FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
Material Safety Data Sheet
(Meets the U.S. Department of Labor Suggested
Criteria For Hazard Communication Compliance)
I. Product Identification
Product Type - BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
Manufacturer - THE ESAB GROUP, INC. Telephone No. - 1-717-637-8911
Website: 1-800-933-7070
www.esab.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: Composite carbon steel and stainless steel tubular wire electrodes that contain metal and alloy metal
powders within the core and which are designed primarily for use as a consumable electrode in gas
metal arc welding (GMAW).
Process Description: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) uses an arc between a continuous metal electrode and the weld pool.
The arc and molten metal are shielded by an externally supplied gas. 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 CORED ELECTRODES (Wt. %)
Arcaloy Arcaloy Arcaloy Arcaloy Arcaloy
Product
Nicore 55 鉃?
MC 308L 鉃? MC 309L 鉃? MC 309LMo 鉃? MC 316L 鉃? MC 317L 鉃?
Trade Name
Aluminum <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2
Carbon 1.5-2.5 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2
Chromium -- 20-22 23-25 23-25 16-19 19-21
Columbium* -- -- -- -- -- --
Copper -- <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3 <0.3
Magnesium 0.3-1 -- -- -- -- --
Manganese 0.1-0.7 1.5-2.5 1.5-2.5 1.5-2.5 1.5-2.5 1.5-2.5
Molybdenum -- <0.3 <0.3 2.5-3.5 2.5-3.5 3-5
Nickel 39-45 9-11 12-14 12-14 12-14 13-15
Silicon <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1
Vanadium -- <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2
Fluorides <0.3 -- <0.3 -- -- --
Iron Bal. (>50) Bal. (>60) Bal. (>55) Bal.>55) Bal. (>60) Bal. (>55)
AWS None A5.9 A5.9 A5.9 A5.9 EC316L A5.9
Classification EC308L EC309L EC309LMo EC317L
Arcaloy Arcaloy Arcaloy Arcaloy
Arcaloy Arcaloy Arcaloy
Product
MC 410NiMo 鉃? 430LCb 鉃? 439-Ti 鉃? 18CrCb 鉃?
409-Cb 鉃? 409-Ti 鉃? MC 410 鉃?
Trade Name
-1-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
Aluminum <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2
Carbon <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2
Chromium 11-13 11-13 11-13 11-13 16-19 16-19 16-19
Columbium* 0.3-1 -- -- -- 0.3-1 -- 0.3-1
Magnesium -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Manganese 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5
Molybdenum -- -- -- 0.3-1 -- -- --
Nickel -- -- -- 3-5 -- -- --
Silicon <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1
Titanium -- 0.5-2.0 -- -- -- 0.5-1.5 0.5-1.5
Vanadium -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Fluorides -- -- -- -- <0.3 -- --
Sodium Oxide <0.3 -- <0.3 -- -- <0.3 <0.3
Iron Bal. (>80) Bal. (>80) Bal. (>80) Bal.>75) Bal. (>75) Bal. (>75) Bal. (>75)
AWS A5.9 A5.9 A5.9 A5.9 None None None
Classification EC409 EC409 EC410 EC410NiMo
* Also known as Niobium (Nb)
鉃? See Section XV heading State-Right-to-Know for corresponding CA product warning.
-2-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
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 (Al) (7429-90-5) * 5 (Welding Fume) 5 (Respirable Fraction ) --
Carbon (C) (7440-44-0) 3.5 (Carbon Black) 3.5 (Carbon Black) --
Chromium (Cr) (7440-47-3) * 0.5 (Metal) 1 (Metal) --
0.05 (CrVI inorganic compounds as 0.005 (CrVI inorganic compounds as
Cr , water soluble) CrVI, water soluble)
C 0.1 (as CrO3)
0.005 (CrVI inorganic compounds as
0.01 (CrVI inorganic compounds as
CrVI, water insoluble)
Cr, water insoluble)
C 0.1 (as CrO3)
Columbium (Cb) (7440-03-1) Not listed 5 (Respirable fraction) --
Copper (Cu) (7440-50-8) * 0.2 (Fume) 0.1 (Fume) --
Iron (Fe) (7439-89-6) Not listed Not listed --
Magnesium (Mg) &
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) (1309-48-4) 10 (Oxide, Inhalable Fraction) 5 (Respirable) --
Manganese (Mn) (7439-96-5) * 0.2 (Fume) 5
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, elemental) 0.1 (Soluble) --
0.2 (Inhalable insoluble inorganic
compounds)
0.1 (Inhalable soluble inorganic
compounds)
Silicon (Si) (7440-21-3) 10 (Dust) 5 (Respirable) --
Vanadium (V) (7440-62-2) * Not listed Not listed --
Vanadium Pentoxide, as V2O5 (1314-62-1) 0.05 (Respirable Fume as V2O5) C 0.1 (fume) --
Titanium (Ti) (7440-32-6 Not listed) Not listed --
Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) (13463-67-7 10 (TiO2 Dust ) 5 (TiO2 - Respirable)
Fluorides 2.5 (as F) 2.5 (as F) --
Cryolite (Na3AlF6) (15096-52-3)
Potassium Silico Fluoride
(K2SiF6) (16871-90-2)
Sodium Fluoride (NaF) (7681-49-4)
Sodium Oxide (Na2O) (1313-59-3) Not listed Not listed --
Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) (144-55-8) Not listed Not listed
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) (497-19-8) Not listed Not listed
Sodium Oxide Flux Prefused (None) Not listed Not listed
Sodium Titanate (Na2TiO3) (12034-34-3) Not listed Not listed
NOTE: 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.
