9a.1 Recall that a soldering-iron stand must be used to avoid skin contact with the hot bit of the iron when not in use. Understand that soldering work benches must be well ventilated to avoid inhalation of solder fumes, which can cause breathing problems particularly to asthmatics. Soldering irons need to have their tips well protected when not in use as they can cause skin burns
Solder fumes can be an irritant, particularly to those who suffer from
respiratory problems such as asthma. Work near an open window, and if
possible use a small fan (computer fans are useful) to keep the air
circulating. 9b.5 Understand that eye protection must be worn when drilling to prevent eye damage from small metal particles (swarf). Your eyes should also be protected by goggles. These will prevent splashes of solder burning the surface of the eyes.
Use of hand tools 9b.1 Understand that screwdrivers, drills, saws, and files must be handled with care to avoid cuts to the hands and face. All common hand tools can be dangerous if not handled with care:
Screwdrivers - push too hard, the screwdriver slips and pierces your skin!
Drills - make sure they have stopped rotating. Do not apply too much
pressure otherwise small drills can snap. Swarf can be very sharp, do
not pick it up with your fingers.
Saws - particularly power saws can cause nasty cuts.
Files - often have a sharp end meant to accommodate a handle. These can easily slip and pierce the body
9b.2 Understand that any items being drilled, sawn or filed must be securely held in a vice or similar device to prevent them slipping or rotating. Any items being drilled, sawn or filed must be securely held in a vice or similar device to prevent them slipping or rotating. If a piece of metal is not secure on a drill stand, the metal can rotate causing severe cuts.
9b.3 Understand that the chuck key must be removed before using a drill to prevent the key being ejected at high speed. When
using power drills, make sure that the chuck key, which is used to tighten up the drill shank, is removed before you
start to drill otherwise it will be ejected at a high speed.
A bench-mounted pillar drill is always safer than a hand held drill
because the bench-mounting with its built in clamp prevents the metal
moving. The user can use both hands to control a pillar drill.
9b.4 Understand that using a centre punch will help prevent a drill bit slipping. When
drilling metal it is not uncommon for the drill bit to skate across the
metal surface. To avoid this mark the hole with a scribe and then use a
centre punch to make an indentation that will hold the drill bit in place. 9b.5 Understand that eye protection must be worn when drilling to prevent eye damage from small metal particles (swarf).
Always wear eye-protection when drilling to prevent small pieces of metal swarf flying into the eye.
