Electronics education fundamentals : How to Solder

Safety Precautions

• Never touch the element or tip of the soldering iron. They are very hot (about 400°C) and will give you a nasty burn.
• Take great care to avoid touching the mains flex with the tip of the iron. The iron should have a heatproof flex for extra protection. Ordinary plastic flex melts immediately if touched by a hot iron and there is a risk of burns and electric shock.
• Always return the soldering iron to its stand when not in use. Never put it down on your workbench, even for a moment!
• Allow joints a minute or so to cool down before you touch them.
• Work in a well-ventilated area. The smoke formed as you melt solder is mostly from the flux and quite irritating. Avoid breathing it by keeping you head to the side of, not above, your work.
• Wash your hands after using solder. Solder contains lead.

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