Safety Tips to Follow When Using a Soldering Iron

Soldering irons are used in a wide variety of industries and applications, including computer hardware manufacturing, TV repair, appliance repair, and general electronics work. They work on the principle of heating metal so it turns from a solid into a liquid state, binding with other nearby metallic components to create a strong and secure connection. Because they rely on heat, however, there's an inherit risk of injury when operating a soldering iron, which is why it's important for workers to follow basic safety tips.

Hold Wires With Clamps

If you are soldering two wires together, hold them in place with clamps or tweezers, not your hands. Wires are an excellent conductor of heat, meaning you could burn yourself if you hold them using your hands. Even if the wires don't "feel" hot initially, the intense heat of a soldering iron can quickly raise their temperature; thus, placing you at risk for burns. This is why it's a good idea to hold your wires with clamps or tweezers rather than your hands.

Eye Protection

You might be wondering why eye protection is necessary when operating a soldering iron. After all, isn't the greatest risk of injury posed by this tool burns? Granted, burns are the single most common injury attributed to soldering irons, eye injury can also occur. Soldiering irons have a tendency to "spit" when they are used to heat metal. As certain metals become hot, they may combust, spitting in various directions. Wear a pair of high-quality safety glasses to protect your eyes from shooting solder.

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Disconnect Circuits Before Soldering

The golden rule of soldering is to never solder a live circuit. There's always the possibility of electricity traveling through the circuit, into the soldering iron, and then hitting your body. Although rare, electrocutions do occur when workers use soldering iron. Make sure the circuit is disconnected and has no electricity flowing through it before you attempting to solder them.

These are just a few safety tips to keep in mind when operating a soldering iron. Above all these, though, familiarize yourself with the soldering iron and how it works. Workers should be trained on the right way to using soldering irons, and employers should provide them with the necessary personal protection equipment (PPE).