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Stellite hazards?

A good friend of mine works in a machine shop, and has had a headache for several days after working on a job with stellite. He is wondering if there might be some connection with his headache and the machining of this material. Is it safe to machine stellite?

Jackie Heizenreter
- Sandy, Oregon, USA

Has your friend ever read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this material? Did you know that he has the a federally guaranteed right to this information? An MSDS will explain the hazards of working with a material, what safety precaustions need to be followed, and should have potential health effects.

Your friend must report this condition to his management so that they can do something for him. Nobody should take their health lightly, because there can be long-term effects from chronic exposure besides "just a headache." Next time he gets one of these headaches, he should be allowed to go to a clinic to get a checkup. If his management ignores this safety issue, call OSHA and get them directly involved.

Tim Neveau
Rochester Hills, Michigan

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