Hazards of Solder Fume & Fume Extraction Equipment Recommendations

and some ventilation and fume extraction options. Presented by: Sentry Air Systems, Inc.

Weller®, a manufacturer of soldering andwelding products (among other items),explains that "at least 20% of the employeesworking in the soldering area show clinicalsymptoms of asthma caused by the workenvironment" in studies that have been doneon workers mostly in the United States andEngland in the electronics industry. [3]

Soldering is theprocess ofcombining twometals via a thirdmetal (the "joint")with a lowermelting pointthan the basemetals.

Lead-based SolderMany popular solders are manufactured with lead, awell-known metal with dangerous health hazards.According to OSHA:“Lead is used in the soldering process in the form oflead/tin and lead/silver filler metals. When heated, Excessivelead oxide fumes are formed.exposure to lead oxide fumescan result in lead poisoning.Symptoms include loss of appetite, indigestion,nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache,abdominal cramps, nervousness, and insomnia.According to Kirk-Othmer, lead is absorbed throughthe mucous membranes of the lung, stomach, orintestines and then enters the bloodstream.” [1]

Lead-based Solder"Symptoms include metallic taste in the mouth, lossof appetite, nausea, abdominal cramps, andinsomnia. In time, anemia and general weakness, Leadchiefly in the muscles of the wrists, develop.adversely affects the brain, centralnervous system, circulatory system,reproductive system, kidneys, andmuscles." [5]

Rosin-based FluxFlux is a chemical cleaning agent thatis used in conjunction with solder in order to removeoxidation from the base and filler metals involved insoldering. It improves the overall flow and effectiveness ofthe solder. Rosin-based flux is made from extracts of pinetree sap and can cause health problems if fumes fromsoldering are inhaled. According to the WorkSafe WesternAustralia Commission, “short term problemscan include nose, sinus, eye andthroat irritation and skin rashes, andlong term problems may includeasthma and dermatitis.” [2] OccupationalAsthma is a common result of solder fume exposure.

Rosin-based FluxColophony is the base product offlux. As explained by Weller®, "Colophony is thetranslucent amber-colored rosin obtained whenturpentine is distilled from resin of pine trees." It iscomposed of roughly 90% resin acid and 10% neutralmaterial. When the flux is heated, colophony hasbeen known to generate fumesincluding aliphaticaldehydes (likeformaldehyde) and "hydrochloricacid and other gases containingbenzene, toluene, styrene, phenol,chlorophenol and isopropyl alcohol."

Rosin-based FluxThe health hazards associated with solder fumescreate long-term discomfort and illnessfor employees, and results inincreased employee absence, turn-over and a high number of workerclaims for damages (Weller® cites that "90% ofall claims in the United States related to solderingoccupations involving respiratory diseases are litigated."[3])

Your Rights as an EmployeeThe Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 [6]states that "employers are responsible for providingsafe and healthful workplaces for their employees." Itis your right to inform your employer of workplacehealth hazards like poor ventilation during soldering.(The Whistleblower Protection Program protectsemployees who raise health and safety issues to theiremployers [7]). Image Credit: www.whistleblowers.gov

VentilationBecause of the high risk of worker/operator exposure during soldering, OSHAsuggests Ventilation as a key to controlling lead exposures:“Ventilation, either local or dilution (general), is probably themost important engineering control available to the safety andhealth professional to maintain airborne concentrations oflead at acceptable levels. Local exhaust ventilation, which includes bothportable ventilation systems and shrouded tools supplied with ventilation, isgenerally the preferred method. If a local exhaust system is properly designed, itwill capture and control lead particles at or near the source of generation andtransport these particles to a collection system before they can be dispersed intothe work environment.” [4]Source capture also works effectively for soldering that does not involve lead-basedsolder. Organizations from The Health and Safety Executive of Great Britain tosolder equipment manufacturers, like Weller®, suggest a fume extraction systemwhile soldering. Image Credit: www.ohshub.com

Get Ventilated.

Here are some Options.

Source-Capture Fume Extraction Source-capture fume extraction equipment captures fumes at the source of emission, before they’re able to escape into the general working environment.

