Soldering Fume Extraction 101: Everything You Need to Know

Many businesses today that produce toxic fumes and dust are vital to install a dust and fume extraction system. Having an efficient extraction mechanism allows these businesses to safeguard their staff from the possible risk of inhaling the contaminated air and make sure they are working at a health facility where their well-being is a major priority.

Are you one of those people who would like to know more about solder fume extractors? Look no further because this post has got you covered. If you are ready, let’s dive in!

What is a Soldering Fume Extractor?

In case you didn’t know, fume extraction is a process of extracting the hazardous fumes which are produced from the process of melting down the flux past its boiling point.

You may not know it yet, but solder gases and fumes are one of the major causes of health concerns in an industrial working environment. Having proper extraction systems installed is not just essential to meet workplace regulation standards but to guarantee the health and safety of the operators.

Most work environments these days make gases and particles which could be toxic to the workplace and the environment. Most individuals believe that the move to lead-free soldering would be an eco-friendlier option. But in reality, lead-free soldering smoke emissions have more breathable fine dust particles

The smaller particles are generated because of greater working temperatures needed and because more flux is utilized within the soldering procedure.

Hence, it’s essential to use the proper safety equipment to get rid of such toxic substances.

Take note that inhaling the fine particles is much riskier than the big particles, as those get caught easily and stop the alveoli in the lungs.

To safeguard the operator, you need to utilize an extraction system that can split such particles and gases. It helps you recirculate the cleaned air back into the workplace. That not only saves energy but lowers energy expenses as well.

Soldering extraction units are tools that filtrate, extract, and gather toxic material from fumes. They vacuum fume-contaminated air into the filtration system, which then refreshes the air in the workplace. Take note that fume extraction systems come in various formats: mounted, benchtop, and portable units. They are typically utilized for activities like chemical applications, spraying, sanding, soldering, and welding.

In America, OSHA regulates the number of chemicals staff are permitted to be exposed to. These fumes can be risky to a person’s health. Therefore, it’s crucial that businesses do their very best to lower the exposure of their staff to an absolute minimum.

Importance of Fume Extraction for Your Business’s Growth

Bear in mind that different manufacturing organizations utilize toxic chemicals in manufacturing and creating their products. The manufacturing process produces such fumes and dust. Hence, you must safeguard your staff’s welfare as that significantly impacts the quality of service you provide.

As a business owner, you are accountable for offering a good and quality working environment where workers can efficiently work. After all, you never like to deal with problems and lawsuits which may impact your business’s stability.

You will find numerous service providers offering the latest solder fume extractors mechanism to make sure you have the ideal solution for this typical problem.

Would you like your business to leverage and grow? Then you will need to invest in things and mechanisms which enable your workforce to efficiently work, offer top-notch service, and manufacture competitive items sought for guaranteed quality and satisfaction.

Comply with OSHA’s guidelines

Solder fume extractors do a wonderful job of keeping the number of toxic compounds in the air under the permissible exposure limits (PELs) given by OSHA. Without it, your business won’t stop possible exposure.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilation do help a big deal. Nonetheless, they are not enough for solder and welding fumes as the employee is doing their job very near to the fume’s source.

Lower health consequences

Remember that work safety is your utmost priority. Fumes produced by soldering and welding could have big health impacts on the human body. Such fumes are composed of hazardous compounds which can cause illness, irritation, and even could lead to death.

Some of such compounds are considered carcinogens—cancer-causing compounds that must never be inhaled. Some of the potential health impacts a person can experience include:

• Lung cancer
• Nervous system damage
• Metal fume fever
• Pulmonary edema
• Respiratory system irritation
• Brain damage
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage
• Aluminum dust lung
• Dust deposits in the lung

Here are other advantages of using fume extraction systems in your business:

• Your business meets the industry standard when we talk about safety protocols
• It enables you to focus on leveraging your business, understanding your workforce is well handled
• It guarantees your business follows the fume and dust extraction regulations
• It offers your staff a healthy and favorable workplace to work efficiently and offer optimum service

Features of Solder fume extractors

The soldering fumes and dust produced in manufacturing establishments are freed in various forms. For example, dust or fume characteristics differ on the chemical nature of the raw materials utilized within the manufacturing process.

Such toxic fumes come from different equipment and machinery. Each manufacturing company needs a distinct filtration system ideal for each industry. Apart from meeting the needed industry standard, extraction units ensure a safe and healthy facility for all operators.

Are you planning to install a solder fume extraction system? Then it will help if you consider the different features and factors first. Doing so will help lower the surface contamination, including the equipment utilized for work and production, and choose the ideal mechanism fit for the business.

Available space

One of the important features that you need to consider is the available space in your business facility. Are you renting a space? Maybe you own the building itself. Whatever the case may be, checking the available space will offer you a better overview of how you can select which dust and solder fume extraction systems are good for your business.

Solutions according to your business needs

Do not forget that your extraction system should adapt to the distinct requirements of your business. Irrespective of whether your business works with medical facilities, welding, or soldering, you’d want to have enhanced air quality circulation within your facility. Your goal is to ensure everybody is defended.

Materials you want to extract

The ideal extraction system differs from the materials you’re trying to generate. For example, an extraction system dealing with unscented yet toxic chemicals needs a unique ventilation and filter system to meet your requirements.

That’s also essential if you are currently manufacturing materials that produce invisible particles or gases which could be harmful or inhaled to the operator’s health and lungs.

