Create a safer hot melt environment

Traditional hot melt systems use a tank to heat up the adhesive and keep it at operating temperature. This design allows the operator direct access to the tank and requires new adhesive to be manually loaded which drastically increases safety hazards, exposing operators to heated areas,  molten adhesive, and toxic fumes. With these hazards in mind, it is crucial to implement a safer working environment. Here are four steps you can take to improve safety at your facility.

 

The easiest way for a hot melt-related injury to occur is when operators have direct access to the molten adhesive. In order to reduce exposure to hot melt and improve the working conditions of those operating the system, the best thing to do is implement a closed system into your packaging process. The improved equipment and technologies of a closed system eliminate direct access to the melting chamber, thereby reducing the occurrences of burns.

 

Automated feed systems can add several safety benefits to your packaging process.  The biggest wins in terms of safety are made when operators do not need to fill the tanks manually on tank-based systems. This allows operators to fill a separate, unheated container with a large amount of unmelted adhesive pellets. The feeding system transfers the pellets into the melter as required. With no access to the hot melt adhesive or a heated metal tank, the chance of burns is greatly decreased, reducing the potential for impaired safety incidents and costly worker compensation claims. Additionally, by using an automated feeding system, there is less chance of spilling pellets on the floor where operators and other workers are likely to trip or fall, with pellets "bridging" and clumping together.

 

Consistent cleaning of tank-based systems that often have char build-up, or switching to a tank-free system that eliminates char, is another step that can help improve the safety of your packaging line. Char is created when overheating, contamination or oxidation of the adhesive occurs and results in toxic fumes being released into the air while operators come in contact with the hot melt. 

 

When hot melt systems have a depressurising valve, it allows operators or maintenance workers to reduce the pressure in a hose or gun. This is critical for the system to be handled safely without the risk of hot melt exposure. It is also important to consider the safety features of the other equipment on your packaging line like hoses and applicators. With the inclusion of a built-in over-temperature safety interlock and when ensuring that the air filter can be changed easily on applicators, the risk of the operator coming in contact with hot melt is eliminated.