The task of pressure washing your property may appear to be one that anyone can complete by hiring the necessary equipment and simply starting to work.
Most people think of a pressure washer as a powerful hose that even a teenager could operate.
Although using a consumer-grade pressure washer doesn’t require much experience or training, it is essential to use caution to prevent injury to yourself or accidental damage to your property. Powerful cleaning tools like pressure washers use jets of water released at very high pressure to clean stubborn grime from hard surfaces.
This high-pressure jet of water can kill you or seriously injure you. Pressure washing causes hundreds of injuries each year but fortunately, you can prevent 99% of these injuries by keeping in mind some simple safety measures.
Here are eight suggestions for the safe and effective use of a pressure washer if you’re considering it.
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Precautions To Follow In Case Of Pressure Washing
1. Read the instruction manual
The first step in using a pressure washer correctly and safely is understanding how the device operates and how to use it. Before using a pressure washer, spend some time reading the instruction booklet cover to cover.
Technical information, operational guidelines, safety warnings, and precautions should all be included in the user handbook for the item. Pressure washers come in many different varieties with various features and pressure levels.
2. Wear your safety gear
Pressure washers release water jets at high pressure. Your toes could easily be lacerated if you unintentionally point them at your foot. Wear a pair of non-slip closed-toe shoes at all times because of this. Wearing work boots is ideal.
You should also wear safety goggles and long pants to protect your body from flying dirt and debris. It’s also advised to put on work gloves. If you have a gas-powered appliance, consider wearing ear protection. If you don’t have the necessary gear, you can always hire a reputed cleaning company for help.
3. Use durable extension cords
Electric pressure washers present unique challenges. Some inexperienced pressure washers have accidentally electrocuted themselves while using subpar extension cords. Make sure there is no water left standing on the extension cord.
Verify if it is approved for outdoor, wet use. If there is a moist area near your cleaning surface, keep the extension cable away from it. Make use of grounded electrical outlets and grounded pressure washers.
4. Keep the area clear
Examine the area around you before you begin your cleaning activity. Then remove any potential tripping hazards and obstructions from it.
Additionally, move all fragile items out of the way. You might wish to set up a security fence around the area you plan to pressure wash. Make sure the area is off-limits to everyone, including your pets. Additionally, think about having someone keep an eye on things while you’re doing your chore.
The task of pressure washing your property may appear to be one that anyone can complete by hiring the necessary equipment and simply starting to work.
5. Keep the jet away from you
It’s not a toy to use a pressure washer. Even when it is off, never point a pressure washer at a person or animal.
The extremely powerful water jet can seriously hurt or mutilate a human. When using a pressure washer, pay attention to your surroundings.
Before using a pressure washer, cover any exposed electronics, windows, vents, and the like. Observe all the areas that the spray could harm, then take precautions to secure or protect it.
6. Don’t put too much pressure
It’s always preferable to start a pressure washer on the lowest setting available. This will give you a sense of how the machine works. It will also give you an idea of the spray’s strength at its weakest setting. Starting with the washer on full blast has the potential to cause significant injury as well as damage to your home, depending on how it behaves.
7. Angle the spray of water
When pressure washing, aim at the surface from an angle. The intention is to remove the dirt from the surface so it can be washed away. Spraying straight at a dirty surface will make the dirt go deeper.
This is particularly valid for porous materials like wood or concrete. If you don’t spray at an angle, you’ll also end up with dirt flying at you. You also risk damaging the property if the jet of water is strong.
8. Keep the safety latch on
Engage the safety latch on your gun when you’re not spraying to prevent accidental activation of the pressure washer. Not all pressure washers, but the majority of them, have a safety clasp on the handle.
To prevent the trigger from being accidentally pulled, a little lever behind it can be flipped horizontally. Never put your gun down unless the safety latch is engaged, and never leave your pressure washer running if you move away from the spot.
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