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ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR PAINT REMOVAL
WARNING: 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 clean up is complete.
6. WEAR A DUST RESPIRATOR or a dual (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.
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