Model Building Tool Safety

Model Building Tool Safety Review

Safety glasses must be worn while constructing your garage.

Review the following information for your own protection and for the protection of others around you.

Hot glue gun

Pre-Use Activities

• Before using, always inspect the hot glue gun for damage to the casing. In addition, assure the on/off switch (if equipped) is functioning properly and inspect the electrical cord and plug for fraying or other damage.

Very Important - Always let your Glue gun heat up to proper operating temperature before using. Never force the trigger if glue does not come out.

• If the hot glue gun fails your inspection, inform Mr. Ungrin and do not use it.

Operating Precautions

• Keep the hot glue gun away from flammable materials and use in work areas that are clean and dry.

• Use a wire or metal safety stand to hold the hot glue gun when you are not using it to glue items. Never lay a hot glue gun on its side.

• Place a piece of paper or cardboard under the safety stand to catch hot glue drips and prevent damage to the underlying surface.

• Always focus on the gluing task. If you need to look away from gluing, stop using the hot glue gun and place it in the safety stand.

• Do not touch the heated nozzle of a hot glue gun.

• Prevent inhalation of hot-glue vapors by using the glue gun in well ventilated areas(an open area is fine).

• Never point a hot glue-gun nozzle at another person

• Unplug the glue gun and allow it to cool before changing the nozzle.

• Do not tilt a hot glue-gun nozzle upwards or attempt to use a hot glue gun to glue overhead items.

• Never leave a plugged in hot glue gun unattended.

• Skin that comes in contact with hot glue should be immediately plunged into cold water.

• If hot glue contacts an eye, irrigate the eye with cold water and seek medical attention immediately.

• If you are injured by a hot glue gun, notify your supervisor or teacher. Seek medical attention if the injury is serious.

Utility Knife

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes in case a blade breaks.

• Always use a sharp blade. They are safer than a dull blade.
  
• Hand a utility knife to a co-worker with the handle first.
  
• Ensure the blades are properly positioned in the handle before use.
  
• Keep extremities (fingers, arms faces etc…) out of the cutting path.
  
• Don’t apply too much pressure on the blade.
  
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions when changing blades.
  
• Don’t use utility knives to pry loose objects.
  

Wood cutting shear - pruner

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses with side shield
• Maintain a safe working distance from other people when using wood cutting tools or equipment.  Carefully inspect the work area to locate any signs of hazards.  
• Do not attempt to cut wood bigger than the tool was designed to cut.  
• Before making a cut, always know the location of your hands and fingers.  Do not purposefully drop or damage tools.
• Always carry tools with the sharp end pointed down
• Take frequent breaks when performing repetitive tasks. Do not overtire yourself.