In order to achieve the intended hydrogen content, it is important that the consumables are handled in accordance with their manufacturer. Otherwise, the consumables can be subjected to excessive hydrogen pick-up from different substances in their environment.
General issues to consider in this respect are that:
The consumables are to be stored and kept away from contaminants. Examples of these are dampness, oil and grease.
Opened packages of consumables for MMA welding and fluxes for SAW often need to be stored at elevated temperatures. The reason is to avoid excessive hydrogen pick-up from the humidity in the air. This is normally done by keeping them in small furnaces especially designed for consumables. Unopened packages can normally be stored at room temperature.
Unopened and opened packages of solid wires and cored wires can normally be stored at room temperature. The cause is that they have a relatively high resistance for moisture pick-up.