6
be readily apparent and could result in property damage and injury to persons.
When working in these locations, keep the torch moving in a back-and-forth motion.
Lingering or pausing in one spot could ignite the panel or the material behind it.
E. Do not use this torch to remove paint (if the torch can be used to remove paint,
items (F) and (G) below shall be used.
F. 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. Once deposited on surfaces, hand to mouth contact can result in the ingestion
of lead. Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause irreversible brain and nervous
system damage; young and unborn children are particularly vulnerable. Before
beginning any paint removal process you should determine whether the paint you
are removing contains lead. This can be done by your local 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 TORCH.
G. Persons removing paint should follow these guidelines:
1. Move the work piece outdoors. If this is not possilbe, keep the work area well
ventilated. Open the windows and put an exhaust fan in one of them. Be sure the fan
is moving the air from inside to outside.
2. Remove or cover any carpets, rugs furniture, clothing, cooking utensils and air ducts.
3. Place drop cloths in the work area to catch any paint chips or peelings. Wear
protective clothing such as extra work shirts, overalls and hats.
4. 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.
5. Children, pregnant or potentially pregnant women and nursing mothers should
not be present in work area until the work is done and all clean up is complete.
6. Wear a dust respirator mask or a dual filter (dust and fume) respirator mask which
has been approved by the Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA), the
National institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH), or the United States Bureau of Mines.
These masks and replaceable filters are readily available at major hardware stores.
Be sure the mask fits. Beards and facial hair may keep masks from sealing properly.
Change filters often. DISPOSABLE PAPER MASKS ARE NOT ADEQUATE.
7. Use caution when operating the heat gun. Keep the heat moving, as excessive
heat will generate fumes, which can be inhaled by the operator.
8. 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.
9. Clean up all removed paint and dust by wet mopping the floors. Use a wet cloth
to clean all walls, sills and any other surface where paint or dust is clinging. DO