A pressure washer is a power tool that sprays water at high pressures to clean large, sturdy surfaces such as buildings, farm equipment and roads. Pressure washers may be used more often during disaster clean-up when the risk of injury may be higher.
Pressure Washer Safety Tips
Never Aim the Wand at Anyone.
Always keep the wand pointed downward until you’re comfortable with the strength of pressure. Remember: Our 0-degree red nozzle can etch CONCRETE, it WILL do damage to your body. Even if there is no visible damage, the power from a pressure washer can cause internal tissue damage. Pressure washers are not toys, and should not be treated like squirt guns.
Wear Protective Equipment.
We’ll repeat ourselves: the 0-degree red nozzle can damage concrete! Sneakers and jeans won’t stand a chance. Your feet, hands, and eyes are at high risk of being injured. Not only from the high-pressure water spray but also from flying debris. A huge majority of pressure washer injuries are preventable simply by wearing proper safety gear. We recommend boots, gloves, long pants, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
Don’t Operate a Gas Powered Pressure Washer in an Enclosed Space.
Your Karcher Pressure Washer engine emits carbon monoxide, which is dangerous to inhale. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Pressure wash in well-ventilated areas. If you need to use a pressure washer in an enclosed space, we recommend using an electric pressure washer. Save the gas-powered pressure washers for outdoor use.
Avoid Ladders and Working at High Heights.
The force of a pressure washer is easily underestimated. The kickback can easily cause you to lose your balance and fall. Instead, use extension lances, wands, and attachments to clean up high.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings.
Check around the area you’ll be cleaning to ensure your safety. Consider all possible hazards before starting your pressure washer. Including everything from children to pets, obstacles you could trip on such as hoses, and uneven or slippery surfaces. Then, while you’re pressure washing, remain aware of your surroundings for any changes that may turn hazardous.
Select the Right Nozzle.
It might look cool to carve designs in wood or concrete, but spray tip nozzles can be very dangerous. Start out with the largest degree spray tip you have, and adjust from there.
Electric Shock.
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Never spray an electrical outlet, check any electrical cords for damage before use, and exercise extra care when using an electric pressure washer.
Protect Your Equipment.
Store your pressure washer in a clean, dry, well-ventilated place that is away from sparks. When storing your pressure washer in an unheated area, be sure to winterize it before the first frost. If storing in a basement/in your house, remove all gasoline from the engine. Protect your pump by using AR Pump Saver if you will be storing your pressure washer for more than 3 months, or if it will be subjected to freezing temperatures.
When using a pressure washer, always follow the safety instructions here
Risks
- The strong spray from a pressure washer can cause serious wounds that might first appear minor. Wounds that appear minor can cause a person to delay treatment, increasing risk for infection, disability or amputation.
- The fast, strong spray can throw objects that strike and injure others who are close by.
- Electric shock can occur if the pressure washer is not used properly and if safety instructions are not followed.
- Using small, gasoline-powered engines can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Workers should not use any equipment powered by gasoline engines inside buildings or other partially enclosed spaces unless the gasoline engine can be placed outdoors and away from air intakes.
Precautions
- Never point a pressure washer at yourself or others.
- Never attempt to push or move objects with spray from the washer.
- Never use a gasoline powered washer in an enclosed space.
- Always test the ground fault circuit interrupter (circuit breaker or outlet) before using a pressure washer.
- Always plug a properly grounded pressure washer into a properly grounded receptacle.
- If an extension cord must be used, keep the pressure washer’s power cord connection out of any standing water, and use a heavy duty extension cord with components rated for use in wet locations. Keep both the power cord and extension cord connections as far away as possible from the item being washed and away from any water runoff.
- Wear rubber-soled shoes that provide some insulation when using the pressure washer.
- Never cut or splice the pressure washer’s power cord or extension cords.
- Never remove the grounding prong from the pressure washer’s power cord plug or the extension cord.
- Always have a qualified electrician check the pressure washer for electrical problems after it has tripped a circuit breaker.
- Never allow children to operate a pressure washer. Keep children at a safe distance when an adult is using a pressure washer.
If you are hurt by a pressure washer:
- Call emergency help is needed.
- Take care of any wounds:
- Before treating the wound, wash your hands with soap and clean water.
- Remove any object that is in the way of caring for the wound.
- Put pressure on the wound with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
- After bleeding has stopped, pour bottled or clean running water over the wound.
- Gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water.
- Pat dry and use an adhesive bandage or dry clean cloth to cover the wound.
- Leave unclean wounds open.
Your safety is our priority at gibadi.com
