Pressure Washers
Pressure washers clean equipment, buildings and surfaces with water at thousands of psi. That spray can cut skin and inject water and dirt deep into your body.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Home
Photo: worker using a pressure washer with both hands, wearing a face shield and boots
Hazards
- Injection injuries from the spray or a pinhole leak in the hose
- Wand kickback that can knock you off balance or off a ladder
- Flying debris
- Carbon monoxide from gas-powered units used indoors or in enclosed areas
- Electric shock from electric units or spraying near wiring
- Chemicals added to the water
Safe use
- Hold the wand with both hands and keep stable footing. Don’t use it from a ladder.
- Engage the trigger lock when not spraying. Never point the wand at anyone, including yourself.
- Start with a wide-angle tip; never put your hand in front of the nozzle.
- Run gas units outdoors only, away from doors and windows.
- Plug electric units into GFCI protection; keep connections out of water.
- Release pressure before disconnecting hoses or changing tips.
- Wear safety glasses or a face shield, boots and gloves.
Injection injury: even a small puncture from a pressure washer is a medical emergency. Go to the ER and say it was a high-pressure injection injury.
Standards & references
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