WARNING:
Extreme care should be taken when
stripping paint. The peelings, residue and vapors
of paint may contain lead, which is poisonous. Any
pre-1977 paint may contain lead and paint applied to
homes prior to 1950 is likely to contain lead. Expo-
sure to even low levels of lead can cause irreversible
brain and nervous system damage; young and un-
born children are particularly vulnerable.
Before beginning any paint removal process,
you should determine whether the paint you are re-
moving contains lead. This can be done by your lo-
cal health department or by a professional who uses
a paint analyzer to check the lead content of the
paint to be removed. LEAD-BASED PAINT SHOULD
ONLY BE REMOVED BY A PROFESSIONAL AND
SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED USING A HEAT GUN.
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CONTINUED
PAINT REMOVAL SAFETY
Underwriting Laboratories, Inc., in the Eleventh Edi-
tion for Electrical Heating Appliances, UL 499 revised
May 1990, issues the following instructions:
1. Hidden areas such as behind walls, ceilings,
floors, soffit boards and other panels may contain
flammable materials that could be ignited by the
heat gun when working in these locations. The ig-
nition of these materials may not be readily appar-
ent and could result in property damage and injury
to persons.
2. When working in these locations, keep the gun
moving in a back-and-forth motion. Lingering or
pausing in one spot could ignite the panel or the
material behind it.
such as extra work shirts, overalls and hats.
Work in one room at a time. Furnishings should be
removed or placed in the center of the room and
covered. Work areas should be sealed off from the
rest of the dwelling by sealing doorways with drop
cloths.
Children, pregnant or potentially pregnant women
and nursing mothers should not be present in the
work area until the work is done and all clean-up is
complete.
Wear a dust respirator mask or a dual filter (dust
and fume) respirator mask which has been ap-
proved by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), the National Insti-
tute of Safety and Health (NIOSH), or the Unit-
ed States Bureau of Mines. These masks and
replaceable filters are readily available at ma-
jor hardware stores. Be sure the mask fits.
Beards and facial hair may keep the masks
from sealing properly. Change filters often.
DISPOSABLE PAPER MASKS ARE NOT ADE-
QUATE.
Use caution when operating the heat gun. Keep
the heat gun moving as excessive heat will gener-
ate fumes which can be inhaled by the operator.
Keep food and drink out of the work area. Wash
hands, arms, and face, and rinse mouth before
eating or drinking. Do not smoke or chew gum or
tobacco in the work area.
Clean up all removed paint and dust by wet mop-
ping the floors. Use a wet cloth to clean all walls,
sills and any other surfaces where paint or dust is
clinging. DO NOT SWEEP, DRY DUST, OR VACU-
UM. Use a high phosphate detergent or trisodium
phosphate (TSP) to wash and mop areas.
At the end of each work session, put the paint
chips and debris in a double plastic bag, close it
with tape or twist-ties and dispose of properly.
Remove protective clothing and work shoes in
the work area to avoid carrying dust into the
rest of the dwelling. Wash work clothes sepa-
rately. Wipe shoes off with a wet rag that is
then washed with the work clothes. Wash hair
and body thoroughly with soap and water.
PERSONS REMOVING PAINT SHOULD
FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES:
Keep the work area well ventilated. Open the win-
dows and put an exhaust fan in one of them. Be
sure the fan is moving the air from inside to out-
side.
Remove or cover any carpets, rugs, furniture,
clothing, cooking utensils and air ducts.
Place drop cloths in the work area to catch any
paint chips or peelings. Wear protective clothing
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
