Soldering can be dangerous if you do not follow basic safety procedures. If you ever feel uncomfortable about what you are doing stop and talk with your supervisor. If there is ever any signs or symptoms of irritation immediately report to your supervisor. There are many different types of solders, and these safety tips and procedures pertain to any type of soldering that will be performed.
Safety Procedures When Soldering
- Always wear proper PPE
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- A solder can split, so you must always wear safety glasses, goggles, or face shields.
- You need to have proper protective clothing on, this includes a long sleeve shirt, or a lab coat and pants that are cotton or other natural fibers. Closed- toe shoes and heat resistant gloves may also be necessary.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and use a fume extractor
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- When soldering fumes will be created, do not inhale these fumes.
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- Conduct work on a fire-proof or noncombustible surface
- Never touch the tip of the soldering iron or lay on the countertop. The tip of the solder is around 400°C and will burn through lots of objects.
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- Always examine your equipment before use, check for frayed or cracked cords or missing ground prong before each use.
- Keep the cleaning sponge wet during use
- Before you start soldering make sure you have taken the course EHS 0243 which is soldering awareness.
- After handling any type of flux and solder, wash your hands thoroughly. This will keep your safe from ingesting lead.
- Make sure that you turn off the unit or unplug the iron when not in use. Some soldering stations feature an automatic shut off, never assume that your station has this feature.
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- Turning off your station when not in use will extend the life of the tip, iron, and station, and also provide an additional measure of fire safety.
- Always check to make sure that there is a fire extinguisher present in the area. Always know where it is located and how to properly use it.