Although paint is fairly user-friendly, exercise caution when working with it. Following are some basic guidelines for painting safely from HomeTips.com:

* Always work in a well-ventilated area. Open doors and windows, and use exhaust fans. Keep pets out of freshly painted rooms.

* If you cannot ventilate the area well enough to get rid of fumes, wear a respirator approved for such use.

* Wear a dust mask and safety goggles when sanding to keep yourself from breathing in dust particles and to protect your eyes.

* Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator when you are using chemical strippers, caustic cleaning compounds, or strong solvents.

* Use canvas dropcloths as they stay in place and aren’t as slippery as plastic.

* Do not use or store paint products near a flame or heat source. Avoid smoking while painting or using thinner.

* Inspect ladders for sturdiness. Make sure that all four legs rest squarely on the floor and that both cross braces are locked in place. Never stand on the top step or the utility shelf. Never lean away from a ladder; get off and move it if you cannot reach a spot easily.

* Clean up promptly after painting, and properly dispose of soiled rags. To eliminate any chance of spontaneous combustion, spread rags soaked with alkyd paint or thinner outdoors and let these dry all day before disposing of them at a toxic-waste dump. Do not leave rags to dry in areas accessible to children or pets.