Handling a Power Washer: The Risks and 8 Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
Power washers, powerful tools that come in gas and electric models and discharge 1,000 pounds of water per square inch (PSI) to 4,000 PSI (the strength a professional power wash company may use), are the perfect tool for removing debris and cleaning large surfaces (like service vehicles, sides of buildings, or farm equipment).
As power washing tasks require the use of a very powerful tool, it is important to practice the proper safety precautions and techniques to help reduce injuries to yourself and damage to the property.
Power Washing Risks
Power washing is prone to many risks, including injury to you, another person, or damage the property. Electrocution, from electric power washers, and carbon monoxide poisoning in poorly ventilated areas, from gas-powered power washers, are other hazards to be aware of when dealing with power washing. Immediately get in contact with a doctor if suffering, even the most seemingly minor, injuries due to power washing. There is a possibility you may need to get a tetanus shot, take antibiotics to prevent infection, or have an X-ray to ensure there are no fractures.
Power Washing Safety Tips Read the user manual. Always read and follow the owner’s manual instructions for your power washer.
Wear safety gear. Proper safety gear will help prevent physical injuries. Items, such as safety goggles, long sleeves, pants and insulated and rubber soled, close-toed shoes, are key to wear when power washing.
Point and shoot carefully. Never use others, pets, or yourself as targets to point a power washer at. Also don’t use the spray of the water to move objects. A power washer’s spray can be strong enough to cause great injury, such as broken bones or an incident where amputation is the result. Make sure you press the trigger only when aiming at the appropriate target.
Clear all objects. Make sure to clear the area, especially getting rid of small rocks, nails, and other minor debris, around the object you want to clean. When power washing, harmless objects are capable of causing great damage.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When using gas-powered power washers, make sure you are in a well-ventilated space. Avoid enclosed spaces and areas near air intakes so that others are not injured by the fumes.
Practice circuit breaker and outlet safety. Always test the circuit breaker before power washing to prevent loss of power or electrocution. Hire a licensed electrician to inspect your washer before you use it again if you trip a circuit breaker if you ever trip a circuit breaker while power washing.
Use grounded plugs. Always keep your power washer grounded by keeping grounding prong on the power washer’s grounding plug intact.
Be careful with extension cords. To prevent electrocution, make sure to not let an extension cord rest in standing water if you need it for your power washer. The best extension cords to use in this situation are heavy-duty ones, specially designed to offer safety in wet environments.
Keep away from children. Children should NEVER operate or handle a power washer. Make sure children or pets stay a safe distance away from the machine if they are in the vicinity.
Hire a professional power washing company if you are lacking the skills or do not want to be exposed to the dangerous risks that are connected to power washing. Many power washing companies offer free estimates for the work you want done and may actually be less expensive that purchasing your own power washer.
About the Author
For high-quality cleaning results from an innovative power washing service, visit Scotts Pressure Wash at www.ScottsPressureWash.com.
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