Power washing is a great way to clean up your home, ridding the surfaces of dirt, grime, and stains. Handling the equipment safely is not to be taken lightly. Water under high pressure can cause accidents and horrible injuries. Use the following power washing safety tips to reduce the risk.

Read the entire manual from front to back. Knowing how to use the equipment is vital to operating it safely. Each pressure washer has different features, such as the pressure level and water temperature. The manual will explain the safety features of your model and how to do the setup and operation.

Power washing in shorts and sandals is not acceptable. Most injuries can be avoided by wearing the correct gear:

• Closed-toed boots or shoes, especially steel-toe boots
• Heavy gloves with good grip
• Long pants and sleeves that cover the skin
• Safety glasses or shatterproof sunglasses
• Hearing protection, especially while using a noisy gas-operated power washer

Be fully conscious of the fact that you are using water under high pressure that is capable of tearing through skin and building materials. Keep the area you are pressure washing clear of traffic and distractions.

DO NOT do the following:

• Point the nozzle at people, pets, or plants
• Point the nozzle at breakable materials, such as glass
• Play with it like it's a squirt gun
• Point it at any part of your body
• Point the nozzle at vehicles or furniture
• Allow children to operate the equipment

Before you start up your pressure washer, look around the area for accidents waiting to happen. For example:

• Slippery, uneven surfaces with a poor foothold
• Objects you could trip over
• Exposed electrical outlets or wiring that could cause electrocution
• Enclosed areas that trap exhaust while using gas-powered equipment
• Inclement weather that reduces visibility or has high winds
• Street traffic, in which case you should have a spotter
• Working on heights, such as a roof or ladder (not advised)
• Disassembling the equipment before reducing the pressure
  

Every pressure washer has a safety latch to prevent unintentionally engaging the equipment. Certain models feature a safety latch on the handle. Always engage the latch before you put the nozzle down. If you must walk away from your work area, shut the equipment off before you leave.

As you can see, the risks for damage and injury are high when using power washing equipment. At Maintain It All, our trained technicians can get the job done safely, leaving your home clean and pristine. Contact us today to learn more about our power washing services.