Safety: pressure washer safety
Consider all of the risks of pressure washing and what steps you need to take to protect yourself and the others around you. While the main hazard considered is the pressure of the water, there are many more secondary hazards that could lead to the actual injury. There are many different types of injuries that can occur while using a pressure washer. While the pressure of the water can be considered the biggest exposure to risk during this work task, there are certainly many more hazards to be considered.
Hazards and injuries associated with pressure washing
- Hose/ connection failure
- Flying debris
- Strains/ sprains
- Burns
- Slips, trips, falls
- Lacerations/ bruises
Safeguards to prevent pressure washing injuries
- Set up your work area where other people are not in the line of fire of the water stream or flying debris.
- Use a longer wand that makes it hard for the individual who is using the pressure washer to make contact with their own body.
- When using a pressure washer that is also supplied with heat, do not turn it all the way up. This creates the opportunity for a burn.
- Maintain good housekeeping. Keep the area free of trip hazards. Remove excess mud to prevent slip injuries.
- Wear the proper PPE – goggles and face shield, gloves, long sleeve shirt, hearing protection
- Never use a pressure washer to spray off yourself or your boots.
Work safe. Farm safe. Home safe.™
™ is a registered trademark of Thompsons Limited.
