Re: [DCHAS-L] [External] Re: [DCHAS-L] Lead-Based Soldering

If you have any employees exposed to the soldering operations, then you must comply with the OSHA standards that are applicable to lead work.

Since you are soldering with lead, you will be exposing the employees to lead fumes.

You are required to perform an Initial Assessment according to the standard. Unlike other exposure hazards, the Lead Assessment must be performed annually.

There are several acceptable methods that include objective data and historical data as well as actually performing the activity assuming the exposure will be above the PEL and providing appropriate respiratory protection according to 29 CFR 1910.134 as well as protective clothing and packaging and disposal of waste generated by the process.

During the initial assessment, you must collect breathing zone samples, analyze them, and include the results in your assessment report.

If you chose the objective or historical data method for the assessment, the data you rely on must include the process, procedures and materials that are substantially similar to the lead work that will be performed.

By the way, any activity you plan to perform involving metals may produce fumes or even suspended respirable particles caused by grinding, chipping, sanding, etc. Therefore, you will need to review the material specification before you proceed to determine if the alloy contains materials like lead or chrome.

Jim Keating

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From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU> on behalf of Jeffrey Lewin <jclewin**At_Symbol_Here**MTU.EDU>
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2026 10:39 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Lead-Based Soldering

This is the advice given to me by the lab supervisor in Electrical Engineering where they do a lot of soldering.

Jeff

We do not have a specific SOP for soldering stations.  Our labs solder on benches with ESD proof tops which provide protection from heat and we have signs for washing hands after soldering.

The fume extractors we have vary, so we don't stick to a specific make/model.

We have:
Jonard Tools SA-9-115
Weller WSA350
Xytronics 426DLX

The Jonard and Weller have the largest surface areas of carbon filter, but the Xytronics does a good job.  They also sell "central Vac" type extractors, where the fume extractor is a canister mounted under the bench and there are hoses that are positionable but these cost quite a bit more.  I guess it depends on the complexity of the soldering station.

On Mon, Oct 26, 2026 at 8:40 AM Filiberto Palacios <00001f5128a5fa0b-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**lists.princeton.edu> wrote:

Good Morning, 

I wanted to ask the listserv for assistance with a topic that was recently brought to my attention at my institution. I recently discovered that we have a lab that has in the past performed tin/lead soldering with traditional flux and our University Lab Safety and Biosafety Committee asked that they switch to non-lead-based soldering for safety concerns. The instructor of the course has let me know that he has in the past built in a safety procedure to have students wash their hands following lead-based soldering to prevent potential exposure. There is a snorkel in the room which can be used for ventilation purposes but the working space is limited for the number of students in the class. Since switching to non-lead based soldering, the instructor has reported issues with the fumes generated from the flux to the point that students have stopped their work and/or soldering was completely removed for the day. Given the tradeoffs with either side, how has your institution handled the topic of soldering? What safety requirements are implemented when it comes to lead-based soldering? Thank you!

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Best,

Filiberto Palacios, MPH, CPH  |  Laboratory and Research Safety Officer
Division of Academic Affairs, Department of Biology and Chemistry, Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University PO Box 7000, Azusa, CA 91702-7000
(626) 815-6000 - Ext. 6072  |  apu.edu

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

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Jeff Lewin

Chemical Safety

Environmental Health and Safety

Office of the General Counsel

Michigan Technological University

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