Pressure washing is more dangerous than many people realise.
Fortunately, with basic safety precautions, you can avoid 99% of all pressure washing injuries.
Some people give themselves serious wounds using a pressure washer. Others knock themselves out with carbon monoxide poisoning after running the pressure washer in an enclosed space.
Here are some safety tips for pressure washing at home:
1. Run Pressure Washers in Well-Ventilated Spaces: Never run any gas-powered machine in an enclosed space. Thousands harm themselves every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your pressure washer has plenty of ventilation in an outdoor space to avoid toxic fumes.
2. Use Durable Extension Cords for Electrical Pressure Washers: Electric-powered pressure washers have their own challenges. Some amateur pressure washers have inadvertently electrocuted themselves by using poor-quality extension cords. Make sure the extension cord is free of any standing water. Make sure it’s rated for wet, outdoor use. Keep the extension cord away from any wet area around your cleaning surface. Use a grounded pressure washer and plug into a grounded electrical outlet.
3. Wear Eye Protection: Pressure washing can kick dirt, debris, and pebbles into the air. Every year, thousands are injured by this flying debris. Wear eye protection. Otherwise, you risk permanent damage to your eyesight.
4. Avoid Pressure Washing Around People and Pets: If you’re pressure washing around the house, be sure to do it away from people and pets. Dogs may be curious about the pressure washer, and accidentally spraying your dog can lead to serious injuries.
5. Treat Pressure Washing Wounds Quickly: Pressure washing wounds are more serious than many people realise. You need to treat them quickly. They might look innocent, but they could require treatment. Some people have faced amputation or disability after serious wounds from pressure washers. If in doubt, have a medical professional check the wound.
6. Follow Safety Instructions: It may not seem ‘cool’ to read the safety instructions. But it’s smart. Take a few minutes to read the instructions for your pressure washer. A few minutes of reading today can prevent hours of headaches in the future. Some pressure washers also require specific solutions or pressure ratings to avoid damage.
7. Avoid Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Places: You may be tempted to pressure wash your roof, upper windows, and other hard-to-reach areas. Avoid cleaning hard-to-reach areas if you’re not comfortable. Let the professionals tackle it.
8. Use the Appropriate Pressure for your Surface: Non-professional pressure washers may not be aware they need to use different pressure ratings for different surfaces. It’s true. You can damage your roof or siding with too much pressure, for example, weakening the structural integrity of your home. Use the appropriate pressure for your surface.
9. Don’t Clean Shingles: Your shingles may look dirty, and you may be tempted to clean them with your pressure washer. However, pressure washers can blast the gritty surface off of shingles, weakening their integrity. A single pressure wash could take years off the lifespan of your roof.
10. Don’t Clean Windows: It’s easy to shatter a window while pressure washing – especially if it’s an older window. Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, avoid pressure washing windows.
For the best pressure washing service, contact FCT Surface Cleaning for a competitive quote on (08) 9204 3333.
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