A pressure washer is a very convenient power tool to have a home. It can be used for a variety of tasks including washing the car, removing stains from the sidewalk, cleaning moldy decks, and washing vinyl siding. Instead of hiring a professional pressure washing company, homeowners can save a lot of money by purchasing their own pressure washer. While electric pressure washers are great for light-duty jobs, gas-powered pressure washers are most suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind.
Always point the spray wand towards the ground. Some users make the mistake of pointing the spray wand towards other people. If the trigger is accidently pressed, someone may get seriously injured. A high pressure setting can slice the skin open like an actual knife. People who need to use a high-pressure stream of water should consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Avoid using pressure washer while on a ladder. In an effort to make their job easier, some people opt to use ladders while pressure washing the home. However, this is a very risky maneuver. Depending on the power setting of the pressure washer, the force of the water may cause the person on the ladder to lose their balance.
Wear protective glasses. Protective glasses should be worn at all times when using a pressure washer. If the eyes are left unprotected, airborne particles can suddenly hit the eye area. Regular eye glasses do not offer sufficient eye protection, so always purchase certified safety glasses.
Never use gas-powered pressure washers in enclosed areas. Gas-powered pressure washers should always be used in well-ventilated areas. If the pressure washer is being used in a garage or shed, the fumes could cause carbon-monoxide poisoning. Carbon-monoxide is a tasteless odor that can cause a person to get sick in a matter of minutes. An extended length hose will enable the machine to be kept outside.
Be careful using electric pressure washers Most electric pressure engineered with a GFCI cord. This specialized cord helps to prevent the risk of electrical shock by automatically shutting off the machine. However, even the
best electric pressure washer can become damaged if a household extension cord is used. It is always a good idea to avoid using the pressure washer near standing water.
Connect the water supply prior to turning on the machine This helps to prevent damage to the pump.