Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

WIA AUSTROD SILVER BRAZING ALLOY 245

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A silver brazing alloy filler rod for the general purpose welding of carbon steels,
nickel, copper and copper alloys where combined strength and ductility is required.

SYNONYMS

"brazing/welding rod", "SBA TIG welding rod", "45%silver brazing rod", "gas welding"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Very toxic by inhalation.
May cause CANCER.
Possible risk of impaired fertility.
Possible risk of harm to the unborn child.
Possible risk of irreversible effects.
Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through
inhalation and if swallowed.
Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long- term adverse effects in the aquatic
environment.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 150 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Not normally a hazard due to physical form of product.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  All cadmium compounds are highly toxic by ingestion and inhalation of dust and fumes.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  Fumes from welding/brazing operations may be irritating to the eyes.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may be harmful; systemic effects may resultfollowing absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Skin contact does not normally present a hazard, though it is always possible that occasionally individuals may be found who react to substances usually regarded as inert.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Cadmium fume may cause acute irritation of the respiratory passages, bronchitis, chemical pneumonia or excessive fluid in the lungs. There may be a latent period of several hours between exposure and onset of symptoms. The initial effects of over-exposure may resemble metal fume fever. A single exposure to very high levels of fume may be fatal.  Fluoride vapors and thermally produced particulates (fume) of the calcium, sodium and potassium salts are potent mucous membrane irritants.  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.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is ample evidence that this material can be regarded as being able to cause cancer in humans based on experiments and other information.  

  Primary route of exposure is usually by inhalation of fumes from welding.  Chronic cadmium poisoning causes softening of the bones, reduced bone density, kidney stones and increased blood pressure. There may be cardiovascular disease and a yellow ring in the tooth structure. Repeated or prolonged exposure can lead to loss of smell, ulcers in the nose, emphysema and mild anemia. The risk of prostate, respiratory, bowel and genito-urinary cancers may be increased in humans.  Chronic exposure to silver salts may cause a permanent ashen gray discoloration to the skin, conjunctiva and internal organs. A mild chronic bronchitis can occur.  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.  Metal fume fever is possible after exposure to fumes of copper.