Some of these products may not contain all of the materials listed. For details of composition, refer to the COMPOSITION TABLE
in Section I.
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.
-3-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
This section covers some of the additional hazardous ingredients that may be generated by the SAW 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, 5ppm (STEL) 5 ppm (ceiling)
5 mg/m3
Welding fumes ---
Carbon monoxide 25 ppm 50 ppm
Hydrogen Fluoride 0.5 ppm, 2 (ceiling) 3 ppm
Phosgene gas 0.1 ppm 0.1 ppm
III. Hazards Identification
NICORE AND ARCALOY CORED WIRE PRODUCTS:
Overview: As shipped, these products are not flammable, combustible, or explosive. They pose little or no hazard to humans. When
consumed during GMAW hot work, the process poses very severe health and physical hazards.
PHYSICAL HAZARDS- SKIN AND EYE CONTACT:
The Nicore and Arcaloy carbon steel and stainless steel tubular cored wire products are coiled. Beware of uncoiling wire when
cutting wire from the spool/coil. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Firmly grip remaining strands. Stand to the side.
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:
These cored wire products have residual wire drawing aids and wire feed assist residue. Avoid direct and prolonged skin contact.
GAS METAL ARC WELDING PROCESS:
Health Hazards: Inhalation/Ingestion of Fumes and Gases; Skin and Eye Contact with Fume, Gases, and Residue.
The GAS 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 welding Nicore 55 and the Arcaloy Cored Wire 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 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 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; vanadium oxide and welding fume not otherwise classified
may be carcinogenic.
-4-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
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
wire 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. 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).
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.
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.
-5-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
VI. Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precaution: Wear safety glasses and gloves. Gather the loose strands of wire.
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?.
Handling Precaution: Read and understand the manufacturer鈥檚 instructions and the precautionary label on this product. 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 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.
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,
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.
-6-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
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: Tubular steel and stainless steel wires containing alloy and chemical powders.
Odor: Odorless.
Odor Threshold: Not applicable.
Specific Gravity: 7.8 (major component)
Vapor Pressure: Not determined.
Vapor Density: Not determined.
Density (g/cc): 7.8 (major component)
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) (major component)
Solubility in Water: Not determined.
pH: Not determined.
Thermal Decomposition: Not determined.
Volatile Organic
Compounds (lbs/lb): Not determined.
Coefficient of Water/Oil Distribution: Not determined.
Other: The wire end is restrained and under a spring load.
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.
-7-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
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.
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, 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鈥揷alcium 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. Copper poisoning from exposure to high levels of copper has been reported in the literature. Liver damage can occur due to
copper accumulation in the liver; the damage is characterized by cell destruction and cirrhosis. High levels of copper may cause
central nervous system damage characterized by nerve fiber separation and cerebral degeneration. 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.
-8-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
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.
Vanadium Pentoxide, as V2O5: TLV-A4 not classified as a human carcinogen.
Welding Fumes (not otherwise classified)鈥擨ARC-2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans.
XII. Ecological Information
Product Persistence: The Nicore and the Arcaloy cored tubular wires consist of a steel or stainless steel tube and inorganic
ingredients. The products are expected to slowly corrode in an outdoor ambient environment. Over time, some of the core
ingredients may leach through the wire seam.
Biodegradability: No test data.
Ecotoxicity: No test data.
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): No test data.
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 Nicore and Arcaloy products 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:
Proper Shipping Name: NOT DOT REGULATED.
-9-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
XV. Regulatory Information
Environmental Protection:
United States EPA Toxic Substance Control Act: All constituents of these products are on the TSCA inventory list.
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
Aluminum (Al) 7429-90-5
Chromium (Cr) 7440-47-3
Copper (Cu) 7440-50-8
Manganese (Mn) 7439-96-5
Nickel (Ni) 7440-02-0
Vanadium (V) 7440-62-2
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
Copper (Cu) 7440-50-8 5000
Nickel (Ni) 7440-02-0 100
Sodium Fluoride (NaF) 7681-49-4 1000
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, elemental 7429-90-5 Vanadium, elemental 7440-62-2
Aluminum Sodium Fluoride 15096-52-3 Ferrovanadium 12604-58-9
Chromium, elemental 7440-47-3 Ferrosilicon 8049-17-0
Copper, elemental 7440-50-8 Fluoride Compounds Inorganic, n.o.s.
Manganese, elemental 7439-96-5 Lithium Fluoride 7789-24-4
Molybdenum, elemental 7439-98-7
Sodium Fluoride 7681-49-4
Nickel, elemental 7440-02-2
State Right-To-Know:
California Proposition 65
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.
-10-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
XVI. Other Information
NFPA and HMIS Classifications:
NFPA: Welding cored tubular electrodes are not NFPA rated. As Mixture, the Nicore and the Arcaloy cored tubular welding
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: Welding cored tubular 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: Gas Metal Arc Welding with Nicore and Arcaloy cored tubular 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:
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) 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.
-11-
Product Identity: BARE COMPOSITE HIGH ALLOY WELDING ELECTRODES
FORM NO. 7980-N
DATE REVISED: 06/14/2006
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.
-12-
|