While high pressure cleaning is a great way to complete your cleaning tasks faster and more efficiently, there are some safety risks when you are using a pressure washer. Therefore, you have to exercise some degree of care and caution or else you might end up injuring someone, or maybe yourself. To make things a tad easier for you, here is a look at 7 pressure washer safety tips that you can’t afford to ignore:
1. Don’t Point the Pressure Washer at Anyone
Yes, just like a gun – don’t point it at anyone. You cannot underestimate the pressure at which the water comes out of the pressure washer. People have suffered serious injuries, including skin lacerations, just because they sprayed water at high pressure on their skin. Therefore, when you are cleaning with a pressure washer, make sure no one is around, and if someone is, be careful not to aim the washer at them.
2. Plan the Job
Before you get started, it is a good idea to plan out the high pressure cleaning job. For instance, it isn’t a good idea to clean your driveway when the forecast predicts rain. Similarly, if you are having guests over, it might not be the best time to wash the garage. You need to find a time when you are left to your devices so you can complete the job in peace and without putting anyone at risk.
3. Wear the Right Safety Gear
We cannot overemphasize the importance of wearing the right safety gear. You need to protect your face, hands, and legs, and any part of your skin that might be exposed. Also, you need to cover your eyes because you never know the direction in which the water splashes back.
4. Read the Manual
A crucial tip for pressure washer safety is learning to operate it properly. For this, you should read the manual so you can figure out the right way to use the washer and also learn about any precautions that you might have to take. Though this might take some time, it will ensure your high pressure cleaning job goes smoothly.
5. Identify All Hazards
As mentioned above, you need to plan out your job. One of the key aspects of proper planning is to identify all potential hazards in the area that you want to clean. This includes your kids or pets who may come rushing out when you least expect them to. Plus, you simply cannot spray water at high pressure near electrical wires or outlets. Therefore, be mindful of any potential hazards.
6. Stay on the Ground
A common (and often fatal) mistake people make is using a high pressure washer when up on a ladder. You have to stay on the ground, i.e. your feet have to be constantly on the ground at all times during a high pressure cleaning job. The force of the spray alone can knock you off the ladder or cause you to lose balance, so it is better to stay grounded. You can always use an extension wand to extend the reach of the pressure washer safely.
7. Avoid Using Gas Pressure Washers Indoors
If, in case, you require a gas pressure washer for a job, make sure you don’t use it in any confined or enclosed space. This is because the washer emits carbon monoxide, which can be highly toxic when inhaled.
So, the next time you are planning a high pressure cleaning job, make sure you keep these 7 pressure washer safety tips in mind. If you still feel taking the DIY route is a risk, you can call in professional cleaners to do the job for you.