Possible Hazards in
Electronics Laboratory
Possible Hazards in
Electronics
Laboratory
• Exposure to chemicals and
fumes
– Chemicals used in electronics
laboratory include adhesive,
etching solution, and cleaning
solution.
– These chemicals release
fumes as well.
– Aside from chemical fumes,
solder fume is also produced
in electronics laboratory.
– These chemicals and fumes
can cause health issues and
injuries.
• Burn and fire
−Soldering iron and glue gun
are heating tools that can
cause burn.
– When in contact with
combustible or flammable
materials these tools can
cause fire.
– Fire can also be caused by
short circuit, overloading,
and loose connections.
– Fire categories:
Categor Cause
y
combustible
Class A materials (wood,
paper, or cloth)
flammable liquids
Class B (gasoline, kerosene,
greases, or solvents)
electrical or
electronic problems
Class C (short circuit,
overloading, or
• Accidents while using hand
tools and power tools.
−Examples of hand tools are
screwdriver, wire cutter, wire
stripper, plier, and tweezer.
−An example of a power tool
is the Dremel drill.
−Improper use of these tools
can cause injuries.
• Electric shock
−Presence of electric current can
cause electric shock.
−During an electric shock, the
body becomes a path for
electric current.
−The severity of the effects of an
electric shock depends on the
amount and type of electric
current, path, and length of
contact time.
Amount Effects
A mild tingling sensation that can be
1 mA
felt.
10 mA Start to lose muscular control.
Difficulty in breathing. Muscular
30 mA
paralysis.
Death if the current lasts for more than
100 mA
a second.
200 mA Severe burns. Breathing stops. Death.
−What to do
Do not touch the victim
that is still in contact with
the source of electricity.
Remove the power source
or use non-conducting
materials.
Do not transfer the victim,
unless he/she is in danger
of further shock.
Call local emergency services
if the victim is feeling
symptoms of heart issues,
unconscious, has seizures,
muscle pain or numbness.
While waiting for the
emergency response unit to
arrive, check if the victim is
breathing and has a pulse. If
necessary, start
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR).
If the person is vomiting
or becoming very pale,
elevate the legs and feet
slightly, unless this
causes too much pain.
Cover burns with sterile
gauze.
Keep the victim warm.
• Since there are possible hazards
while working in an electronics
laboratory, it is important for us
to observe safety precautions.
• When safety precautions are
observed:
– Injuries can be avoided
– Accidents can be prevented
– Damage to properties can be
avoided
Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions in Storing,
Handling, and Disposing
Chemicals
• Do not store chemicals in
glass containers if possible.
• Place chemical containers in
designated cabinets.
• Do not place containers with
chemicals that are
incompatible near each other.
• Read the labels on the containers
of all the chemicals being used.
• Wear goggles, mask, and gloves
when using chemicals.
• Use chemical hood, if available.
• Work in a well-ventilated space.
• Use tongs when handling printed
circuit boards being etched.
• Wash all the tools that were
exposed to the chemicals.
• Do not dispose chemicals in
the sink.
• Store chemical wastes in
appropriate containers.
• Always read the material
safety data sheet of the
chemicals being used.
Soldering Safety Precautions
• Always assume that the element
of the soldering iron is hot.
• Do not touch the element of the
soldering iron.
• Make sure the work area is free
from combustible and flammable
materials.
• Wear googles and mask when
soldering.
• Work in a well-ventilated space.
• Hold wires to be heated with
tweezers or pliers.
• Make sure that the wire is not
near the soldering iron.
• Do not solder on a circuit that
has power applied to it.
• Use damp sponge to clean
excess solder from the element
of the soldering iron.
• If another person needs the
soldering iron, let the person
get it from the place where
you put it.
• Put the soldering iron in its
holder when not in use.
• Turn off the soldering iron and
unplug it when not in use.
