CLEAPSS carries out many audits of D&T departments. From these we have identified hazards which are common across all types of schools. For more information about how to fully audit the H&S of your D&T department have a read of Guide 79.
Hot-melt adhesives are supplied as sticks of copolymers of ethene and vinyl acetate. Heat is used to melt the adhesive in the ‘glue gun’ so that drops can be applied to the materials to be joined. Bonding results when the glue solidifies on cooling. Many different types of gun are available with electric or butane cartridge heating and supplying glue at different rates.