VALCO MELTON VCX, Service Manual

Page: 16 / 213

Section 2 - Safety and Use MC083 - VCX Service Manual
16
What to Do if Adhesive-Related Fire or Explosion Occurs
During the heating and melting process, the surface of the adhesive will be exposed to air. The mixture of polymer
fumes and air can catch fire if the hot melt is overheated.
WARNING! Poor ventilation, smoking, and open flames can cause overheated hot melt to ignite.
Adequate ventilation must be provided. Smoking should be prohibited in the immediate
vicinity of the molten adhesive. Open flames must be kept away from the area around molten
adhesive. OTHERWISE, DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT
COULD OCCUR.
WARNING! Exposed arcing may ignite the fume/air mixture. Shield all electrical equipment from melt
fumes to avoid exposed arcing. OTHERWISE, PERSONAL INJURY OR EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE COULD OCCUR.
WARNING! Do not use a water extinguisher to extinguish the fire! OTHERWISE, PERSONAL INJURY
OR EQUIPMENT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR.
If the hot melt adhesive ignites, promptly perform the following steps:
1. Sound a fire alarm.
2. Evacuate the immediate area.
3. Turn off all local electrical equipment at the source.
4. Leave the area immediately if conditions are unsafe.
If you feel you can fight the fire safely , do one of the following:

Smother the fire with a fire blanket.

Aim a CO
2
fire extinguisher at the base of the flames.

Aim a dry-powder fire extinguisher at the base of the flames.