Pressure washers are powerful machines, capable of cleaning large areas quickly and efficiently. However, the risks associated with pressure washers can be catastrophic – up to, and including death. In 2017, OSHA Reported over 800 instances of pressure washer related injuries. Thankfully, pressure washer injuries are 100% preventable. To ensure your safety, and the safety of those around you, while using your Vortexx Pressure Washer, utilize the pressure washer safety tips listed below.
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 Vortexx 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.
Pressure Washer Injury Assessment
Any device that produces over 100 PSI has the potential for serious injury. Immediate acknowledgment and treatment of a pressure washer injury is crucial. Assess any injuries, including wounds, muscle function, and blood flow. Remove any objects that are in the way of caring for any visible wounds. Put pressure on the wound to stop bleeding. Gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water. Pat the wound dry, and apply a clean adhesive bandage or dry, clean cloth to cover the wound.
Persons who have been injured by high-pressure spray are urged to seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible. Not all pressure washer injuries are immediately obvious, or even visible. Internal injuries may be present even if no external wound is apparent. Medical professionals can asses injuries more appropriately and provide appropriate medical treatment such as a tetanus shot, antibiotics, or referral to a specialist.
Excellent tips! I never considered the risk of electrical hazards when using a pressure washer. I’ll be sure to check for any exposed wires next time.
I like that you mentioned that you should pay attention to the force a pressure washer may exert since it could knock you off balance. There are several dust and grime buildups throughout the entire facility, therefore my supervisor at work intends to pressure wash the structure. He claimed that its visual attractiveness has been negatively impacted by the dirt. I’ll ask him to employ a professional pressure washer instead, as none of us at the workplace are good at it.
Great post about pressure washer safety tips! It’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with pressure washers and how to prevent injuries. Your detailed guidelines provide valuable information to ensure safe and effective use of these powerful machines. Safety should always come first when operating pressure washers.
For anyone looking for professional pressure washing services, remember to check out McDonough Pressure Washing!
Thank you for providing such detailed information and guidelines.
It really stood out to me when you mentioned that pressure washers can be used to clean large areas quickly. I would think that pressure washers would be great to use when you have agricultural facilities that you need to keep clean. I know that farm animals can be pretty messy, so it would be a good idea to have a pressure washer that you can use to clean messes.
Thanks for sharing this very informative guide. Pressure washing can harm anyone if not careful.
Pressure washers are not toys! Teenagers especially should be supervised during their use and homeowners might practice using them on wide open areas of the home, to get accustomed to the blowback. Thanks for sharing!
You got me when you said that the force that can come from a pressure washer cannot be underestimated because it can cause you to lose your balance. My supervisor at work is planning to have the building pressure washed because there are a lot of buildups of dust and dirt in every area of the building. He said that the dirt has been affecting its aesthetic appeal. Since none of us in the office is skilled in pressure washing, I’ll ask him to hire a professional instead.
Thanks for giving a very informative post.
I’ve seen so many of this. Cleaning using this pressure washer and your tips are so helpful. Thanks!
I will keep these instructions well in my mind. Some important safety procedure is important for our safety. I have prepared list of Better quality pressure washer with more safety features.