Document jg9gMREeqZpgn9YXOQge2Nn5p

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET C; November 1985 MANUFACTURER: C ^CTELEDYNE WAH CHANG HUNTSVILLE 7300 Highway 20 West Huntsville. Alabama 35806 *iK' PHONE: (205) 837-1311 EMERGENCY PHONE: (205) 837-0285 - TWX: 810-726-2223 SECTION 1: MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION NAME: Tungsten Welding Electrodes _ SYNONYMS: Pure Tungsten (Wolfram) Welding Electrodes Zirconiated (Zirconium Oxide) Tungsten Welding Electrodes 1% and 2% Thoriated (Thorium Oxide. Thorium Dioxide) Tungsten Welding Electrodes CAS REGISTRATION NUMBERS: Tungsten -7440-33-7 Zirconium Oxide 1314-23-4 ' Thorium Oxide 1314-20-1 CHEMICAL FAMILY: Refractory Metals FORMULAS: Tungsten -W Zirconium Oxide -Zr02 Thorium Oxide Th02 SECTION 2: HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS The terms `hazardous' and 'hazardous materials' as used within this MSDS should be interpreted as defined by, and in accordance with, the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR Part 1910, 1200) including cited Appendices. Usts, References, etc., all of which are hereby incorporated by reference and stated below as appropriate. PRODUCTS Pure Tungsten Welding Electrode Zirconiated Tungsten Welding Electrode 1 % Thoriated Tungsten Welding Electrode 2% Thoriated Tungsten Welding Electrode ~ Nominal Composition w Zr02 Th02 >99.9% >99.6% >98.7% >97.7% -- 0.25% -- -- -- -- 1.2 % 2.2% INGREDIENT 1 ^Tungsten (W) *- Zirconium Oxide (Zr02) As Zirconium Thorium Oxide (Th02)` OSHA PEL -- 5 mg/m3 -- ACGIH TWA 5 mg/m3 5 mg/m3 -- ACGIH STEL 10 mg/m3 10 mg/m3 -- Alabama Radiation Control -- -- 1x10"12 (yC'i/ml) he above are for dusts, fumes, and mists in air. `Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive element, emitting primarily alpha radiation. Its decay products emit both alDha and p3mm* rad'S'lc" F:~ V*!*' -n ''r-'.s v-i ; -snsmg requirement?. : T: ? tC T--: ; .c DO A 061546 CONFIDENTIAL SECTION 3: PHYSICAL DATA ' lelting Point: Approximately 3400* C coiling Point: Approximately 5900* C Vapor Pressure: n/a at 25* C Vapor Density (air =1): N/A Percent, Volatile by Volume: n/a Radioactive Isotope: Th-232 . V\ T* Solubility in Water: insoluble * Specific Gravity (H20=1): Approximately 19 MolecularWeights: .Tungsten V 183.85 Zirconium Oxide -123.22 > ' Thorium Oxide 264 Appearance and Odor: Tin-White metal. No odor. .r 1 SECTION 4: FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA These welding electrodes do not readily bum. For ordinary conditions they can be considered non-flammable. However, welding arcs and sparks can ignite flammable liquids, vapors, and combustible solids. Tungsten dust (from grinding, lor example) may present a moderate fire hazard if allowed to accumulate. Flash Point: n/a _ Flammable Limits in Air: n/a Extinguishing Media: For the surrounding fire. For tungsten dust fires use Class 0 extinguishing media, dry powders. Special Fire Fighting Procedures: For a tungsten dust fire confined to a small area, use a respirator approved for toxic dusts and fumes. For a large fire, fire fighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus. Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: When tungsten is heated in air. tungsten trioxide (TWA 5 mg/m3 (as w) ) begins to sublime above 750C. "ECTION 5: HEALTH HAZARD DATA Primary Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation, skin contact, percutaneous absorption (of thoria) or eye contact with the dust or fume or mist (from coolants during cutting operations, etc.). ------------------------------------ ------------------- - - - Effects of Overexposure: No specific data, testing or information has been found for the chemical compound(s) that comprise this product. Accordingly, general source comments are made below for the elements included in its composition. Inhalation of tungsten dusts, fume, or mists may or may not cause transient or permanent lung damage. The skin may be irritated by dust, fume, or mists containing tungsten. Thorium and its isotopes are toxic radlologically, but the chemical toxicity of tlwium is low. Poorly absorbed by gastro-intestinat tract (0.01%), formation of particulate or colloidal forms of thorium following absorption, and being slowly excreted from the body through phagocytosis by the reticuloendothelial system, may account for its low toxicity. Electric Shock can kill. See Safety In Welding and Cutting, OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910 and ANSI Z49.1. No inhalation hazard is possible from solid, formed parts. If powder or dust may be generated, as from machining or polishing operations, exposure in excess of the NRC limits may increase risk of lung cancer. The light from the arc can cause eye damage, inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the eye and eyelids (flash burn), and skin damage. . The light from the arc or the arc itself, can decompose chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents into dangerous concentrations of toxic gases such as phosgene (TLV 0.1 ppm) even if the chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent concentration is below its TLV. The light from the arc or the arc itself, can produce ozone. (TLV 0.1 ppm), oxides the nitrogen (TWA 3 ppm with 5 ppm ceiling) and carbon monoxide (TLV 50 ppm), all of which are hazardous. The fumes and gases from the welding and high temperature cutting will depend upon the composition of the metal being welded, the process, procedures, the electrode used, coating (such a lead based paint), filler metal being used, the flux being used, and other factors. The fumes may include oxides, chromites, fluorides, and other hazardous materials. The hazards in th welding environment must be considered case by case. See the Material Safety Sheets and your safety director for all materials involved in a particular operation. Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Chronic respiratory diseases and asthma may be aggravated by exposure o dust, fume, or mists. Other conditions that may be aggravated are not known and will depund upon conditions during electrode use. Carcinogenic Assessment (NTP, IARC, OSHA, Other): Although not listed as a carcinogen, it is reported by son# authorities that thoria taken internally (by respiratory action, ingestion, by adsorption under the skin) is carcinogenic bechuse o` ;t-* = T "'Vj*'- ;*'cr :ia ve no* listed as n known or suspect ca'ci'i*'- jy :.7r. ".2. S: CL. ;A. DO A 061547 CONFIDENTIAL