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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. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk
of exposure.
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.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of exposure.
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. Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of injury.
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 properly.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of exposure.
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, then wash that rag with the work clothes.
Wash hair and body thoroughly with soap and water.
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SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR PAINT REMOVAL