How To Safely Use An Electric Pressure Washer

Safety Rules You Need To Follow When Using Your Pressure Washer

Pressure washers are excellent machines for washing the exterior of your home and massive spaces. You can quickly and effectively wash your deck, cladding, and concrete floorings with it. Likewise, an electric-powered washer is perfect for simpler chores like washing your vehicles, while a gas type is most suitable for heavier tasks.

However, since these machines produce high pressure, they’re quite powerful. Hence, the potential risks that come with them can be disastrous and can even lead to serious consequences. For these reasons, it’s vital to understand how you can accurately utilize one before starting any cleaning job to avoid likely mishaps.

With that in mind, here are power washer safety tips to ensure that you and everyone around you is safe every time you’re pressure washing your space.

Understand The Owner’s Manual

The very first precaution you need to consider before operating your tool is mastering how to handle it properly. Your unit comes with a user’s manual containing all essential information and guidelines. These cover how you can apply it cautiously, essential features, levels of pressure, and water temperature. Ensure that you read and understand every instruction thoroughly. The handbook may include directions on the right way to assemble and disassemble the device as well.

Check Out Your Surroundings For Possible Hazards

Make sure the area is clear of hazards before power washing. Look around for potential risks, including slippery and uneven surfaces, pets, items you may trip on, and even your kids.

If for some reason it’s crucial to stand near the road throughout washing your space, have a spotter nearby to watch for any oncoming traffic. Pressure washing while watching traffic yourself will distract you from managing your device safely. Additionally, your spotter should watch out for people approaching to avoid directing your unit at them.

Protect Yourself

Utilizing the red zero-degree nozzle can surely destroy concrete exteriors, and your regular clothing will not stand a chance against it. Likewise, the high-pressure stream of water and flying rubbles can potentially injure your eyes, hands, and feet. Hence, wearing the right set of safety protecting gear can prevent a massive number of power washer wounds.

Here’s a list of the safety gear you need to prepare:

• Safety Glasses. Shield your eyes from flying debris by wearing safety or shatterproof glasses that the pressurized water propells.
• Gloves. Your hands are the most prone body part to get injured when operating a pressure washer. Therefore, the best safety gear to protect it is a pair of gloves. Aside from preventing injuries, wearing them will increase your grip as well. 
• Hearing Protection. This is especially advisable if you have the gas model since its motor produces loud decibels. On the other hand, electric washers are usually on the quieter side and may not require hearing protection.
• Boots. Your shoes should always have closed-toe shoes on. If possible, wear boots with a steel-toe since the high-pressure water may tear through your rubber boots.
• Long pants. You want to protect your legs from the blast of pressurized water and any flying stuff that may tear your skin. 

Use The Appropriate Nozzle

You may think that carving designs in concrete or wood surfaces is cool, but the nozzle spray tip is pretty dangerous. Begin by utilizing the spray tip with the largest degree and work your way from there, adjusting along the way.

Be Careful With The Detergent You’ll Use

Some power washer models come with a chemical or detergent injector for applying cleaning agents more efficiently. Nevertheless, ensure that the surfactant you’ll utilize is specifically designed for your unit since it can be tedious and hazardous. So remember to wear safety clothes to guard your skin, eyes, and lungs.

Avoid Wet Surfaces

Avoid operating your cleaning tool on wet floorings or let it dry first before going ahead with your chore. Wet surfaces are often slippery and the chemical or detergent you’ll use may worsen it. Moreover, be aware of your footing and always maintain your balance. Keep in mind that electrical machines and wet surfaces are a dangerous combination.

 Safety Latch Is Your Friend

Fasten the pressure washer’s safety latch on its gun if you will not use it to prevent engaging it unintentionally. Most, but not all models, have a safety latch feature on their handle. It’s a small lever, which you can flip horizontally at the back of the trigger to prevent unintentional activation of the device.

Remember that you should not place the gun down if the safety latch is not employed. Also, never abandon your power washer while running. If you need to do something else and walk away even for just a minute, turn the machine off. Leaving it running when you’re not using it can harm the pump as well.

 Be Mindful Of Electrocution

As mentioned above, electricity and water do not go well so make sure they’re as far from each other as possible. Be extra cautious particularly if you’re using an electric type to clean your outdoor space. Avoid using extension cords that can impact the efficiency of the GFCI adversely.

Furthermore, always double-check the power cable for any damage or leak. Not following the safety procedures of your machine properly may result in an accidental electric shock.

Lookout For Your Children

Children are not safe around these powerful cleaning devices. So ensure your kids do not play with your unit at any time. If they’re near the power washer, watch them very carefully. Nonetheless, if you let them handle it, it’s vital to provide them with substantial training.

 Avoid Playing Around With Your Pressure Washer

Power washers are not toys or squirt guns. They are cleaning equipment, so never aim at your pet or anyone. Its high pressurized water output can cause severe injuries.

Always carefully aim at what you’re washing before you pull the trigger. Also, do not aim at fragile materials like windows. Moreover, to avoid damaging your vehicle, employ a low-pressure nozzle tip.

 What’s The Difference Between A Gas And Electric-Powered Pressure Washer?

Whatever kind of power washer you purchase, whether run by a gas or electric engine, comes with a pump that will pressurize water via the garden hose at 1,000 pounds or higher. It’ll then drive the water down into its spray wand. Those with more powerful pressure or PSI (pounds per square inch) can take care of more difficult washing chores. 

Both these types of cleaning equipment need a constant and steady supply of water in GPM or gallons per minute. The majority of homeowners normally opt for a unit with pressure varying from 1,300 up to 2,400 PSI for specific washing needs.

An electric pressure washer can deliver a PSI of 1,300 to 1,400 and will need around 1 1/2 GPM. This type is perfect for lighter cleaning chores like washing your garage floor, vehicles, and outdoor bbq grill. Likewise, they come at a lower price, are more convenient, lightweight, and relatively quieter in contrast to gas power washers. You can obtain more info at the CleanupExpert – official site.