Soldering
Soldering is the process of permanently attaching Electronic
Components either together or to a circuit board.
Soldering uses melted metal (called Solder) which solidifies
to make a permanent joint which also allows electricity to flow.
Soldering like any other process in D&T is perfectly safe if you know what you are doing.
Do not start to solder unless your teacher has demonstrated how to do this process.
A few tips:
> Always wear Goggles
> Always wear an Apron
> Tie back long hair
> When not in use, make sure that the Soldering Iron is placed back
in it's stand.
> Watch out for trailing electrical cables which can be easily melted with
hot Soldering Irons.
> When Soldering use the following steps:
> Iron on,
> Solder on
> Solder off
> Iron off
Full Risk Assessment for Soldering:
1.026 HEAT PROCESSES: SOLDERING IRONS
Applicable to: gas-heated irons; low-voltage irons; mains irons; pyrography tools
Process(es) covered: The creation of a joint between either the faces of sheet metal components or between wires and terminals using molten solder with a flux. Soft solder is an alloy of tin and lead with traces of other metals. The flux may be in cores in the solder or supplied as a liquid or jelly. The most common materials are:
rosin (also called colophony) - a compound which decomposes at high temperatures; halides, eg, ammonium chloride and zinc chloride (‘active fluxes’).
Newer fluxes (eg, Multicore Ecosol 105 or Omega) are based on organic acids.
Pyrography is the creation of patterns, using heat, mainly on wood and leather.
HAZARDS
Electricity It is very difficult to provide electrical insulation between the bit and the element without also reducing the conduction of heat. There is a possible hazard of electric shock via the bit to the metal being soldered. The mains connecting lead is vulnerable to damage from the hot bit.
Fire Gas-heated types present a fire hazard from the butane fuel.
Burns The bit and the stem of the iron will be hot enough to burn skin.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Electricity Although many mains irons do not meet the modern standards of insulation resistance, circuit components are more likely to be damaged than users.
Mechanical and heat damage to mains leads presents a higher risk.
Fire Small butane cartridges present a high risk in the hands of students but could be used safely by staff after a further assessment.
Burns Burns from soldering, although common among novices, are usually superficial.
CONTROL MEASURES
The use of low-voltage (24 V or below) irons will eliminate the risk of electric shock.
If mains irons must be used, silicone rubber insulation on the lead will protect against heat damage.
If gas-heated types are used then it may be necessary to restrict access.
Soldering-iron stands reduce the risk of inadvertent contact as well as helping to prolong the life of the bit.
Eye protection must be worn when soldering