Safety for Soldering 115

alloy

A uniform mixture of two or more materials, one of which must be a metal.

bench mat

A static-resistant work surface that can be used while soldering to reduce the risk of ESD. Bench mats often come with wrist straps attached.

benchtop fume extractor

A device designed to remove harmful fumes caused by solder and flux from the soldering workstation by filtering the air.

dry chemical extinguisher

A fire extinguisher filled with a flame-retardant powder, which separates fuel from oxygen. Dry chemical extinguishers are used to extinguish electrical fires.

electrostatic discharge

A discharge of static electricity that can potentially cause injury or damage components while soldering, abbreviated as ESD.

ergonomics

The study of designing devices and arranging workspaces to decrease operator discomfort or fatigue and increase productivity.

ESD-safe

Equipment that is designed to reduce electrostatic discharge. ESD-safe wrist straps and bench mats are often used while soldering.

flux

A substance which facilitates soldering, brazing, and welding by chemically cleaning the metals to be joined.

fume

A cloud of particles suspended in a gas. Applications such as soldering that emit fumes require proper ventilation.

grounded outlet

An outlet with three holes that is used for plugs with grounding prongs. A grounded outlet reduces the risk of electrical damage if a short circuit occurs in electrical equipment.

grounding prong

A rounded metal projection on the plug for an electrical device. A grounding prong fits in the third hole of a grounded outlet to reduce the risk of electrical damage if a short circuit occurs in electrical equipment.

joint

The point at which two metals are fused together by hot liquid solder, which cools and solidifies to form the joint.

lead

A soft, heavy, and malleable metal often used in solder. Lead produces toxic fumes that can cause health problems with prolonged exposure.

Material Safety Data Sheet

MSDS. Mandatory information that must accompany almost every chemical in the workplace except for items like cleaning supplies. An MSDS includes details such as the risks, precautions, and first aid procedures associated with the chemical.

nonflammable

A substance or surface that is not easily ignited.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The United States government agency that regulates the conditions in working environments to ensure the health and safety of employees. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration is abbreviated as OSHA.

P.A.S.S. technique

A common procedure for operating a fire extinguisher. P.A.S.S. is an acronym for PULL, AIM, SQUEEZE, and SWEEP.

personal protective equipment

Any example of various safety equipment that workers wear or use to prevent injury in the workplace. Safety glasses are common personal protective equipment (PPE).

safety glasses

Protective eyewear, usually made of thick plastic, that shields the eyes from flying debris. Safety glasses should be worn while soldering.

safety gloves

Protective hand covers that reduce the risk of injury and exposure to high temperature substances or toxic chemicals.

solder

A metal alloy, with a melting point or melting range below 840° F (450° C), which is melted to join metallic surfaces. Solder can release toxic fumes when heated.

soldering

A process in which a filler metal is melted at temperatures below 840° F (450° C) to form a joint between two base metals. Soldering is often used for delicate projects such as jewelry and electronics.

soldering iron

An instrument used to transfer heat to a metal surface in order to melt solder and form a joint or circuit.

toxic

Poisonous or harmful. Some substances in solder or flux are known to be toxic.

wrist strap

A static-resistant wrist band that can be worn while soldering to reduce the risk of ESD.