based on the actual or potential airborne contaminants and their concentrations present. However, at least a NIOSH approved
type TC-21-C dust mask is recommended.
Eye Protection: Wear helmet or use face shield with filter lens. As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark to see
the weld zone. Then go to the next lighter shade that gives sufficient view of the weld zone. Provide protective screens and
flash goggles, if necessary, to shield others. Wear safety glasses with UV protective side shields or goggles to provide needed
protection from reflected radiation and to prevent eye contact. Readily available eye baths are recommended in areas where
operations may produce fumes and dusts.
Skin Protection: Wear head, hand and body protection that help to prevent injury from hot metal, sparks, slag, infrared
radiation, UV radiation, abrasions, contusions and heat stress. Protective clothing will not generally prevent shock except for
leather if kept dry. The clothing may include heat/fire resistant gloves, overalls, aprons, sleeves, footwear, welder鈥檚 spats and
head cover. Gloves made of leather with inside seams (or those that give equal performance) are preferred. Wear garments
made of leather, heavyweight tightly woven wool or cotton. Keep clothing clean (free of oil, grease or solvents) and in good
repair. Do not wear clothing with frayed edges, tears or holes. Do not roll up sleeves or trousers (pants should not be cuffed).
Hygienic Work Practices: Avoid contact to eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Avoid inhalation of vapors, gases, fumes and
dusts. Wash thoroughly after handling and use. Do not smoke, eat, drink, chew gum or tobacco, or apply cosmetics within the
working area. Do not store or bring tobacco products, gum, food, drinks or cosmetics within the working area. Otherwise follow
the standards of good industrial hygiene practices.
IX. Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical State: Solid.
Appearance: Solid mild steel rod concentrically coated with minerals, chemicals, pigments and
metal/alloy powders that are bonded by means of a cured silicate solution. Covering has
various shades and colors.
Odor: Generally odorless.
Odor Threshold: Not applicable.
Specific Gravity: 7.8 core wire, (the major component); 1.6-3.3 covering
Vapor Pressure: Not determined.
Vapor Density: Not determined.
Density (g/cc): 7.8 core wire, (the major component); 1.6-3.3 covering
Evaporation Rate: Not determined.
Percent Volatile by Wt: Not determined.
Boiling Point: Not determined.
Freezing Point: Not determined.
Melting Point: 1515潞C (2760潞F) core wire, (the major component); >580潞C (1050潞F) covering
Solubility in Water: Not determined.
pH: Not determined.
Thermal Decomposition: Not determined.(calcium carbonate @ 1800潞F ; Cellulose 鈥渂rowns鈥? @ 390潞F)
Volatile Organic
Compounds (lbs/lb): Not determined.
Coefficient of Water/Oil Distribution: Not determined.
Other: Covering can be crushed; exposed coverings can slowly absorb Carbon Dioxide.
X. Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable (X) Unstable ( ) Polymerization will not occur.
Reacts With: Air ____ Water ___ Heat ____ Oxidizers _X__ Acids __X_ Alkalis ____ Metals ____ Other ____ None ____
Hazardous Reaction Products: Products that contain fluorides may evolve hydrogen, hydrogen fluoride and metal fluorides.
Comments: Review Section II.
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 06/16/2006
XI. Toxicological Information
Introduction: Electric arc working creates health and physical hazards. Fumes and gases can be dangerous to your health. Fumes
and gases containing fluoride burn eyes and skin on contact and can be fatal if swallowed. Electric shock can kill you. Arc rays can
injure eyes and burn skin. Heat rays (infrared radiation) from flame or hot metal can injure eyes. Noise can damage hearing. An
additional detailed description of the Health and Physical Hazards and their consequences may be found in ESAB鈥檚 publications F52-
529 鈥淧recautions and Safe Practices for Electric Welding and Cutting鈥? and F2035 鈥淧recautions and Safe Practices for Gas Welding,
Cutting and Heating.鈥? You may obtain copies from your local supplier or by writing to the address in Section I.
Dust from impact and abrasion and from crushing of the Covering (Coating): will irritate the eyes and skin on contact; if inhaled
will irritate the respiratory tract; if ingested, may irritate the mouth, esophagus and stomach.
Route of overexposure: The primary route of entry of the decomposition products is by inhalation. Skin contact, eye contact, and
ingestion are possible. Absorption by skin contact is unlikely.
Effects of acute (short-term) overexposure to the gases, fumes and dusts may include irritation of the eyes, lungs, nose and
throat. Some toxic gases associated with welding may cause pulmonary edema, asphyxiation, and death. Acute overexposure may
include signs and symptoms such as watery eyes, nose and throat irritation, headache, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, fever,
frequent coughing, or chest pain. The presence of chromium/chromate in fume can cause irritation of nasal membranes and skin.
