Alan,
Yes Colophony free cored flux solder is available, as is Colophony free
flux. The solder process will still contain some lead component in the
fume, but with proper solder selection (the right one for the temperature of
your soldering irons), then the risk of airborne lead will be minimal. Lead
free electronic manufacture has implications for all of the component
procurement, to ensure they are not degraded by the higher temperatures in
use (and that any plastic coatings do not vaporise and become respiratory
hazards).
I have seen several cases of Occupational Asthma related to bench soldering.
The most effective LEV is the extract ventilation of 3-4mm diameter tubes
going down to the solder iron tip. From experience of measuring these
systems, it is important that they are regularly cleaned with small wire
brushes and that the extract is between the soldering iron tip and the
breathing zone of the operator (i.e. above the tip). Measurement of
Colophony fume is technically difficult, but you can follow it simply by
using aldehyde pyroloysis products as a marker.
Another point to watch is that large LEVs on soldering processes (especially
flow solder machines) will fall within the prescribed processes that need to
be notified and licensed by Local Authorities as "Part B" processes under
the Environmental Protection Act (They elute Lead into the environment).
One potential supplier of rosin-free (and lead free) flux(solder) is
http://www.alphametals.com
Turning next to Health Surveillance; Chris Packham's argument that it has no
value as only detects cases after they have developed flies in the face of
all established protocols such as ILO, and of HSE legislation & guidance.
Health Surveillance is a legal requirement in the UK wherever risk or COSHH
assessments identify significant risk of a disease being developed in the
circumstances assessed - in this case you should look at HSE Guidance Note
MS25 "Medical Aspects of Occupational Asthma" , Booklet L55 "Preventing
Asthma at Work, Controlling Respiratory Sensitisers" and leaflet IND(G)95
for your responsibilities (all are available at http://www.hsebooks.co.uk ).
Unless you eliminate Colophony, you do have a legal duty to carry out Health
Surveillance.
Turning next to soft wood dust; since 1997 it has had a Maximum Exposure
Limit of 5mg/m3 - see HSE publication EH40/2001. You therefore have a duty
to demonstrate that you are "as low as reasonably practicable" below this
level (have you got dust measurements - preferably personal sampler results
?) - AND carry out Health Surveillance for Occupational Asthma.
As an Occupational Health provider we regularly carry out health
surveillance for all of the above risks for customers, many are unaware of
the legal requirements. We also do investigations of workforces after index
cases of Occupational Asthma, it is not unusual to find second or third
cases which have been hidden because of lack of previous surveillance.
Given quantums of up to 18 times earnings for severe cases of asthma who
cannot work again, Health Surveillance to identify them at the earliest
stage sounds a very cost effective insurance, and not "Shutting the
stable-door after the horse has bolted".
Dr. Geoff Helliwell MB ChB CIH FFOM MIOSH
Medical Director
WellWork Ltd. UK
-----Original Message-----
From: Occ-health is a list open to everyone with an interest in
teaching, learning [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Swann,
Alan B
Sent: 29 June 2001 14:00
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Rosin flux solder
We've a technician who works for c1-2 hours per week soldering with Rosin
flux solder using benchtop LEV to reduce exposure to fumes. I'm enquiring
about alternative solders to avoid the risk of sensitisation.
If alternatives are not practical, should we be keeping him under HealthSurv
for sensitisation?
What do others do?
And whilst we are on the subject, does anyone do routing HealthSurv for
technicians who's work includes machining wood? For softwoods, or only if
working with hardwoods
Regards
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