WHAT IS SOLDERING?
For our purposes, soldering is the process of joining electrical components together by melting solder to make an electrical connection. Soldering should NOT be relied on as a robust mechanical connection.
HOW DOES SOLDERING WORK?
Electronic parts are made with metal coatings on specific surfaces. By putting two or more of these surfaces near each other and adding heat, we can melt the surface coatings together to form a new, continuous, conductive, metal path for the circuit. Because the metal coatings aren't very thick, we also need to add more metal (called solder) to help form a strong electrical connection. This connection is called a "solder joint," and is a mixture of the metals from surface 1, surface 2, and the solder all melted together.
Soldering Safety
Soldering Iron
- Never touch the element of the soldering iron....400°C!
- Hold wires to be heated with tweezers or clamps.
- Keep the cleaning sponge wet during use.
- Always return the soldering iron to its stand when not in use. Never put it down on the workbench.
- Turn unit off and unplug when not in use.
- Wear eye protection. Solder can “spit”.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water after soldering.
- Use rosin-free and lead-free solders wherever possible.
- Keep cleaning solvents in dispensing bottles.
- Lead can give rise to serious chronic health effects. Exposure will primarily be through accidental ingestion from your skin, wear gloves if directly handling solder. Limited fumes may be generated by soldering.
- Rosin is a resin contained in solder flux. Flux generates the visible fumes seen during soldering. Exposure to rosin can cause eye, throat and lung irritation, nose bleeds and headaches. Repeated exposure can cause respiratory and skin sensitization, causing and aggravating asthma. Rosin is a serious occupational health hazard.
- Fume extraction should be through an enclosed hood (preferred) or tip extraction. Ideally these should vent to the outside.
- Bench top filter extract systems may be used for rosin-free soldering in well ventilated areas (i.e. large volume work space or with mechanical air changes. Placement of these is important to performance, if in doubt ask.
- All extract systems should be tested at least annually and maintained (i.e. change filters regularly). Keep a log of filter changes or mark date on filter/system.
- Do not solder if extract is not working properly and report immediately.
- Work on a fire-proof or fire resistant surface.
- Wear fire resistant clothing (e.g. 100% cotton) that covers your arms and legs to prevent accidental burns.
- Know where your nearest fire extinguisher is and how to use it (Safety Office can arrange training).
- Immediate place any burns under cold water for 15 minutes.
- Report to a first aider if deep or extensive otherwise protect with a plaster (band-aid).
- Collect waste solder in a lidded container. Replace lid when not in use.
- Label appropriately and dispose of as hazardous waste (contact Safety Office).
- Used solder sponges and contaminated rags should be placed in a seal-able bag for disposal as hazardous waste.
FAQ
What if a fire takes place?
Notice anyone in the room and pull the fire alarm.
Notice anyone in the room and pull the fire alarm.
Questions?