Underwriting Laboratories, Inc., in the Eleventh
Edition for Electrical Heating Appliances, UL 499
revised May 1990, issues the following instructions:
1. Hidden areas such as behind walls, ceilings,
floors, soffit boards and other panels may contain
flammable materials that could be ignited by the
Heat Gun when working in these locations. The
ignition of these materials may not be readily
apparent and could result in property damage
and injury to persons.
2. When working in these locations, keep the Gun
moving in a back-and-forth motion. Lingering or
pausing in one spot could ignite the panel or the
material behind it.
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.
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 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.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CONTINUED
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Persons removing paint should follow these
guidelines:
■ 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.
■ Remove or cover any carpets, rugs, furniture, clothing, cooking
utensils and air ducts.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
■ 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.
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.
■ Use caution when operating the Heat Gun. Keep the Heat Gun
moving as excessive heat will generate fumes which can be inhaled
by the operator.
■ 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.
■ 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 phosphate (TSP) to
wash and mop areas.
■ 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.
■ Removed protective clothing and work shoes in the work area
to avoid carrying dust into the rest of the swelling. 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.
