Flux
Important Links
Safety Operating Procedure
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.
Hazards
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.
If ingested, flux is corrosive to mouth and throat. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Gross overexposure may be fatal.
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.
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.