For many of us, soldering irons are ordinary, everyday tools used for a variety of applications. Allowing users to fuse different metals together by heating them to the point of melting and applying a filler metal, these indispensable little irons can be used for tasks including metalworking, craft projects, home improvement, auto repair, electronics repair and more. But make no mistake about it: welders can be very dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. When in use, a soldering iron tip will exceed 700 degrees Fahrenheit, more than enough heat to seriously injure someone or inflict damage to property and surroundings. Here are some welding safety tips to keep in mind at all times:
- Always weld in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes given off by iron can be extremely irritating to the lungs and mucous membranes. Avoid breathing in the smoke by turning your head to the side, rather than directly over your work, and wear a face shield if necessary.
- Use a fire-resistant surface, such as sheetrock, or invest in a special mat designed for soldering. This will help you avoid mishaps that could burn carpeting, melt plastic, or damage wood.
- When plugging in the iron, be sure not to overload the outlet. If there are too many appliances plugged into a particular outlet, unplug a few first or choose a different location entirely.
- Never place your soldering iron on anything other than a specially designed iron stand! This could damage the iron and the surface you are placing it on.
- Replace your iron immediately if the power cord becomes frayed, frayed, or otherwise compromised.
- Be careful to wear heat resistant gloves or use needle nose pliers to hold the objects you are soldering, especially small parts. This will help you avoid accidentally touching the tip of the iron with your fingers and getting a potentially serious and very painful burn.
- Don’t leave the iron plugged in after you’ve finished using it, and never leave a hot iron unattended.
- Always wash your hands after finishing using your soldering iron. One of the components of solder is lead, which can be toxic if swallowed or absorbed through the skin.