Make sure you also check for a solder fume extractor system that enables self-cleaning apart from extracting dust and fumes. That enables you to concentrate on creating superior quality products and keeping the facility favorable for everybody.

Type of filter

The types of filters you use will differ with each business’s requirements, as well as the types of dust and fumes which should be eradicated in the facility. Your job is to check with your preferred extraction service provider which filter type is perfect for your manufacturing requirements.

It will be best to determine the ideal filter which works best for your facility’s needs.

That’s especially true as filters can efficiently capture fumes, dust, and different toxic particles.

Benefits of Using Solder Fume Extractor System

Soldering fume and dust extraction mechanisms are strategically created to get rid of gases, chemicals, fumes, dust, and debris in the facility. That guarantees every employee breathes quality air without any potential toxic particles, which can harm their lungs and risk their lives once they’re exposed.

It helps boost your team’s productivity

Building up fumes and dust on your equipment could slow down productivity. The worst thing that can happen is to harm your equipment. The good thing about extracting toxic fumes and dust could retain the machines working condition and lower possible repairs, which could be both time-consuming and expensive.

It helps you comply with safety and health standards

We already mentioned this earlier, but let’s repeat. Different regulations and rules are in place. One of them connects to your workplace’s safety and quality. The last thing you want to receive is a business suspension, right? If you missed this factor, then you are at a big risk of getting costly fines, lawsuits, and a business suspension which could result in closure.

It increases employee morale

Just imagine when your facility becomes a safe and good place to work and manufacture superior-quality products. The result? It will positively impact your business and helps you keep a satisfied workforce.

It enhances the quality of products created

Impurities in the manufacturing sector could massively impact the quality of the product you create. If you create a contaminated product, chances are your customers won’t be happy with the service you offer. That could take a toll on your company’s stability.

In addition to creating a healthy and safe workspace, this will also allow your business to produce superior products that satisfy your patrons. Creating high-quality products increases your business credibility, which in the long run enables you to be on top of the competition.

It enhances your health

Contaminated air quality could risk the health of your overall workforce. Any risky chemical contaminations or build-up near your equipment or machinery could pose fire hazards or flames. Having an effective solder fume extractor system in your building will have you a better, safer, and healthier facility for your workforce.

FAQs on Solder Fume Extraction

Q: How do you choose the best solder fume extraction?

The type of soldering being done by the operator directly identifies the filtration media, the size, and the air volume that the fume extractor will need to be efficient. Specific applications could release more fumes or might spread out over a bigger surface region. That needs a more powerful fume extraction unit.

Take note that the arrangement and size of your workspace are crucial aspects in identifying which fume extractor to pick. Does your employee work on a benchtop? If yes, can your workspace house a fume extractor?

If that sounds like a good choice for you, here are some options you can consider:

For solder pot fumes –This is ideal for people working with solder pots. However, you should also consider the elevation which you’ll need throughout the application.

Benchtop hoods – In case you didn’t know, fume hoods come in different sizes. It can offer a contained space on the workbench or maybe on a stand beside the workspace. For improved containment, benchtop hoods are an excellent option.

Floor fume extractors –These extractors sit on the floor and expand to your workspace through a flexible hose.

Wall-mounted fume extraction – These extraction systems are installed on the wall and drift over the work area.

Q: What happens if you breathe in solder fumes?

Keep in mind that soldering with lead or even with other metals utilized in soldering could generate fumes and dust, which are toxic. Apart from that, using flux that has rosin creates solder fumes. Once it is inhaled, it can lead to occupational asthma or deteriorate current asthmatic conditions, not to mention it can cause upper respiratory and eye irritation.

Q: Do you need a fume extractor for soldering?

Soldering is vital for people working with electronics. However, the smoke from vaporizing flux is not something that you want to inhale. CDC outlines the risk, but you can lower the risks by using extraction units.

Professional fume extractors could be had for hundreds of bucks. Such devices would be valuable for somebody who solders often.

Q: How do you remove solder fumes?

A soldering iron cannot vaporize tin or lead. The fumes are only a small flux that is low danger (nearly none if you are continuously exposed, aside from tickling your nose. In case there are solder fumes, you can take a deep breath and then slowly blow away the fumes while you are soldering. You can also fan it to do the same result.

Q: Do you need ventilation when soldering?

Of course, you should have outside ventilation every time fumes are generated, whether it’s paint fumes, solvent fumes, solder fumes, or anything like that. It will help if you look into an extractor fan and ducting, or maybe a kitchen extractor or bathroom extractor leading to the outside.

Q: Is it essential to wear a mask while soldering?

Certainly! Keep in mind to always wear safety goggles or glasses no matter what type of soldering you perform. Don’t forget as well that a spatter of 370F molten metal or a 300F boiling flux in your eye will immediately ruin your entire day, week, and more.

You can also utilize a noxious organic fume mask or fume extractor to always keep the vaporized flux out of your precious lungs.

Q: What does a fume extractor do?

Overall, a fume extractor is a system that employs a fan using the negative draft to pull all dust and fumes particles into a contained filtration system. That process eradicates toxic particles from the air.

Final Thoughts

Is your business dealing with producing toxic chemicals, dust, or fumes? Then investing in a solder fume extraction system is necessary. That will prove your facility’s overall safety, compliance to health and safety standards, and most importantly, peace of mind knowing everybody is handled properly and you are manufacturing excellent products as your workforce is safe, healthy, and happy at the same time!