Al,
You are correct FEMA does infact regulate the exposure time of FCAW welding wire.
FEMA 353 Part I Chapter 3
3.3.3 Electrode Storage and Exposure limits
FCAW electrodes shall be received and stored in original undamaged manufacturer packaging, until ready for use. Electrodes in packages that have had the internal plastic wrapping damaged shall not be used for welds in Seismic Weld Demand Category A or B. Modifcations or lubrication of an electrode after manufacture is not permitted, except that drying is permitted as recommended by the manufacturer.
The exposure time limit for all FCAW electrodes shall be based upon the results of tests as described in Appendix D. These tests may be conducted by the manufacturer or supplier, by the Contractor, or by an independant laboratory with suitable equipment.
In lieu of testing, when welding is suspended for more than 8 hours, electrodes shall be removed from the machines and stored in an electrode wire oven maintained at a temperature between 250F and 550F, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Electrodes not consumed within 24 hours of accumulated exposure outside closed or heated storage shall not be used for welds in Seismic Weld Demand Category A or B. Electrode spools shall be identified to facilitate monitoring of total atmospheric exposure time. FCAW electrodes that have been exposed for periods exceeding an accumulated 24 hours may be redried if manufacturer's testing and recommendations show that drying is effective at removing moisture and restoring electrodes to their designated diffusible hydrogen level.
John Wright