Different Ways to Deal with Solvents in Conformal Coatings

Option 1: Regularly Measure the Solvent Exposure to Operators

Solvents can be safely utilized, however, solvent fumes can be harmful to the operator if not safely monitored. To avoid potential OSHA violations, exposure of the operator to solvent fumes must be regularly measured and recorded.

Regularly measuring the exposure of solvent fumes is a low cost and easy exercise when utilizing a monitor. The monitors are conveniently integrated in the coating process and continuously measure the solvents and raise an alarm when exposure limits are reached. This allows the safety of the operators.

Option 2: Switch to a Safer Conformal Coating Material

Solvent-free conformal coatings are now widely available and are a seamless replacement due to the advances in technology. Solvent-free coatings that are available include water-based acrylics and polyurethanes, silicones and UV curable acrylics. These coatings do a similar job in protecting the boards compared to solvent based materials.

Changing materials would mean no need to measure solvent fumes, as operators would not be exposed to hazardous coatings. Litigation due to employee sickness from exposure would be much less likely.

Option 3: Use a Coating Service Provider

Using an independent coating service eliminates all the hazards of solvents immediately. Allowing another company to utilize the harmful coating materials means that there is no need to invest in operator safety and equipment.

Summary

There are a few different options to utilize when using solvent based conformal coatings. First, the solvent fume exposure should be measured and regularly recorded. This will help prevent OSHA violations while keeping the operators safe. Second, a change to a solvent-free conformal coating could eliminate any safety concern. Third, the conformal coating process could be subcontracted to a reliable coating service provider.