Pressure washing is a great way to clean large areas quickly and efficiently. It may appear effortless to use a pressure washer, but it can be dangerous. Thankfully, the injuries that can occur when using a pressure washer are 100% preventable as long as you follow some safety tips.

Pressure Washer Safety Tips

1. Always aim the pressure washer wand downward. Until you are comfortable with the amount of pressure always point them away from you and anyone else. Pressure washers can etch concrete and can therefore damage your body. There might be damage to the tissue below if you don’t have a visible wound.
2. Sizing of pressure washer nozzle. The spray nozzles can be dangerous. Always start with the largest degree spray tip you have. Then you can adjust from there to make sure you don’t damage any surfaces.
3. Avoid electric shock when power washing. We all know that water and electricity don’t mix-. That’s because water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Always make sure that cords aren’t damaged in anyway before you start and never spray an electrical outlet.
4. Always wear protection when pressure cleaning. Because pressure washers can be dangerous to use, flip flops and shorts aren’t enough to protect yourself from the pressure they can exert. Not only can the pressure be dangerous, so are the objects that can go flying into the air when you’re using one. You should wear long pants, boots, and safety glasses.
5. Use gas powered pressure washers in open spaces. Gas engines can emit carbon monoxide that is dangerous to inhale. It can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Do not use them in closed areas. If you need to pressure wash an enclosed area, use an electric pressure washer.
6. Avoid heights when pressure washing. It can be hard to estimate the force of pressure and that can become a dangerous situation when heights are involved. If the power washer causes kickback, you can lose you balance and fall. Use extension attachments to clean high areas instead of ladders to stay safe.
7. Be aware of your surroundings when exterior cleaning. Always be aware of what’s going on around you. Know where and what the hazards are. Pets, children, hoses to trip over and surfaces that might be slippery can be hazardous.

High Pressure Water Jetting Injuries

Pressure washers are not toys. They can produce over 100 PSI and have the potential to cause serious injury. You will need to assess any injuries that occur. Put pressure on a wound that is bleeding. Gently clean around the wound with soap and water, pat dry, and apply a clean cloth or bandage. You should always seek medical attention after any injury from a pressure washer. Again, you may not see any problems below the skin surface and medical professionals will provide the right treatment.

Pressure Washing Services & More in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Duluth, Stone Mountain, Covington, Conyers, Loganville & Atlanta Georgia

Operating a pressure washer in an unsafe manner can be catastrophic. In 2017, OSHA reported over 800 instances of pressure washer related injuries. The best way to stay safe while around a pressure washer is to hire the professionals at DM Carpet Cleaning to use it for you. Give us a call today!