Pressure washing is a great way to clean and maintain the outside of your property. What many people may not realize is that pressure washing can be dangerous. Follow these tips to use an industrial pressure washer safely.
Pressure washing is a great way to cut through built-up dirt and grime. Industrial pressure washing should be a part of routine building maintenance. Power washing equipment is extremely powerful.
Commercial pressure washing services can help you clean large areas quickly, such as washing your home or business’s exterior. Pressure washing is a quick and easy way to clean sidewalks and concrete. Remember that power washing a business can be dangerous. High pressure can easily cut you and cause serious injury.
Often, the terms pressure washing and power washing are used interchangeably. However, pressure and power washing services are actually different. Both use pressure to clean a building, such as your home’s exterior. A power washer uses hot water and high pressure, while a pressure washer does not use hot water.
Follow these tips to ensure your and others’ safety when using a pressure washer. These powerful tools are a resource to keep your commercial properties looking clean. Remember, hiring a professional power washing business is a great option to get the results you want.
Industrial Pressure Washing Safety Tips
Here are our top safety tips for using a pressure washer safely:
- Wear Safety Gear
Pressure washing can cause serious injury, in fact, some nozzles are powerful enough to damage concrete. Never operate a pressure washer in shorts and open-toed shoes. Wear goggles, long paints, and heavy-duty footwear. You may even want to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect any exposed skin.
Pressure washing can cause flying debris. Just wearing proper safety gear can help you avoid injury.
- Read the Manual
One of the first steps of using a pressure washer is to read the manual. This is especially important if you have never operated one before. The manual should include important safety tips and other important information about operating the machine.
- Use the Safety Latch
When you are not actively using the pressure washer, use the safety latch. This will ensure you do not accidentally engage the pressure washer.
- Depressurize the machine
Before putting a pressure washer away, turn off the equipment and squeeze the trigger. This will release any built-up pressure. Wait to detach the hose until you have done this.
- Never aim the wand at a person
Another good rule of thumb is to never point the nozzle at anyone. Keep it pointed downward to avoid unexpected, accidental injury.
- Do Not Operate a Pressure Washer on a Ladder
Pressure washers operate under a lot of force. Do not use a pressure washer on a ladder. The pressure inside can cause kickback that can make you fall.
- Survey the Area
Survey the area to be cleaned, considering all of the hazards it may pose. This includes tripping hazards, traffic, other people and more. During the pressure washing process, continue to survey your surroundings to keep yourself safe.
Remember, powered pressure washers are not toys and should not be treated as such. Following these easy tips should help you use a pressure washer safely.
Why you should hire a professional pressure washing service
Because these powerful machines are dangerous, it often makes sense to hire out the work. Use a professional industrial pressure washing service or cleaning service. Pressure washing businesses have trained professionals to do the job.
Hiring out industrial pressure washing will ensure the project is done safely. This powerful equipment should not be handled improperly. Improper handling of a pressure washer is likely to result in a serious injury. In addition, it can actually be destructive to property.
A professional service will get your surfaces clean quickly and safely, without causing damage to them or to other people. In addition, pressure washing improperly can cause pollutants to be released into the air and water. Professionals are required to follow EPA guidelines to ensure the safety of the environment and groundwater during cleaning.
Find more industrial painting and cleaning tips here.
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