Lesson 4. Hot Glue Gun Safety Basics

Hot glue from a glue gun is the most common cause of injuries! This is why it is extremely important to follow the rules for working with it

Rules for Working with Hot Glue Guns:

• Unplug the glue gun every hour for 10 minutes to allow it to cool down. Overheated glue becomes runny and is more likely to drip onto skin

• Always turn off the gun when leaving your workstation for an extended period. (Use the power button on the gun or the power strip/surge protector)

• Do not touch the nozzle of the gun! Never check if the gun is hot by touching the metal nozzle. Always hold the gun only by its handle

• When applying glue, ensure it does not drip from the part

• Press the second part onto the drop of glue using a piece of cardboard as a barrier, especially if the part is small. This will protect you from a burn

• Always place the gun on its special stand to protect the surface, with a piece of cardboard underneath to catch any excess glue drips

• Do not lay the gun on its side on the table: This causes internal leakage of glue, makes the gun work intermittently (which provokes sudden, jerky actions to restore the glue flow and can lead to injury), and can ultimately ruin the gun

Remember, hot glue from a glue gun is the most common cause of injuries!