I am currently in the process of writing a COSHH assessment for lead resin solder wire where the 2 main substances are tin and lead. In section 8 of the SDS there are 3 different units that are stated. These are: 1. PEL - Permissible Exposure Limit (OSHA) 2. REL - Recommended Exposure Limit (NIOSH) 3. TLV - Threshold Limit Value (ACGIH) Nowhere does it state what the WEL unit is. The supplier are in France and the product itself looks like it is made in America as OSHA, NIOSH etc are stated after each unit. Is there any way that these units can be converted to WEL's?

PS work with lead is covered by specific regulations. http://www.legislation.g.../2002/2676/contents/made Have a look at the HSE microsite on the topic http://www.hse.gov.uk/lead/index.htm

Yes it will be for soldering but i'm not sure about temperatures at this stage. I will see if i can find out at tomorrow's morning meeting.

Are you sure it is not Lead/Rosin flux, rather than Resin?

Have to ask if there is any good reason for the ongoing use of lead products as the EU Directive bans use in electronic equipment without really good cause. Bob

They should be supplying the product with a UK compliant MSDS. Go back to the supplier.

Thanks for the feedback. I have emailed the supplier requesting a UK compliant SDS. Failing that i will use the information that Jane has posted.

For reference The Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment 2002/95/EC Lead is a restricted material. So why is it necessary to use it? Bob

Jane But they are restrictive!!! I am concerned however that the msds seems to be the focus of all attention when few seem to question the use itself. It looks as though COSHH has a long way to go in many people's thinking. We use it because we have always used it seems to rule everbody's thinking. Bob

RoHS - or the 'lead free directive' as it is commonly called (although concerns half a dozen substances) is intertwined with the WEEE Directive and the end products (usually electronic) that are placed on the market need to have < certain amounts of these substances in order for the product to be 'RoHS Compliant' - in goes into mechanical recovery and all sorts of other boring stuff. Like REACH it means talking across the supply chain particularly if you make small components (as my firm does) that go into a bigger assembly - you essentially get hassled daily to confirm if your bit is 'RoHS compliant' so the company who puts the (for example) computer on the market can make the RoHS declaration............. Bored yet?.... In my eyes RoHS is environmental law has nothing to do with COSHH or the LAWR. Lead is not restricted if your product overall meets the RoHS figures when its time for declaration/disposal - and remember this is only concerned with electrical and electronic equipment. Back to the MSDS....