RIDGID R860434, Operator'S Manual

Page: 4 / 28

4 - English
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
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.
WARNING:
Do not direct hot tip or nozzle toward clothing,
hands, or other body parts. Intense heat from tip or
nozzle can cause serious burns or cause clothing
to ignite.
Persons removing paint should follow these guidelines:

Move the work piece outdoors. If this is not possible,
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.

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 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 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.

Use caution when operating the heat gun. Keep the heat
gun moving, as excessive heat will generate 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 mopping
the floors. Use a wet cloth to clean all walls, sills and any
other surface where paint or dust is clinging. DO NOT
SWEEP, DRY DUST OR VACUUM. 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 separately. Wipe shoes off with a wet
rag that is then washed with the work clothes. Wash hair
and body thoroughly with soap and water.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION