Tungsten, Silver and Copper Alloys, UK

Trade Name:	Elkaflux

Type of Product:	Brazing flux

Composition:	Mixture of bifluoride, tetraborate and fluoroborate of potassium with boric acid and boric anhydride.
Physical Characteristics:	White powder
	Working range: 550 - 800^oC
	PH of aqueous suspension: 8

Hazard Identification:	The main hazard with this product occurs in its use. On heating the flux will fume slightly, and with overheating the fume will increase. The fumes produced include hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride which can cause irritation of the nasal passages, eyes and throat.

	The flux is harmful by ingestion and is irritating to the eyes. Contact with skin may cause moderate irritation.

First Aid Measures:	Severe long term exposure to fume may result in fluorosis. In acute cases there is a danger of pulmonary oedema although this occurrence could also result from inhalation of brazing metal fume or torch gases. Inhalation of fumes will be irritating to the nose and throat and will cause smarting of the eyes.

	Tests carried out on fluxes indicate they are moderately irritating to the skin and if the skin is broken immediate irritation will occur on contact.
First Aid Treatment:
Inhalation:	Remove from exposure and allow to rest in fresh air. In acute cases apply artificial respiration and, if necessary, summon medical aid.

Ingestion:	Rinse mouth with water and give patient water or milk to drink. Do not induce vomiting. Summon medical aid.

Eyes:	Irrigate with water or isotonic saline for up to 20 minutes. Seek medical attention if there is any hint of eye damage.

Skin:	Remove any contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap and water. Seek medical attention if sores develop.

Fire Fighting Measures:	Non Flammable. Use full protection with breathing apparatus if involved in a fire as harmful fumes may be evolved. Use any extinguishing medium suitable for surrounding fire.





Accidental Release
Measures:

Powder:	Carefully sweep up and collect in suitable container. For re-use or disposal.

Paste:	Either collect in suitable container for re-use or disposal. For large spills, cover with sand or other inert absorbent and collect in suitable container for disposal.
Ingestion, Eye Contact,	Avoid contact with skin or eyes and do not inhale dust.

Skin Contact:	Not applicable.

First Aid:	None required in each case.

Protective Measures:	Tests to determine whether or not OESs are being exceeded can be carried out by sampling the air using lapel samplers on the operators or static samplers suitably situated. Normal analytical techniques are used to determine the metals on the filter. If tests show that OESs are being exceeded, local exhaust ventilation should be installed and checked for efficiency under brazing conditions to ensure that HSE regulations are being met.

	There are an increasing number of companies specialising in environmental monitoring who can undertake the necessary testing.

Storage:	No special precautions necessary, although alloys should be protected from contamination.

Reactivity:	No special precautions necessary.

Spillage:	Not applicable.

Fire & Explosion Hazard Data:	Non-flammable. Use full protection with breathing apparatus in a fire as harmful fumes may be evolved from the molten alloy. As far as is known there is no risk explosion.

Transport & Packaging:	No special precautions or arrangements necessary. The material is not classified as a hazardous substance for transport.

Labelling of Packaging:	Warning label clearly visible on all packages stating the dangers of overheating.

Disposal:	Dispose of waste according to local and National regulations. Recommended method: as scrap for refining.