Many hazards from heated materials are quite obvious. Anyone that has ever burned themselves can look at a 2,000f. crucible of bronze, see the immediate danger it presents and steer clear of it. Further, the danger inherent in wax's flammable nature is easy to see and guard against by avoiding open flames and working in a space that is constructed of non flammable materials. HOWEVER, the danger melted wax represents isn’t very obvious.

MELTED WAX IS VERY DANGEROUS. The following paragraph explains why.

Different types of wax melt at varying temperatures. The ones most commonly used for sculpture – microcrystalline and beeswax – start to melt at about 200 degrees f. These waxes are frequently held at a temperature of about 250f. for sculptural uses. Wax can reach a much higher temperature (350-400f.) without much of an apparent change in appearance after the initial melting point has been reached. That is, the wax can be almost twice as hot as it needs to be – and, a lot more dangerous! – without the danger it presents being evident. Compared to boiling water, hot wax is capable of a great deal more damage. There are two reasons for this. The first is that while boiling water doesn’t go above 212f. - wax, as has already been noted, can get much hotter and thus has a lot more heat energy available. Simply put, greater heat means a more serious burn. The second reason is the fact that hot wax can neither be easily removed nor cooled down. Most of us are familiar with the first aid technique used when one receives a splash of hot water – the affected area is immediately cooled with cold water or ice. Unfortunately, when this technique is used on hot wax all that happens is that the outer part of the wax is cooled, but the wax underneath remains hot and is held next to the flesh by the outer shell of cooled wax. Thus, wax is held in place and burns over a longer time than water. The equation is simple; more heat applied over a longer time equals much greater tissue damage than would happen if the liquid were water.

1. Melt the only enough wax to do the job at hand.
2. Keep the temperature as low as possible. Wax rarely has to be heated above 250f.
3. Wear protective clothing – goggles, gloves, nonporous jacket or apron.
4. Don’t get in a hurry – haste equals carelessness.
5. Select a work area that is free of obstacles.
6. Don’t work alone – if an accident occurs, you may need help.
7. Think before you act!