Soldering Safety

Possible Hazards and Mitigation Measures:

1. Hot Surfaces and materials
 Soldering iron operates at temperatures typically ranging from 200°C to 500°C – 350°C is a
good set point. A home oven broiler operates at about 250°C, so the soldering iron is
considerably hotter than oven cooking temperatures. The tip and barrel of a soldering iron
are both hot – do not touch anything other than the thermally-insulated handle.
 Most soldering-related burns are minor surface sears, as our response to such a high
temperature is usually rapid. However, quick cooling with water can reduce the severity of
the burn. If necessary, an application of an antibacterial ointment will help to prevent
infection, particularly if the burn exposes raw flesh if it cracks a day or two later. First Aid
must be readily available.
2. Flying objects
 When preparing components for soldering and trimming leads after soldering, it is possible
that some component leads, particularly those made of brass, could be ejected with
considerable velocity. The only significant concern in this case is the eyes, which must be
protected using approved safety glasses.
 When soldering or removing solder during rework, it is possible for molten solder to spatter
or otherwise become airborne. Again, eyes must be protected using approved safety
glasses. In addition, clothing should not be made of a synthetic material that could melt and
allow hot solder to contact skin. Also, footwear should be of a design that will not allow
molten solder to become trapped next to the skin.
3. Sharp tools, materials
 Tools for preparing components are sharp – wire cutters, wire strippers, blades, etc. Most
injuries caused by these tools will be minor. First aid must be readily available.
 Cut wire ends and printed circuit board edges may be sharp, and could result in minor
puncture wounds or cuts. First aid must be readily available.
4. Chemicals
 Some solder contains lead, a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body and cause
medical issues. Elemental lead is not readily absorbed into the body, either through the skin
or other body tissues; lead alloyed with tin in solder is even less likely to be absorbed, as the
alloy mix minimizes oxidation and formation of other lead compounds. Ionic lead
compounds, such as lead oxide or lead sulfide, may be absorbed into the body with
extended contact. Since such contact is minimal while soldering, the likelihood of absorbing
any significant amount of lead is practically non-existent. However, for protection, finger
cots (provided in the soldering kit) may be worn to prevent contact with lead-based solder.
Surfaces must be cleaned and hands washed after working with lead-based solder.
 Solder contains a flux core, a material designed to prepare the surfaces by cleaning away
oxides and other deposits at high temperatures. Primary components are typically alcohols
and rosin, although some toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and toluene may be present
in flux fumes. The actual quantity of flux released while soldering is very small; however,
there can be a noticeable smoke plume as it vapourizes. Adequate ventilation is required,
and can be provided by a properly-placed charcoal filter fume extractor, such as that
 included in the soldering equipment kit. This fume extractor must be on and positioned so
as to draw fumes away from the soldering iron operator.
 Isopropanol is often used for washing away flux after soldering to simplify quality inspection.
The flux used in electronic-grade solder is an inert solid when cooled, so leaving it in place
does not affect the integrity of the finished product. Using isopropanol to clean away flux
after soldering is not recommended, and isopropanol is not supplied. If students choose to
provide their own isopropanol to clean their work and work area, it will be their
responsibility to handle it in a safe manner, which should include gloves and proper
ventilation.
 Adequate cleaning of a soldering work area can be greatly simplified by working on a
disposable surface, such as newsprint or other paper. Students are expected to provide
their own disposable surface-covering material, and to dispose of it in a safe manner.

Additional Safety Measures:

1. Do not let children use or play with the equipment or materials while either supervised or
unsupervised, or allow anyone else in your home to use the equipment if they are not qualified.
2. Wash hands thoroughly after soldering to prevent skin irritation and avoid contamination of
food or other objects you touch.
3. If used properly, soldering irons are not likely to cause fires, but if they come into contact with
materials that ignite easily (such as dry paper, wood, cloth, plastics, etc.) there is a chance they
could cause fire. Do not allow the iron to come into contact with materials other than those
used for soldering, store it in its stand when not actively in use, and turn it off when not in use.

Disclaimer:
Students are to use the soldering equipment and materials only for the purpose intended as set out in
the instructions provided by NAIT.

Although the above safety measures address some of the most common safety risks that may arise
during the performance of soldering activities, other risks may also arise. Students must be alert to
safety issues and use caution at all times when performing soldering activities, and are responsible for
ensuring that all appropriate safety measures are followed.

Where soldering activities are performed outside of NAIT campuses, NAIT staff will not be present to
monitor the activities or provide in-person first aid measures if an accident occurs. All such soldering
activities are performed at the student’s own risk.

THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE NORTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (“NAIT”) AND ITS
AGENTS, OFFICERS, AND EMPLOYEES ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY (INCLUDING
DEATH) THAT MAY BE SUFFERED DURING OR AS A RESULT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF SOLDERING
ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF NAIT CAMPUSES.