Safety
Warning:
Hidden areas such as behind walls, ceilings, floors, soffitboards and other panels may contain flammable
materials that could be ignited by the heat gun when working in these locations. The ignition of those ma-
terials may not be readily apparent and could result in property damage and injury to persons.
When working in these locations, keep the heat gun moving in a back-and-forth motion. Lingering or
pausing in one spot could ignite the panel or the material behind it.
Warning: Important Safety Instructions
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 l950 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 remov-
ing 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 heat gun.
Persons removing paint should follow these guidelines:
1. 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.
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
the 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 hairs
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 gun moving as excessive heat will gener-
ate 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 eat-
ing 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 not sweep, dry dust or vacuum.
Use a high phosphate detergent or trisodium phosphate (TSP) to wash and mop areas.
10. 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.
11. 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 these instructions.
