Solder Fume Extraction

Solder Fume Extraction

 

Solder Fume Extraction Application

AES range of collection hoods

Solder fume consists of airborne un-burnt flux residues and heat fume generated from the soldering process itself, the fumes can normally be seen and smelt in the immediate area of working. 

Lead is used in the soldering process in the form of lead/silver filler metals. When heated, lead oxide fumes are formed and excessive exposure to lead oxide fumes can result in lead poisoning. 

Symptoms include loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, abdominal cramps, nervousness, and insomnia. Lead is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the lung, stomach, or intestines and then enters the bloodstream. Exposure both short and long term must be avoided.

Solder often comes incorporated with or is used in conjunction to Flux. Flux acts as an agent to remove impurities from oxidized metals and to improve conductivity of the joint. The general standard of flux is either acid flux or rosin flux. Rosin is well documented to cause occupational asthma and acts as a sensitizer to the worker’s respiratory system which they will carry for life if over exposed.

Regulations and concern over their use has seen a shift to water soluble flux which is easier to remove and represent less of a threat to workers.

Fumes from solder flux containing rosin (sometimes called Colophony) may cause asthma and liquid solder flux may cause dermatitis.

As this type of solder can cause harm to human health, it is regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1999. There is a legally binding Maximum Exposure Limit (MEL) for the use of solder flux containing rosin which is 0.05 mg m-3 over an eight hour working day or 0.15 mg m-3 over a 15 minute work period. These limits must not be exceeded.

To avoid exceeding the Maximum Exposure Limit (MEL), suitable and sufficient ventilation should be provided and maintained in areas where there is work with rosin based solder fluxes.

 

For the Latest HSE Guidance in this area please click on the following link        http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg248.pdf

The HSE actively prosecute companies who flout the Law, follow this link on their website http://www.hse.gov.uk/asthma/solderer.htm

Here at AES we offer a total extraction solution to all your solder fume extraction needs. 

See side tabs for some at source solutions to your solder fume problem.