| | We are installing a new reflow oven and I have been told that we do not need to vent the exhaust out through the roof since we have a false ceiling. All that is required is to vent above the false ceiling and that the air exchange is great enough that we do not need to go further. My question is primarily is it SAFE as far as the particulates and fumes are concerned? The paste formulations we use are 96.5SN/3.5AG and 95SN/5AG. | | thanks | | | Brian, | We had the same claim years ago at another shop. We didn't even vent to a false ceiling, just out into the plant. The managers were not going to allow another hole in the roof unless we could prove we needed it! Had the OSHA people come in and check us, found no reason to vent outside. However it was a singe reflow oven, in a large well vented shop, not a lot of production volume. It may rest less on technical requirements and more on distraction factors to employees (read how bad it stinks). | | Boca | | | For me it�s a hot subject, although I had an exhaust for the whole reflowunit the radial cooling fans blew out the stuff and that�s not chanel No5. Besides, cleaning was one of the most hated jobs in PM. It is said that there is no known risk for human health but one of my best workers started suffering from allergy getting asthma attacks. She was checked for month until they found the cause, it was solder steam she reacted at. We lost her and her lungs are irreversibly damaged. Although it wasn�t only in our place were she was exposed to that stuff I feel sorry for her and I try now to eliminate all sort of things that possibly cause any harm to anybody even if it�s said there is no risk with it. I personally quit a new job in a place where I saw that there�s no chance for me to improve things because of the slaveholderlike managment.
That�s my opinion, experience, advice
Wolfgang
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