W

RTECS No: ZC2550000

Properties: Vary, depending upon the specific component of the w . These consist of vaporized metallic vapors from the workpiece, byproducts of oxidation of gases in the atmosphere, cleaning and lubrication chemicals used in welding, and coatings and metal-based paints on the metals being welded.

Uses: Joining or cutting pieces of metal by heat, pressure, or both.

HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION

Symptoms vary depending upon the specific component of the w ; metal fume fever: flu-like symptoms, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), cough, muscle pain, fever, chills; interstitial pneumonitis; A potential occupational  carcinogen. Excessive exposure to welding fume can cause a variety of disorders, most notably metal fume fever. It has been estimated that 30 to 40 percent of all welders have experienced metal fume fever at some time ( Abraham 1983, in Environmental and Occupational Medicine, W.N. Rom, ed., p. 146 ). This disorder, which results from exposure to freshly formed metal fume, causes delayed, flu-like symptoms, including dyspnea, coughing, painful muscles   and joints, fever, and chills. Recovery usually requires one or two days away from work. In addition to metal fume fever, exposure to welding fume may damage the small airways, causing interstitial pneumonia ( Abraham 1983 ).

W

• Safety goggles and light-filtering goggles are required to protect welder against spatter and to shield the eyes against the intense UV light from the arc.

• *Aluminum welding may generate fumes consisting of fluorine, arsenic, copper, silicon, and beryllium ( NIOSH 1975h and American Welding Society 1974, both as cited in ACGIH 1986/Ex. 1-3, p. 634 ).

• **The welding of iron metals may give off fumes of manganese, silicate, and various organic binders ( NIOSH 1975h and American Welding Society 1974, both as cited in ACGIH 1986/Ex. 1-3, p. 634 ).

Exposure Limits: W , which are defined as fumes generated by the manual metal arc or oxyacetylene welding of iron, mild steel, or aluminum. The ACGIH has set an 8-hour TWA of 5 mg/m3 for these

w , measured as total particulate in the welder's breathing zone. OSHA proposed an 8-hour TWA of 5 mg/m3 for these fumes; this limit is established in the final rule. This limit applies to the total fume concentration generated during the welding of iron, mild steel, or aluminum; the fumes generated by the welding of stainless steel, cadmium, or leadcoated steel, or other metals such as copper, nickel, or chrome are considerably more toxic and shall be kept at or below the levels required by their respective PELs. W  consist of metallic oxides generated by the heating of metal being welded, the welding rod, or its coatings. Although these types of welding generally produce fumes consisting of aluminum, iron, or zinc oxides, other toxic gases may also be produced in large amounts ( Ferry and Ginther 1952/Ex. 1-900; Ferry 1954/Ex. 1-782; Silverman 1956/Ex. 1-1169; Homer and Mohr 1957/Ex. 1-787 ). Eighteen different substances, including fluoride, manganese, silicon, titanium, and sodium and potassium silicates, have been measured in the fumes resulting from the welding of mild steel ( ACGIH 1986/Ex. 1-3, p. 634 ). OSHA concludes that a PEL for w  is needed to protect workers involved in the welding of aluminum, iron, or mild steel from the significant risk of metal fume fever and respiratory irritation associated with the generation of w . In the final rule, OSHA established a TWA of 5 mg/m3 for these particular types of w , measured as total particulate inside the welder's breathing zone. The Agency finds that this limit will substantially reduce the significant risk of material health impairment to which manual metal arc or oxyacetylene welders of iron, mild steel, or aluminum were previously exposed in the absence of any OSHA limit.

Respirator: At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: SCBAF:PD, PP (any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positivepressure mode) SAF:PD,PP:ASCBA (any suppliedair respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained  positivepressure breathing apparatus).

Escape: GMFOVHiE Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister SCBAE (any appropriate escape-type, selfcontained breathing apparatus)

FIRST AID:

Move victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply artificial respiration. if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Wash skin with soap and water. Keep victim warm and quiet. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take precautions to protect themselves.