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Pressure washers: Dangerous when misused

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Image: terra24/iStockphoto

Pressure washers are used to clean large areas, including buildings, parking lots, vehicles and other machinery. These high-powered tools also are used in disaster cleanup. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a pressure washer’s intense spray can cause wounds and other serious injuries that may at first appear minor. This may result in an injured person delaying treatment – putting himself or herself at increased risk for infection, disability or amputation.

Avoiding hazards

CDC recommends several tips to help prevent injuries when operating a pressure washer. Its No. 1 piece of advice: Never point a pressure washer at yourself or other people.

Other tips:

  • Test the ground fault circuit interrupter before use.
  • To help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, refrain from using a gas-powered system indoors or in enclosed, unventilated spaces.
  • If you must use an extension cord, keep the washer’s power cord connection out of standing water. Use a cord rated for use in wet environments.
  • Wear rubber-soled shoes to help provide insulation.
  • Don't cut or splice the washer’s power cord or extension cord(s).
  • If the washer trips a circuit breaker, have the machine inspected by an electrician.

To treat a pressure washer-related injury:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  2. Place pressure on the wound with a clean cloth or towel to help stop bleeding.
  3. Once bleeding has stopped, run clean water over the wound.
  4. Gently clean the wound with soap and water, and place a dry adhesive bandage over it.

Anyone who suffers pressure washer-related wounds should seek medical attention right away.

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Jimmie
June 19, 2018
Manager, moved pro pressure washer, as it was fire hazzard. How many fires they cause

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ProClean Power Washing Sarasota
January 11, 2019
One additional tip is to never use a pressure washer on a ladder or while on a roof! The pushback from the pressure can cause a person to lose their balance rather easily. Professional pressure washing companies typically use telescoping handles and other devices so they can stay safe on the ground while roof washing, window washing, and so on.

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Nate
January 13, 2020
This is excellent information. I’ve seen pictures of people with open wounds across their hands and even face from misusing a pressure washer. Great tips, hopefully, people will read and share!

Power Washing Ideas
June 21, 2021
Pressure washing needs an utmost carefulness. Don't do it yourself, call for professional pressure washing services in your area. Trust me, this way you could actually save more on your resources.