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Painting is one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects, yet it is not without its potential hazards. The proper respect for the task mixed with common sense and a few safety guidelines will ensure your project comes off without mishap: * Ventilate the area to be painted, opening all doors and windows and using fans. Do not let a freshly painted room be occupied, particulary not by older people, children, or pets.
* Wear a respirator if the area being painted cannot be adequately ventilated, and work for short periods only.
* When sanding, wear a dust mask and safety goggles..
* If you are using any solutions containing chemicals, such as stripper or cleaners, wear safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator.
* Protect floors with dropcloths, not plastic, which is far more slippery.
* Do not paint or store paint near any heat source, such as a water heater or fireplace, and never smoke while painting.
* Make sure your ladder is in good shape. Set the legs on an even surface and lock the cross braces. Do not stand on the top of the ladder, nor on the utility shelf. If you are having difficulty reaching a spot, get down from the ladder and move it rather than leaning out.
* When you are done for the day, clean up carefully and thoroughly. If rags have alkyd paint or thinner on them, leave them to dry outside in an area inaccessible to children and pets to avoid any chance of spontaneous combustion; when they are thoroughly dry, take them to a toxic-waste dump site.
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