ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR PAINT REMOVAL
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.
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.
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