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Safety First with Thermoplastics

• Wear proper clothing such as long-sleeve shirts and long pants, hard-soled shoes, hat, face safety shield, heat-resistant gloves, protective apron.
• Avoid inhaling smoke from hot thermoplastic.
• Keep a fire extinguisher readily available and train all employees in its proper use. Keep unit clean and free of oil and spilled thermoplastic.
• Know first aid and how to treat burns. Keep a cooler of ice water on site in case of mild burns. Apply ice water to cool affected skin areas immediately. For severe burns go immediately to a hospital emergency room.
• Slow agitation before opening melter lid, open lid slowly from the side.
• Add in small amounts of thermoplastic material at regular intervals. Don't drop an entire bag or block of material into hot material already in the kettle. Doing so will cause hot material to splash upward.
• Do not leave kettle or applicator unattended when lit.
• Do not leave burners on when the kettle is empty.
• Keep hands clear of moving parts and the open kettle door.
• Depressurize and vent all pressure tanks before opening.
• Don't overheat material; overheating can cause fumes to ignite.

From M-B Companies