143D SYSTEMS, INC.
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS METAL POWDERS
The risks concerning powder handling can be roughly divided into two large classes: health hazards and combustion and explosion
risk. Each specic risk requires suitable precautions when handling powder. Furthermore some powders pose a risk in both classes.
As for health risks, the following metals are known to cause health problems upon prolonged or short term extensive exposure:
• CoCr and other cobalt containing alloys
• Nickel & Nickel alloys
Cobalt and some other metals are known to cause poisoning. Nickel is considered to be allergenic, leading to intolerance after
extensive exposure. Other powders, even when they are considered to be non-hazardous or to pose no health risk, should still be
handled with care. Even biocompatible powders, such as titanium alloys, are harmful after inhalation or contact with soft tissues,
causing irritation of lung tissue and those soft tissues. Furthermore even if no health risks are attributed to a specic powder as to date,
there is no guarantee that none will be discovered in the future.
Concerning re and explosion hazards, the following powders are known to be combustible:
• Titanium and Titanium alloys
• Aluminum and Aluminum alloys
• Magnesium and Magnesium alloys
• Pure non-noble metals
Accumulations of combustible powder can ignite due to elevated temperatures, open ames, sparks or electrostatic discharge. When
dispersed nely into the air, they are susceptible to dust explosions. Furthermore ne fractions and condensates of these materials (as
you will nd in the exhaust lter), are to be considered extremely ammable.
In addition to combustible powders, some materials can react with moisture, generating heat and/or hydrogen gas. Typical examples
include pure aluminum, magnesium and magnesium alloys. The combination means that these powder form an immediate re and
explosion risk when exposed to moisture.
The end user is required to review the Safety Data Sheet for each material in your facility. Always assume that any material is both a
health and re hazard.
REACTIVE METAL POWDER STORAGE
To store reactive metal powders in your facility:
• Use closed containers. Closed containers will prevent accidental dust generation and contamination.
• Always use conductive containers or containers lined with conductive material. Containers made from a conductive materials
will help dissipate electrostatic charges.
• Store containers on a grounded conductive surface.
• Store separately from other chemicals such as, but not limited to, oxidizers and fuels.
• Store in a reproof cabinet that is certied for the storage of combustible materials (class 4.1).
• Make certain you have small containers for small quantities of powder. Do not store small quantities of powder in large
vessels.
• In the ideal case, large quantities of powders are stored in a suitable separate building, away from the production environment.
Storage in closed containers will prevent accidental dust generation and contamination, while a conductive material will help dissipate
electrostatic charges.
It is also recommended to store large quantities of combustible powders in re retarding cabinets or a specically designed room. While this will
not prevent re itself, it will prevent powder from igniting immediately by a re in the vicinity of the powder storage. This will give your personnel
additional time to evacuate and will provide emergency services the opportunity to extinguish the external re before the powder stock ignites.
In the ideal case, store large quantities of powders in a suitable separate building, away from the production environment.
You must make certain there is no automatic sprinkler system installed where aluminum, magnesium or magnesium alloys are stored.
These materials will react with water to produce hydrogen which will create an explosion hazard.
Material Handling Precautions
Always wear all PPE as specied in the section, “Personal Protective Equipment”.
Read the SDS of the material used for the specic precautions you should observe. Use the following table of precautions as a general
guide