Pressure washing is an excellent way to clean the exterior surfaces of a commercial building, keep parking lots looking nice and make the vehicles in a fleet sparkle. Power washing also helps commercial kitchens eliminate grease from hood/duct systems and deep-clean their entrances. If you choose to perform your own power washing in-house instead of having a professional service help you with your commercial cleaning needs, safety must be a top priority in order to keep your employees safe – and your property undamaged.
Pressure Washing Safety Tips
Personal Safety
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for equipment use and maintenance.
Wear protection like eye goggles, face masks, close-toed shoes with rubber soles, ear protection, long pants and long sleeves.
Do not use a pressure washer when other individuals are present, unless they’re also wearing safety gear.
Prepare for the power washer’s kickback by assuming a solid stance and holding the spray gun with both hands.
Do not use a gas power washer indoors.
Never spray water from a power washer onto yourself, others or animals.
Be aware of your surroundings before you spray, and be extra-careful around service feeds, power lines and electrical meters.
Always point the pressure washer’s nozzle in a safe direction, even when the equipment is off and the water is disconnected.
Do not use a pressure washer while standing on a ladder, scaffolding or other unstable surface.
As soon as you turn off the washer and the motor or engine stops, release the pressure within the gun by squeezing the trigger.
Avoid leaving a pressure washer unattended.
Do not spray windows or electrical wiring.
Do not allow minors to use a power washer.
Equipment Safety
Before using a pressure washer, always check the level of engine oil.
Avoid overfilling the engine crankcase when adding or changing the oil.
Test the power washer settings in an inconspicuous area before beginning work. This safety step will help you determine if you’re using the right pressure settings, nozzle type, water temperature, nozzle distance and cleaning solution.
Use only cleaners that are formulated for pressure washers. Never use products that contain bleach or are acid-based.
Do not use warm water in a power washer unless you are 100 percent sure the pump is designed for it.
Store the pressure washer in a room that’s climate-controlled and has good ventilation. If you’re storing the washer in an unheated room, winterize it so freezing temperatures don’t cause damage.
Make sure you use the appropriate nozzle for the cleaning job to avoid damaging the surface you’re cleaning.
Clean the chemical injector when you finish using the power washer to prevent the buildup of chemicals.
Connect and turn on the water supply before turning on the pressure washer.
Do not refuel the pressure washer while it’s running. Instead, turn off the machine and wait two minutes.
Turn off the pressure washer before adjusting the spray or spray pattern.
Turn off the power washer if you think you won’t pull the trigger for two minutes or more.
Regularly have an authorized service center maintain your pressure washer.
Pressure washing is a cost-effective way to maintain the appearance and safety of a business. If you’ve never used a pressure washer, have a professional service provider teach you how to use the machine efficiently and safely.
With more than fifty years of industry experience, Scotts Pressure Wash delivers high quality pressure washing results to improve a business’s bottom line. Scotts has seven locations in Canada, including Calgary pressure washing and Vancouver power washing services. Scotts is certified through the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) and is an “Environmentally Aware” Certified Contractor offering green pressure washing solutions.
Thanks, Guys, for this interesting info; I believe I will leave this task to you pros! pb
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