The new flux-cored wire EnDOtec Safe-Hard 600 is an alloy for build-up welding and is free of chromium and nickel, produces less smoke and meets the strictest EU occupational exposure limits (SCOEL).
After two years of research and laboratory and field tests, EnDotec Safe-Hard 600 is now being launched on the market. According to the manufacturer, the product is completely risk-free in terms of chromium (VI) emissions from the welding material.
It is estimated that 11 million people worldwide work as welders, and in addition there are around 110 million employees who are exposed to fumes at their workplace. Key exposure determinants for welders include the welding process used, the filler material, the base metal, ventilation, confined space and the use of personal protective equipment.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium(VI)) is present in all chemical compounds that contain the element Cr in the oxidation state +VI. Chromium(VI) can be formed when working on different base metals and with different filler metals. The most critical effect of compounds containing hexavalent chromium is lung cancer. In addition, this compound can lead to many other health problems such as hypersensitivity, skin ageing, genetic defects or irritation of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.
European Directive 2017/2398 sets the occupational exposure limit (SCOEL) for chromium(VI) at 0.025 mg/m3, with a reduction to 0.005 mg/m3 after five years. In some countries, such as Germany, France and the USA, stricter requirements are already in force. The smoke from Safe-HARD 600 does not contain any chromium(VI).
