Flux

Material • Studio
Safety Training is REQUIRED before using this resource and must be cleared by Hybrid Atelier personnel.
Flux

Stations

Important Links

In soldering of metals, flux serves a threefold purpose: it removes any oxidized metal from the surfaces to be soldered, seals out air thus preventing further oxidation, and by facilitating amalgamation improves wetting characteristics of the liquid solder.

Personal Protective Equipment

Eye Protection Required at all times

Wear safety glasses to prevent fumes or flux to enter eyes.

Use of Gloves is Recommended

Wear nylon or nitrile gloves.

Wash Hands

Watch hands thoroughly with soap and water after using flux.

Ventilation Required

Only solder with flux with a fume extractor or within the fume hood.

Hazards

Major Inhalation Irritant

Dusts, mists or vapors, may cause severe irritation to upper respiratory tract. Severe exposure may cause pulmonary edema. Metal fume fever may result from inhaling zinc oxide, which is a possible decomposition product at high temperatures.

Major Ingestion Irritant

If ingested, flux is corrosive to mouth and throat. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Gross overexposure may be fatal.

Minor Eye Irritant

Solutions may cause eye damage. Symptoms may include irritation with discomfort, tearing, blurring of vision or redness. May cause severe cornea injury and result in permanent impairment of vision or even blindness.

Minor Skin Irritant

May cause skin irritation with discomfort and/or rash.

Things to Avoid

  • Absolutely no food and drink allowed when using flux.
  • Do not touch your face when soldering.

Safety Checks

  • Do not lean over the area being soldered or directly inhale fumes.
  • Ensure the fume extractor or fume hood is operating as expected before engaging in long sessions of soldering.
  • Ensure your environment is free of obstructions.

Operational Checks

  • Close flux bottle after every use.

Cleanup

  • Rinse surfaces that have made contact with flux with soap and water.