| Welding can be a safe occupation.
Those in the welding
industry, however, should be
aware of the potential hazards associated with welding fumes,
gases, radiation, electric shock, heat, eye injuries, burns, etc. Also, local, municipal, state, and
federal regulations (such as
those issued by OSHA) relative
to welding and cutting processes
should be considered.
Nickel-, cobalt-, and iron-base
alloy products may contain, in
varying concentrations, the
following elemental constituents:
aluminum, cobalt, chromium,
copper, iron, manganese,
molybdenum, nickel and tungsten. For specific concentrations
of these and other elements
present, refer to the
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) H3095 and H1072 for
the product.
Inhalation of metal dust or
fumes generated from welding,
cutting, grinding, melting, or
dross handling of these alloys
may cause adverse health
effects such as reduced lung
function, nasal and mucous
membrane irritation. Exposure
to dust or fumes which may be
generated in working with these
alloys may also cause eye
irritation, skin rash and effects
on other organ systems.
The operation and maintenance
of welding and cutting equipment
should conform to the
provisions of American National
Standard ANSI/AWS Z49.1, "Safety in Welding and Cutting".
Attention is especially called to
Section 7 (Protection of Personnel)
and 8 (Health Protection and
Ventilation) of ANSI/AWS Z49.1.
Mechanical ventilation is advisable
and, under certain conditions
such as a very confined
space, is necessary during
welding or cuttiing operations, or
both, to prevent possible exposure
to hazardous fumes, gases,
or dust that may occur. |