Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WIA AUSTFLUX SILVER BRAZING FLUX

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

For joining dissimilar metals such as carbon steels, stainless steels, nickel alloys and
copper and brass. Suitable for use with a wide range of silver brazing alloy filler rods
such as SBA234, SBA105 and SBA115. After brazing flux should be removed with caustic dip
or wire brush and hot water/steam.

SYNONYMS

"Welding Industries", W.I.A., "braze welding compound", "silver brazing", "brazing flux",
"SBA flux"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Toxic if swallowed.
Causes severe burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  The material can produce severe chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Acute potassium poisoning after swallowing is rare, because vomiting usually occurs and renal excretion is fast. Potassium causes a slow, weak pulse, irregularities in heart rhythm, heart block and an eventual fall in blood pressure. Breathing initially becomes faster but the muscles of breathing eventually become paralyzed. There can be loss of appetite, extreme thirst, increased volumes of urine, fever, convulsions and gastric disturbances; death may then occur due to failure of breathing and inflammation of the stomach and bowel.  Fluoride causes severe loss of calcium in the blood, with symptoms appearing several hours later including painful and rigid muscle contractions of the limbs. Cardiovascular collapse can occur and may cause death with increased heart rate and other heart rhythm irregularities. The brain and kidneys may be affected. Other toxic effects include headache, increased saliva output, jerking of the eyeball and dilated pupils, lethargy, stupor, coma and rarely, convulsions.  

EYE

  The material can produce severe chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  

SKIN

  The material can produce severe chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Fluorides are easily absorbed through the skin and cause death of soft tissue and erode bone. Healing is delayed and death of tissue may continue to spread beneath skin.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of normal handling, may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  The material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such irritation can cause further lung damage.  Acute effects of fluoride inhalation include irritation of nose and throat, coughing and chest discomfort. A single acute over-exposure may even cause nose bleed. Pre-existing respiratory conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis may be aggravated by exposure. Occupational asthma may result from exposure.  Fluoride vapors and thermally produced particulates (fume) of the calcium, sodium and potassium salts are potent mucous membrane irritants.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact and by inhalation of vapors especially at higher temperatures.  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Repeated or prolonged exposure to corrosives may result in the erosion of teeth, inflammatory and ulcerative changes in the mouth and necrosis (rarely) of the jaw. Bronchial irritation, with cough, and frequent attacks of bronchial pneumonia may ensue. Gastrointestinal disturbances may also occur. Chronic exposures may result in dermatitis and/or conjunctivitis.  Extended exposure to inorganic fluorides causes fluorosis, which includes signs of joint pain and stiffness, tooth discoloration, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, anemia, weakness and general unwellness. There may also be frequent urination and thirst. Redness, itchiness and allergy-like inflammation of the skin and mouth cavity can occur. The central nervous system may be involved.