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17. Be constantly aware that this tool can ignite flammable materials, and soften or melt
others. Regardless of the task you are performing, shield or keep away from these
materials that are close to the work area.
You may occasionally notice some slight smoking of the tool after it is turned off. This is the
result of heating the residual oil that was deposited on the heating element during the
manufacturing process.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
In order for this tool to be an effective paint stripper, it must produce extremely high
temperatures. As a consequence, the stripper is capable of igniting paper, wood, paint and
varnish residue and similar materials.
As you become more familiar with the tool and develop the proper technique, the danger of
accidental ignition will be greatly reduced. In establishing the proper technique, the best thing
to do is practice! Work on simple stripping projects, preferably outdoors, until you get a “feel”
for how to use your stripper safely and effectively.
As you practice, observe the following procedures for safety:
1. Always be sure the tool is turned off and disconnected from power supply when unattended.
2. Clean the scraper blade often during use. Built up residue on the blade is highly
flammable.
3. Experiment to find the optimum distance from the toolʼs nozzle to the surface being
stripped. This distance (usually 1-2 inches)(25-50 mm) will vary depending on the
material being removed.
4. Keep the heat gun moving ahead of the scraper blade at all times.
5. As you work, clean up loose pieces of paint as they accumulate around the work area.
6. When working indoors, keep away from curtains, papers, upholstery and similar
flammable materials.
7. Above all, remember that this is a serious power tool that is capable of producing
excellent results when used properly. Practice on simple projects until you feel
comfortable with your stripper. Only then will you have mastered the proper technique.
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. Exposures 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 heat gun.
Persons removing paint should always 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, 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 women 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.
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