Weller 6966 HEAT GUN - Manual (Page 2)

Important Safety Instructions
Read These Instructions
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.
When working in these locations, keep the heat 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. 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 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.
Persons removing paint should follow these guidelines:
1. Move the work piece outdoors. If this is not possible, keep the work area well ventilated. Open the window and
put an exhaust fan in one of them. Be sure the fan is moving the 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 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 clean up is complete.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 rage that is then washed with the work clothes. Wash
hair and body thoroughly with soap and water.
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