Page 75 - Robot Builder's Bonanza

44 SAFETY FIRST (AND ALWAYS)

I can’t stress enough the importance of using adequate eye protection. I’m fortunate enough to
have both of my eyes, but I came close to losing sight in one eye from flying debris. As a result,
in my workshop eye protection is now mandatory for myself and all helpers.

Battery Safety

Batteries used in robots may produce only a few volts, but they can generate lots of current— so
much current that if the terminals of the battery are shorted, the battery could get very hot. If
you’re lucky, the battery terminals will only melt. But exploding batteries that cause fires are
not unheard of.
Never short out the terminals of a battery just to see what’ll happen. Store charged batter-
ies so that the terminals will never come into contact with metal objects. Always be sure to
recharge batteries in a recharger meant for that type of battery.

Soldering Safety

Soldering electronic circuits requires that you use a very hot iron or pencil. Temperatures
exceed 600°F, which is enough to give you third- degree burns after only momentary contact
with the tool. This temperature is equivalent to an electric stove burner set at medium- high
heat, so you can imagine the dangers involved.
If you plan on doing any soldering, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Always place your soldering tool in a stand designed for the job. Never place a hot solder-
ing tool directly on the table or workbench.
• Mildly caustic and toxic fumes are produced during soldering. Maintain good ventilation to
prevent a buildup of these fumes in your workshop. Avoid inhaling the fumes produced
during soldering.
• If your soldering tool has an adjustable temperature control, dial the recommended setting
for the kind of solder you are using, usually about 650° to 700° for standard 60/40
rosin- core solder.
• Always use rosin- core solder designed for use on electronics. Other kinds of solder could
damage the circuit or your soldering tool.
• Do not attempt to solder on a “live” circuit— a circuit that has voltage applied to it. You run
the risk of damaging the circuit, the soldering tool, and, most of all, you!

Fire Safety

Fire is a potential hazard during the construction and use of any electrical device. A hot solder-
ing tool can ignite paper, wood, and cloth. A short circuit from a large high- current battery
can literally melt wires. Although not common for the type of projects presented in this book,
an electric circuit may develop too much heat, and could melt or burn its enclosure and sur-
roundings. Proper construction techniques and careful review of your work will help prevent
these kinds of mishaps.

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