refinishing painted hardwood floors & stairs

Hello,
I have pine hardwood floors and stairs that have a heavy coat of blue paint on them. Does the presence of paint have any implications on what kind of equipment I need to rent to refinish the floors myself?

Obviously protecting myself from inhaling the paint is a concern, any additional precautions I should take?

Any responses appreciated, thanks!!

 

Right now i am in the middle of a restoration of an 1820 home that has 4-7 layers of paintaround all the perimeters of the rooms. My clark drum sander takes of the bulk of the paint with 20 grit and what is left we take out with the edger. then we 45 the room to remove edger marks and then with the grain to smooth it out. this wil be our 3rd week on the job coming up. half way there. As far as the paint depending on the age of the home it will probubly contain some form of lead. You will need a charcoal resperator made for fine dust removal. i would call a pro. They can take care of many of the rpoblems that can occur with paint removal but be prepared the cost will not be cheap