Working with hot melt adhesives often involves high application temperatures (usually 130°C–210°C / 266°F–410°F). Accidental burns can happen when melted adhesive drips onto skin, especially hands or fingers. Such injuries are considered thermal and mild chemical burns, and knowing how to respond immediately can help reduce damage and pain.
Step 1 — Immediate Cooling
If hot melt adhesive splashes or drips onto your skin:
Quickly cool the affected area under running cold water for at least 10–15 minutes.
This helps stop heat from penetrating deeper layers of skin, reduces pain, and minimizes swelling.
Do not try to pull off hot glue while it is still soft and hot — you may tear the skin and make the burn worse.
Step 2 — Assess the Severity
Mild Burns (First-Degree):
The skin looks red and feels burning or slightly painful, but there are no blisters.
Treatment: After cooling, apply a thin layer of burn ointment or aloe vera gel to soothe and protect the skin.
Moderate Burns (Superficial Second-Degree):
Blisters appear, the skin may peel or break, or cooled adhesive is stuck to the skin.
Treatment: Continue rinsing under cool running water for 10–15 minutes.
Do not forcibly peel off the cooled adhesive; this may worsen the wound.
Once cooled, gently remove adhesive if possible. Disinfect the area with mild antiseptic, apply burn ointment, and, if available, consider taking an oral antibiotic to prevent infection.
Severe Burns:
If the pain is intense, the burn is large, or skin is deeply damaged, seek medical attention immediately after basic cooling and protection. Visit a local burn or emergency department for proper treatment.
Important Safety Tips
Always wear heat-resistant gloves when working with hot melt adhesives.
Keep first aid supplies (cold water access, burn gel, disinfectant) available in work areas.
Avoid forcibly removing glue while it’s still hot — cooling first is safer.
Seek medical care if the wound is large, very painful, or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).
By understanding the proper first aid response, you can prevent minor burns from becoming serious injuries. At Hujump, safety is part of our production philosophy — we not only provide high-quality, eco-friendly hot melt adhesives, but also encourage safe handling and workplace protection for all users.
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