Many people underestimate the power of a pressure washer. Serious or even fatal injuries can result from using pressure washers incorrectly or ignoring basic safety precautions. The two main types of pressure washers are electric and gas. Power machines emit water at pressures greater than 1,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). Many gas pressure washers exceed 2,000 PSI and are capable of reaching pressures up to 4,000 PSI in industrial units. Obviously, higher pressure is a faster and more effective cleaning tool…but the higher the pressure, the greater the chance of serious injury.
Serious injuries caused by a pressure washer can include abrasions, slip and falls, blindness, and high pressure injection. The sheer pressure of the water alone is powerful enough to cause an injury, but the use of chemicals during the cleaning process can make the situation even worse. Injuries and wounds sustained while power washing may appear deceptively benign, but should always be examined and treated by a physician or qualified emergency care provider.
Abrasions are a common injury associated with pressure washing. To reduce the risk of abrasions, wear protective clothing including gloves, closed-toe shoes, and long pants. Avoid pointing the pressure washer at yourself, other people, and pets. Do not pull the trigger until you are sure where the gun is pointing, and be careful not to spray your hands, feet, or legs.
Slip and falls can lead to hospitalization or death. Wet surfaces will be more slippery and ice can form quickly in cold weather. Using a pressure washer on a ladder or other elevated surface is dangerous due to the rearward force of a pressure washer gun, which can easily knock a person off balance. Understand your work area and how water will affect the surface. Wear proper safety harnesses when operating a pressure washer from a ladder, lift, or crane.
Blindness and other eye injuries can occur not only from being sprayed directly into the eye, but also from foreign objects or chemicals flying through the air. The power of high-pressure water can send rocks, nails, glass, and other damaging debris hurtling through the air at damaging speeds. Chemicals and detergents can also splash from the surface. Always wear impact and splash resistant safety glasses or goggles when operating a pressure washer. In the event of a chemical-related eye injury, seek medical help immediately and be sure to take the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or label explaining the properties of the chemical with you for medical review.
High Pressure Injection (HPI) occurs when water and other debris/chemicals penetrate the skin causing deep tissue damage. Serious infections are very likely with HPI and can ultimately lead to permanent disability or amputation of affected body parts. To decrease the risk of HPI, use wide angle or fan nozzles to distribute pressure over a wider area. Solid stream nozzles can cause more damage and should be avoided whenever possible. As with abrasions, wear protective clothing and never point the pressure washer wand at yourself or another person.
Special concerns for each specific type of machine must also be considered. With electric pressure washers (as with any power tool around water) there is a risk of electric shock. The use of gas pressure washers can cause suffocation by inhalation of carbon monoxide when used without proper ventilation. Gas units are also noisy and can cause hearing loss; hearing protection must be worn at all times. Improper use of hot water and steam pressure washers can cause severe burns that may require medical attention. When operating any pressure washer, be sure to read and understand its operating manual, paying close attention to all safety precautions.
Don’t be one of the thousands of people each year who underestimate the power of a pressure washer and ultimately require hospitalization for their injuries. Give the machine the respect it deserves and use the necessary safety measures for each particular situation. If you have any questions about the operation of a machine, consider hiring a mobile pressure washer service to complete your project. A quick internet search for “pressure washer in (your city)” will likely turn up dozens of professional companies who will be happy to provide you with a free estimate.