Due to concerns over exposure to lead, the soldering industry has moved toward the use of lead free solders; these tend to be a tin/copper alloy. In order to compensate for the removal of lead another flux substance has to be used to aid the flow of the solder. One of the most commonly used fluxes is rosin or colophony. When heated, rosin creates fumes (known as Rosin Based Solder Flux Fume – RBSFF). This fume is composed of two fractions, the particulate fraction contains rosin sublimates and thermal decomposition products, which are predominantly a mixture of diterpentine acids, this fraction makes up approximately 90 % of the total fume. The remaining gaseous phase of the fume is composed of low molecular weight organic compounds including acetone, methyl alcohol, aliphatic aldehydes and other hydrocarbons.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are the government body responsible for the regulation and enforcement of work related risks to people in the work place. Dust & fume exposure is a key element of the COSHH 2002 (Control of Substances Hazard to Health) regulations setting out exposure limits, preventative guidelines and on going reductions of the contact between people and hazardous gas and particulates. Under COSHH, companies must take steps to prevent, control, maintain and monitor dust and fume exposure in the workplace, as laid out in regulation 9.
According to the HSE, around 13,000 workers in the UK die each year from historic work-related exposure to airborne contaminants at work leading to lung disease and various cancers. These figures are estimated to be attributed to past exposure, primarily to chemical and dust at work.
Equipment that draws pollutants from an operation or process in the working environment. Made up of an inlet like a hood, slit, arm, cabinet or booth. This will be located near to or close to the area of the substance release. All suchlike equipment needs to be connected by ducting and a fan to enable the movement of air. The removed air passed through a filter or is extracted to atmosphere away from the workplace. How Welding Supplies Direct can help ? WE will carry out a thorough tests in line with COSHH Regulation 9 as detailed in HSE Guide HSG258 Our levels of service can be tailored to your Companies needs. However, most clients choose to take advantage of by combining servicing with the LEV testing. See extra details on LEV Testing.
The employer decides who to employ or consult and needs to be an ‘intelligent customer’ to get the best result. HSE has produced simple guidance to help the employer choose a supplier when they are considering installing LEV (see HSE leaflet Clearing the air). Suppliers need to prepare their information to respond to this approach.