The presence of nickel compounds in fume can cause metallic taste, nausea, tightness of chest, fever, and allergic reaction.
Exposure to the fluoride ion may cause hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency) in the blood that can result in muscle cramps and
inflammation and necrosis of mucous membranes.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions Aggravated by Overexposure: Individuals with allergies or impaired respiratory function may
have symptoms worsened by exposure to welding fumes; however, such reaction cannot be predicted due to the variation in the
composition and in the quantity of the decomposition products.
Effects of chronic (long-term) overexposure to air contaminants may lead to their accumulation in the lungs, a condition which
may be seen as dense areas on chest X-rays. The severity of the change is proportional to the length of the exposure. The changes
seen are not necessarily associated with symptoms or signs of reduced lung function or disease. In addition, the changes on X-rays
may be caused by non-work factors such as smoking, etc. Long term exposure to welding and allied processes gases, dusts and
fumes may contribute to pulmonary irritation or pneumoconiosis. Nickel and chromium (in some forms) are considered carcinogenic.
Long term overexposure to nickel fumes may also cause pulmonary fibrosis and edema. Chromium compounds have a corrosive
action on the skin and mucous membranes; lesions form on exposed skin and the nasal septum. Liver damage and allergic skin rash
have also been reported. Overexposure to manganese compounds may affect the central nervous system, symptoms of which are
languor, sleepiness, muscular weakness, emotional disturbances, and spastic gait. The effect of manganese on the nervous system
is irreversible. Inhalation of too much iron oxide fume over a long time can cause siderosis, sometimes called 鈥渋ron pigmentation鈥? of
the lung, which can be seen on a chest x-ray but causes little or no disability. Chronic overexposure to iron (>50-100 mg Fe per day)
can result in pathological deposition of iron in body tissues, symptoms of which are fibrosis of the pancreas, diabetes mellitus, and
liver cirrhosis. Chronic fluoride absorption can result in osseous fluorosis, increased radiographic density of the bones and mottling of
the teeth. Overexposure to respirable crystalline silica may result in silicosis, a disabling lung disease; overexposure to respirable
crystalline silica is a known cause of carcinogenicity in humans. Welding fumes (not otherwise specified) are possibly carcinogenic to
humans.
Exposure limits for the ingredients are listed in Section II. The 2003 ACGIH and the 1989 OSHA TWA for welding fume is 5 mg/m3.
At times, the limit for a particular hazardous chemical is reached before the limit for welding fumes. TLV-TWAs should be used as a
guide in the control of health hazards and not as firm lines between safe and excessive concentrations. As noted in Section V, the
fume from welding, brazing, soldering and allied processes is a mixture of many components. Therefore, a statutory computation of
the equivalent exposure is required. The equivalent exposure value for the fume mixture from the welding or from an allied process
shall always be less than one. When these products are used as recommended by THE ESAB GROUP, and the preventive
measures are strictly followed, overexposure to hazardous substances will not occur.
Carcinogenic Assessment (NTP Annual Report, IARC Monographs, Other):
Chromates, alkaline as Cr; Chromic Acid and chromates; and Chromite ore processing (Chromate) as Cr: TLV-A1, confirmed human
carcinogen.
Chromium (III) inorganic compounds, as Cr: EPA-D not classified as to human carcinogenicity. IARC-3 unclassifiable as to
carcinogenicity in humans. TLV-A4 not classified as a human carcinogen.
Chromium (VI) inorganic compounds, as Cr, water-soluble: EPA-A human carcinogen, studies support a causal association between
exposure and cancer; EPA-K known human carcinogen; IARC-1 carcinogenic to humans; TLV-A1 confirmed human carcinogen;
NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen.
Chromium (VI) inorganic compounds, as Cr, certain water insoluble: EPA-A human carcinogen, studies support a causal association
between exposure and cancer; EPA-K known human carcinogen; IARC-1 carcinogenic to humans; TLV-A1 confirmed human
carcinogen; NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen.
Chromium Metal: IARC-3 unclassifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans. TLV-A4 not classified as a human carcinogen.
Molybdenum Soluble Compounds, as Mo: TLV-A3 confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.
Molybdenum Trioxide: MAK-3B substance for which in vitro tests or animal studies have yielded evidence of carcinogenic effects.
Nickel, Alloys: IARC-2B possibly carcinogenic to humans.
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 06/16/2006
Nickel Compounds: IARC-1 carcinogenic to humans; MAK-1 substances that cause cancer in man and can be assumed to make a
significant contribution to cancer risk; NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen.
