Ryobi HG600 Operation Manual - Page 8

OPERATION WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with tools to make you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury. WARNING: Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes resulting in possible serious injury. WARNING: Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this tool. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury. APPLICATIONS You may use this tool for the purposes listed below:  Soften paint, caulking and putty for easier removal  Soften adhesives to help remove stickers, floor tiles, wallpaper, etc.  Heating plastic and metal for bending  Soldering pipe joints  Shrink tubing for electrical work  Shrink plastic film for wrapping or weatherproofing  Loosen rusted nuts, bolts, and fittings READ THIS INSTRUCTION WARNING: Use extreme care 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. Once deposited on surfaces, hand to mouth contact can result in the ingestion of 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 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. Persons removing paint should follow these guidelines: n Move the workpiece outdoors. If this is not possible, 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. n Remove or cover any carpets, rugs, furniture, clothing, cooking utensils, and air ducts. n 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. n 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. n 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. n 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 masks from sealing properly. Change filters often. DISPOSABLE PAPER MASKS ARE NOT ADEQUATE. n Use caution when operating the heat gun. Keep the heat gun moving as excessive heat will generate fumes n 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. n Clean up all removed paint and dust by wet mopping the floors. Use a wet cloth to clean all walls, sills, and any other surface 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. n At the end of work session, put the paint chips and debris in a double plastic bag, close it with tape or twist ties, and dispose of properly. n 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. 8 - English