safety: preparing to start

• Move furniture to the centre of the room and cover with thick polythene sheeting/dust sheets. Fix securely around the edge of the room with good quality tape
• Take care when working or walking over polythene sheets as they can become slippery
• Make provision to keep pets and small children out of the area where you are working
• Where possible work in good daylight or sufficiently good artificial light

Always read and follow all instructions on the paint container

• When working near electrical items turn off the supply especially if using water to wash down or strip wallpaper
• Special care should be taken during preparation of pre-1960s paint surfaces on wood and metal as they may contain harmful lead
• Take care if using a steam stripper to strip ceilings and walls. Boiling water can collect in the plate and spill out. Never work directly beneath the plate