Welding consumables storage

Welding consumables (WC) for purpose of this instruction are considered stick electrodes, welding and tubular wires for gas shielded welding, welding wires for flame welding, TIG welding wires, fluxes and welding wires for flux welding and brazing.

Spaces for storage
All WC have to be stored in spaces designed for this purpose, spaces providing all year round minimal temperature at least 15°C and relative humidity up to 60%. WC have to be stored in original, undamaged package. Spaces have to be equipped with a calibrated monitoring device for temperature and humidity. This spaces have to be dust free.

Storing period
electrodes – if they are stored longer then 1 year, is necessary before application undertake verification of properties by test weld with proper examinations.

Solid and tubular wires – if these wires are stored in original, unharmed packages, under conditions listed for storage with elimination of outer aggressive environment influence, can be considered life cycle up to 2 years.

Fluxes
– in paper bags ... 2 years
- metal drums    ... 3 years

When the storage time exceeds, it is necessary to check the material first. A Weld inspector should decide if this material can be used in the case that it has being stored for more than the time listed above.

Storage
During storage can be stackable max. 3 pallets of fluxes on each other (depending on the type and package). Stacking of other welding consumables is forbidden!

Monitoring
Temperature and humidity has to be written down by head of warehouse. These data have to be written down in annex chart Nr. T-form-056-060525v01 - Temperature and humidity for welding consumables storage record-11.