Team:Electronics/Risk Assessments/Soldering

Name	Soldering
Type	Activity (e.g. Tool Usage)
Last Reviewed	2024-11-10
Next Review	2025-11-10

Soldering involves a number of risks due to high temperature and volatile compounds which may be released from solder. Please see the following video on Soldering Safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ht_JmfaCNM

Risk	Existing Mitigations	Severity / Likelihood	Assessment	Action Required	Residual Risk
Minor Burns due to accidental skin contact with the iron tip.	Our soldering irons have an auto-standby which ensures they are not accidentally left on during or in-between use. An enclosed cradle is provided for stowing the iron in between uses while soldering. If a burn occurs, a burns gel kit should be available in the Blue Room kitchenette first aid box (please notify trustees if you use this). The next nearest burns kit is in the upstairs kitchen in the red burns first aid kit.	3/3	People in the area might be unaware of how hot the soldering iron is.	Put hot warning sticker on soldering irons.	2
Electrical Shock due to damaged cabling or poor earthing.	Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is performed according to a schedule. A visual inspection of the appliance should take place prior to use of a soldering iron.	5/1			1
Fire due to an unattended soldering iron	Our irons feature an auto standby when unused, which avoids the iron from being left in a dangerous state. Fire extinguishers are provided in areas where irons may be used.	5/1			1
Fumes due to rosin evaporating	Soldering extraction is provided and vents outside.	3/3	Users may not be aware how to properly use or turn on the extraction, but extraction is available and works well.	Make a sign pointing to the extraction switch, and include a diagram about how to best use it.	2
Hazardous Substances	We do not provide lead solder in our electronics area, and this should not be brought or used by members in the hackspace. Isopropyl alcohol may be used to clean items, please ensure this is stored in the solvents cabinet provided in the area.	3/2	Users might not be aware on substance recommendations in the area, but overall good precautions have been taken to minimise this risk.	Put up a notice regarding use of lead solder in the space.	1
{{{risk_6}}}	{{{mitigation_6}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_7}}}	{{{mitigation_7}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_8}}}	{{{mitigation_8}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_9}}}	{{{mitigation_9}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_10}}}	{{{mitigation_10}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_11}}}	{{{mitigation_11}}}	{{{score_11}}}			0
{{{risk_12}}}	{{{mitigation_12}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_13}}}	{{{mitigation_13}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_14}}}	{{{mitigation_14}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_15}}}	{{{mitigation_15}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_16}}}	{{{mitigation_16}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_17}}}	{{{mitigation_17}}}	0/0			0
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{{{risk_19}}}	{{{mitigation_19}}}	0/0			0
{{{risk_20}}}	{{{mitigation_20}}}	0/0			0

Please ensure you are familiar with the Nottingham Hackspace Health and Safety Policy prior to undertaking this activity.

If you do have an accident or near-miss, please report it using our Near Miss and Accident reporting form.

Risk Matrix

Severity
	5	5/1	5/2	5/3	5/4	5/5
	4	4/1	4/2	4/3	4/4	4/5
	3	3/1	3/2	3/3	3/4	3/5
	2	2/1	2/2	2/3	2/4	2/5
	1	1/1	1/2	1/3	1/4	1/5
		1	2	3	4	5
	Likelihood