Sentry Air Systems Source-Capture Solder FumeExtractors are equipped with energy-efficient fans andhigh-quality HEPA filtration media that is up to99.97% efficient on particles 0.3 microns and larger. Popular Fume Extractor Configurations Include: • Bench-top Units • Wall-Mounted Units • Floor Units

Sentry Air Systems Benchtop Solder Fume Extraction Models The Stainless Steel Solder Sentry is an ESD-Safe solder fume extraction unit. It is constructed for stationary, benchtop applications that require the capture and filtration of airborne contaminants at the work surface. This has been proven to work well for solder fumes and smoke extraction.Model # SS-100-SS-STStainless Steel Solder SentryESD-Safe

Sentry Air Systems Benchtop Solder Fume Extraction Models The Solder Sentry is built specifically for stationary, benchtop soldering applications where airborne solder fumes need to be captured at the work surface. The Solder Sentry is a compact and quiet solder fume extractor that has a horizontal airflow pattern and captures fumes at the source.Model # SS-100-SSSolder Sentry

Sentry Air Systems Benchtop Solder Fume Extraction Models The Solder Pot Sentry is a benchtop solder fume extractor that is designed for slightly elevated operations such as solder pot applications. The height stand can be adjusted based on the need of the operator.Model # SS-100-PSSolder Pot Sentry

Sentry Air Systems Benchtop Solder Fume Extraction Models The Winged Sentry is a compact benchtop fume extractor that offers a unique and customized design. It features adjustable “wing flaps” to assist in directing fumes towards the unit’s inlet and into the filter chamber.Model # SS-200-WSLWinged Sentry with Lid

Sentry Air Systems Wall-Mounted Solder Fume Extraction Models The Sky Sentry is a uniquely engineered wall-mounted fume extractor that is built specifically for small or limited workspace environments where air purification is desired. This source capture system features a free-hanging, self-supportive flex arm that can easily be maneuvered by the operator to their desired location.Model # SS-200-SKYModel 200 Sky Sentry

Sentry Air Systems Wall-Mounted Solder Fume Extraction ModelsWhen space saving is a priority, a wall-mounted fume extractor may be theoptimal solution. The model 300 Sky Sentry offers an easy to maneuver, operatorfriendly, self-supportive flex arm.Model # SS-300-SKYModel 300 Sky Sentry

Sentry Air Systems Floor Solder Fume Extraction Models The Stainless Steel Floor Sentry is an ESD-Safe fume extractor that was engineered to free up much needed benchtop work space. This unit is equipped with a self-supportive, anti-static flex hose that can be easily maneuvered by the operator while the base of the unit either sits on the floor or on the benchtop.Model # SS-100-FS-STStainless Steel Floor SentryESD-Safe

Sentry Air Systems Floor Solder Fume Extraction Models The Floor Sentry is a lightweight and portable fume extractor that is engineered with a self-supportive flex arm for easy maneuvering and optimum source capture placement. This unit can be placed on the floor to free up much needed work space, or it can sit on the benchtop; the Floor Sentry’s small footprint takes up minimal workspace.Model # SS-200-FSModel 200 Floor Sentry

For more information on Sentry Air Systems’ line of Solder Fume Extractors, contact us: 1.800.799.4609 www.sentryair.com sales@sentryair.com Visit our Blog**This presentation has been compiled in good faith by Sentry Air Systems, Inc. and no representation is made as to the completeness or accuracy of the information it contains. In particular, you should be aware that this information may be incomplete, may contain errors or may have become out of date. Sentry Air Systems, Inc. makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.

References and Helpful Links[1] Occupational Safety & Health Administration, "ICP Backup Data Report for Soldering andBrazing Matrices (ARL 3560)"http://www.osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/inorganic/id206arl3560icp/id206arl3560icp.html[2] Government of Western Australia, "Soldering in the Workplace: Rosin Fluxes."http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/PDF/Guidance_notes/Guide-soldering_and_rosin_fluxes.pdf[3] Weller ®, "Health Hazards from Inhaling and Exposure to Soldering Fumes."http://www.elexp.com/tips/Health_Hazards.PDF[4] Occupational Safety & Health Administration, OSHA Technical Manual, Section V, Chapter3, "Controlling Lead Exposures in the Construction Industry: Engineering and Work PracticeControls." http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_v/otm_v_3.html#2[5] Occupational Safety & Health Administration, "Welding Health Hazards."http://www.osha.gov/doc/outreachtraining/htmlfiles/weldhlth.html[6] Occupational Safety & Health Administration, "Occupational Safety and Health Act of1970."http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=OSHACT&p_id=2743[7] Occupational Safety & Health Administration,"The Whistleblower Protection Program."http://www.osha.gov/dep/oia/whistleblower/index.html

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Hazards of Solder Fume & Fume Extraction Equipment Recommendations

by Sentry Air Systems, Inc. on Jun 29, 2011

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Hazards of Solder Fume & Fume Extraction Equipment Recommendations — Presentation Transcript