Safety Tips for Using High Pressure Cleaners
Beginners and professionals alike need to take care when operating a high pressure cleaner. As useful as they are when it comes to cleaning stubborn dirt, mud, grease, and soil, and even stripping paint from various surfaces, if a high pressure cleaner is used without taking the necessary safety precautions, the injuries sustained by the operator or those nearby can be extremely serious.
The PSI levels, which ultimately affect the pressure of the cleaners, vary from 500 to over 4000 depending on the application. Bearing that in mind, it is important to follow the operating guidelines and safety tips in the operator’s manual to the letter to avoid unnecessary accidents or injuries.
Factors to Consider Before Getting Started
Before starting, understand that a high pressure cleaner is not a tool to be trifled with. A water jet spray can cut through the outer layer of your skin at around 1160 PSI, causing severe damage.
- Try to mitigate any potential hazards by keeping the area that you are cleaning free from obstacles, including other people.
- Do not use a high pressure cleaner when it is raining or if there are heavy winds as it is not safe.
- Make sure that you have and wear the necessary protective equipment.
- Think about possible injuries and what controls can be put in place to prevent them.
- If using a petrol-operated high pressure cleaner, ensure that it is not in an enclosed space.
Protective Gear
Before operating a high pressure cleaner, ensure you wear the necessary protective wear, including:
- Eyewear – wearing safety glasses or a face shield will protect your eyes from possible flying debris, especially when spraying off excessively dirty surfaces.
- Enclosed shoes – wearing flip-flops or sandals whilst operating a high pressure cleaner can result in serious injury. Wear enclosed shoes or steel toe-capped non-slip boots to protect your feet.
- Gloves – hands tend to get the most injured. Wearing proper safety gloves will reduce the risk of injury.
- Body protection – wet coveralls are recommended when cleaning industrial equipment to protect the body from the possible splashback. For domestic use, wear long pants to protect your legs.
Safety Tips for High Pressure Cleaners
Besides protective gear, there are several safety tips to consider when operating a high pressure cleaner:
- Before use, inspect the hoses to ensure that there are no leaks or tears and that the hoses have been connected properly.
- If used at heights, on ladders or scaffolding, ensure that the surface is stable and level.
- At all times, maintain a firm foothold as the kickback from a high pressure cleaner can knock you back a few paces.
- Use at a safe distance as the splashback at higher PSI levels can result in major injuries.
- When not in use, ensure that the gun is closed and that the safety trigger has been engaged.
- Once switched off, squeeze the trigger to release any excess pressure.
Keeping safety tips in mind, always following the operator’s manual, understanding the operating controls, and taking note of the warning labels will assist in mitigating any possible injuries.
When it comes to high pressure cleaners, you need to consult with the experts in the industry, Bestline Manufacturing. With over 50 years of experience in the industry, we can confidently offer you the very best pumping solutions that work. Contact us to discuss a premium solution for your pump requirements.