Nickel, Elemental: IARC-2B possibly carcinogenic to humans; NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen; MAK-1 substances that
cause cancer in man and can be assumed to make a significant contribution to cancer risk; TLV-A5 not suspected as a human
carcinogen on the basis of properly conducted epidemiological studies in humans.
Nickel, Insoluble Compounds, as Ni: NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen; TLV-A1 confirmed human carcinogen; NTP-K known
to be a human carcinogen.
Nickel, Soluble Compounds, as Ni: NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen; TLV-A4 not classified as a human carcinogen.
Nickel Carbonate: IARC-1 carcinogenic to humans; MAK-1 substances that cause cancer in man and can be assumed to make a
significant contribution to cancer risk; NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen.
Nickel Dioxide: IARC-1 carcinogenic to humans; MAK-1 substances that cause cancer in man and can be assumed to make a
significant contribution to cancer risk; NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen.
Nickel Hydroxide: IARC-1 carcinogenic to humans; MAK-1 substances that cause cancer in man and can be assumed to make a
significant contribution to cancer risk; NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen.
Nickel Oxide: IARC-1 Carcinogenic to humans; MAK-1 substances that cause cancer in man and can be assumed to make a
significant contribution to cancer risk; NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen. TLV-A1 confirmed human carcinogen; NTP-K known
to be a human carcinogen.
Nickel Subsulfide: EPA-A human carcinogen, studies support a causal association between exposure and cancer; IARC-1
carcinogenic to humans; MAK-1 substances that cause cancer in man and can be assumed to make a significant contribution to
cancer risk; NTP-K known to be a human carcinogen. TLV-A1 confirmed human carcinogen; NTP-K known to be a human
carcinogen.
Silica-Crystalline Cristobolite; Silica-Crystalline Quartz- IARC-1: Carcinogenic to humans; NTP-K: Known to be a human carcinogen;
TLV-A2: Suspected human carcinogen.
Silica fume--IARC-3: Unclassifiable (inadequate evidence) as to carcinogenicity in humans.
Welding Fumes (not otherwise classified)鈥擨ARC-2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans.
XII. Ecological Information
Product Persistence: The Sureweld covered electrodes consist of a steel core wire encircled by cellulose fibers, inorganic minerals,
chemical, metal/alloy powders bonded with cured silicate. The products are expected to slowly corrode in an outdoor ambient
environment. Over time, some of the ingredients in the covering may leach into the environment.
Biodegradability: No test data.
Most of chemicals found in the covering are not biodegradable.
Silicate solutions and sodium silicate powder are not persistent in aquatic systems, but their high pH when undiluted or
unneutralized is acutely harmful to aquatic life. Diluted material rapidly depolymmerizes to yield dissolved silica in a form that
is indistinguishable from natural dissolved silica. The dissolution of cured silicate materials and sodium silicate powder
generally does not bioaccumulate.
Ecotoxicity: No test data.
Typical for cellulose: acute aquatic 96-hour static LC50 value falls within the practically nontoxic range of 100-1000 mg/L,
according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife criteria (rainbow trout and Bluegill Sunfish were species tested).
Typical for silicate solutions: 鈥淭he following data is reported for sodium silicate on a 100% solid basis: A 96 hour median
tolerance for fish (Gambusia affnis) of 2320 ppm; a 96 hour median tolerance for water fleas (Daphnia magna) of 247 ppm;
a 96 hour median tolerance for snail eggs (Lymnea) of 632 ppm; and a 96 hour median tolerance for Amphipoda of 160
ppm.
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): No test data.
Typical for silicate solutions: The dissolution of silicates in aquatic systems does not contribute to BOD.
Chemical Oxygen Demand: No test data.
Note on Ecological Toxicity: Fluoride can be highly toxic to aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna. Care should be taken to prevent
fluoride containing Sureweld covered electrodes from entering the environment.
XIII. Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Method: Discard any product, residue, disposable container, or liner in an environmentally acceptable manner, in
full compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations. If used or waste product(s), such as slag and filtered fumes, are disposed
of, testing including TCLP, should be conducted to determine hazard characteristics.
RCRA: The (unused) product does not contain hazardous RCRA listed components.
XIV. Transport Information
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 06/16/2006
Proper Shipping Name: NOT DOT REGULATED.
XV. Regulatory Information
Environmental Protection:
United States EPA Toxic Substance Control Act: All constituents of these products are on the TSCA inventory list or
are excluded from listing.
Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA): All constituents of these products are on the Domestic Substance List
(DSL).
EPCRA (SARA Title III) 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances:
Ingredient name 304 EHS RQ 302 EHS TPQ
No ingredients listed in this section.
