Three Pressure Cleaning Hazards You Should Be Aware Of

Pressure cleaning can make your cleaning process quicker, easier and better. High pressure washing is an extremely complex operation and is always better to be handled by professional cleaning service companies. High pressure cleaners produce water pressure as high as 36000 psi at short distances. This high pressure water jet steam has very high cutting potential and has the ability to cause severe injuries. Also, it is important for the user to understand the mechanism behind pressure washers.

Pressure cleaners can either be gas powered or electricity powered. Both kinds of washers require specific safety precautions while handling and hence sufficient care and caution must be taken. Pressure cleaning using electricity powered pressure cleaners should not be used in the rain. Even if they are to be used in the rain, you should ensure that you do not use it to spray on electrical appliances or outlets in order to avoid causing short circuits. Do not make any contacts with smoke when you use gas powered pressure washers.

Matches, open flames and other heat sources should be avoided since they can ignite gasoline. When you fill the washer with fuel, you have to turn off the machine. Overfilling is equally dangerous. Fire hazards and spills are likely to happen in such cases. Check for gas leakage as well. There are many hazards that are possible with pressure cleaning. Some of the most common ones are discussed in this article. Following the guidelines in the manual of pressure cleaners is extremely important

Pressure cleaners could pose a heavy threat to your eyes when appropriate protection is not used. Any kind of pressurized sprays are capable of damaging eyes of the operator and/or bystanders. Therefore, water discharge from a loose fitting or a hose that is poorly connected must be sealed. Ensure that you keep the nozzle aimed at the ground when not in use and you need to maintain a safe distance while spraying. When a power washer is used on stone, concrete, wood or such similar surfaces; hidden stress fractures could cause chunks to dislodge and become airborne. Eye protection is, therefore, mandatory.

While you are pressure cleaning, be sure that you understand washer kickback. Not many are aware of how the gun would behave while spraying water. Some models kickback when pressure is applied. You need to grip the gun tightly with both hands. Kickback can happen when you turn on the spray and when water hits the surface. This is the reason pressure cleaners should not be operated while you are on scaffolds or stepladders.

The distance to be maintained can be quite a tricky area. Too short a distance can cause the surface to erode and too far may not serve the intended purpose. It takes some amount of practice and time to gauge the distance perspective.

Pressure cleaning is an art that takes time and practice to master. It is imperative that safety precautions are adhered to so that you do not incur any damage (property or person).