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Extreme care should be taken when removing paint. The
peelings, residue, and vapors of paint may contain lead,
which is poisonous. 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 for
lead.
LEAD-BASED PAINT SHOULD ONLY BE REMOVED BY A PROFESSIONAL.
Persons removing paint should follow these guidelines:
1. KEEP THE WORK AREA WELL VENTILATED. Open the windows and
put an exhaust fan in one of them. Be sure the fan is moving 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 cleanup is complete.
6. WEAR A DUST RESPIRATOR 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 the masks from sealing properly. Change filters
often. DISPOSABLE PAPER MASKS ARE NOT ADEQUATE.
7. 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.
8. CLEAN UP ALL REMOVED PAINT and dust by wet mopping 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 VACUUM. Use a high
phosphate detergent or trisodium (TSP) to wash and mop areas.
9. 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.
10. 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.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR PAINT REMOVAL