EPCRA (SARA Title III) 313 Toxic Chemical (May be subject to annual reporting; see Section II for weight percent.):
Ingredient name CAS Number
Chromium (Cr) 7440-47-3
Manganese (Mn) 7439-96-5
Nickel (Ni) 7440-02-0
Note on Welding Process Emission Factors to compute released quantities. The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act,
EPA-400-K-93-001, April 1993, AP-42, Section 12.19 contains compiled emission factors for the SMAW, GMAW, FCAW and
SAW welding processes. The emission factors for SAW are substantially lower than the open arc processes. The emission
factors for GTAW are very low and generally not measured. Also See: ANSI/AWS F1.6 鈥淕uide for Estimating Welding
Emissions for EPA and Ventilation Permit Reporting鈥? available from the American Welding Society.
CERCLA Reportable Quantities:
Ingredient name CAS Number RQ pounds
Chromium (Cr) 7440-47-3 5000
Nickel (Ni) 7440-02-0 100
Hazard: Immediate acute health hazard; delayed health hazard.
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT PRIORITIES LISTS
PSL1 Hexavalent Chromium Compounds are found in the emissions from the process.
Oxidic, Sulphidic, and Soluble Inorganic Nickel Compounds may be in the emissions from the process.
Inorganic Fluorides are within the core of some of the products. See 鈥淎pproximate Composition Tables鈥?.
PSL2 Respirable particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns in the welding fumes from the process are
respirable.
CANADA; INGREDIENT DISCLOSURE LIST
Aluminum oxide 1344-28-1 Fluoride Compounds Inorganic, n.o.s.
Calcium oxide 1305-78-1 Manganese, elemental 7439-96-5
Chromium, elemental 7440-47-3 Mica 12001-26-2
Ferrosilicon 8049-17-0 Molybdenum, elemental 7439-98-7
Ferric oxide 1309-37-1 Nickel, elemental 7440-02-2
Silica 14808-60-7
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 16/16/2006
State Right-To-Know:
California Proposition 65
鉃? 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.)
鉃? 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.)
See: AWS 鈥淪afety and Health Fact Sheet No. 23鈥? at: www.aws.org.
XVI. Other Information
NFPA and HMIS Classifications:
NFPA: Shielded metal arc welding electrodes are not NFPA rated. As Mixture, the Sureweld covered SMAW electrodes have been
assigned the highest number in each category that a component material is known to be rated without consideration of the weight
percentage.
NFPA Ratings NFPA Ratings
Fire Fire
0 0
Reactivity Reactivity
Health Health
3 0 2 0
Hazard Ratings Hazard Ratings
Special Special
4 = Extreme 4 = Extreme
3 = High 3 = High
2 = Moderate 2 = Moderate
1 = Slight 1 = Slight
0 = Insignificant 0 = Insignificant
Fluoride Bearing Electrodes Non Fluoride Bearing Electrodes
HMIS: SMAW Sureweld covered electrodes are not HMIS rated. The HMIS label and the values presented therein on this page
are a best effort intended to communicate safety information and practices.
HMIS RATINGS
HEALTH: 1
FLAMMABILITY: 0
PHYSICAL HAZARD: 0
Personal Protection
B
HMIS: Shielded Metal Arc Welding with Sureweld covered SMAW electrodes is not HMIS rated. The HMIS label and the values
presented therein on this page are a best effort intended to communicate safety information and practices.
HMIS RATINGS
HEALTH: * 4
FLAMMABILITY: 3
PHYSICAL HAZARD: 4
Personal Protection
See Section VIII
NOTE: This product has been classified according to hazard criteria of the CPR and the MSDS contains all the information required by the
CPR Special Product Warning:
Additional Product Labeling:
WARNING: Overexposure to manganese can irreversibly affect the central nervous system. Symptoms of manganese overexposure
include impaired speech, balance and movement. Fumes from the normal use of this product contain significant quantities of manganese
compounds. The TLV for manganese exposure, 0.2 mg/m3 , may be exceeded. Use enough ventilation, local exhaust and respirators to
keep the worker鈥檚 breathing zone and general area below the TLV for exposure to manganese.
ISSUED BY: The ESABNA MSDS Group 717-637-8911
THE ESAB GROUP and its employees request the users of these products to study this Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS,) the
product labels, the power source manual and instructions, and process literature, especially the sources cited herein, and to
become fully aware of the product hazards and safety information. To promote the safe use of these products, a user should (1)
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Product Identity: SUREWELD MILD STEEL AND LOW ALLOY COVERED ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7969-J
DATE REVISED: 16/16/2006
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.
The opinions expressed in this MSDS are those of qualified experts within THE ESAB GROUP. We believe that the information contained
herein is current as of the date of this MSDS. Since the use of this information and these opinions and the conditions of use of these
products are not within the control of THE ESAB GROUP, it is the user鈥檚 obligation to determine the conditions of safe use of these
products.
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