Ladder Safety Using Power Washers Dealing With Lead Paint Personal Protective Equipment   Personal Protective Equipment Painting isn't an inherently dangerous activity, but it always pays to follow good safety practices. Carelessness is the quickest way to get into trouble when doing any project, and painting is no exception. Personal Protective Equipment: Good painting practice dictates that the skin, eyes, and lungs be protected at all times. This can be accomplished by purchasing GLOVES, SAFETY GOGGLES and a DUST MASK or RESPIRATOR. FABRIC OR LEATHER WORK GLOVES are necessary when scraping, wire-brushing, sanding and patching. Wear them at all times when working around splintered wood. RUBBER GLOVES should be worn when working with bleach solution, paint thinners and removers and any type of acid. Also wear them when cleaning painting equipment using paint thinner or mineral spirits. (NOTE: Be sure that the gloves are the kind of rubber that will not be softened when exposed to lacquer thinners or other harsh chemicals.)   EYE PROTECTION is recommended when wire-brushing, scraping, sanding or painting overhead. SAFETY GOGGLES are a must when handling acids, bleach or other chemicals. It is also a good idea to wear a DUST MASK when sanding. And, if you are doing any painting with a sprayer, wear a MIST FILTER plus an ORGANIC VAPOR RESPIRATOR to avoid breathing paint spray into your lungs. Finally, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing when doing any type of painting.