Before starting any pressure-washing project, it is important to take the time to properly prepare the work site, and consider some of the following safety tips.
Equipment Safety
- Make sure to check the engine oil level each time you use your pressure washer.
- When changing or adding oil, do not overfill the engine crankcase. Overfilling oil may cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling, and oil saturation of the air filter.
- Do not run the pressure washer before connecting and turning on the water supply failing to do so will result in damage to the pump.
- Always keep the high-pressure hose connected to both the pump and the spray gun while the system is pressurized.
- Never refuel a hot or running engine. Wait two minutes before refueling.
- Do not secure the spray gun trigger in the spray position.
- Never adjust the spray pattern or change a spray tip while spraying.
- Using a pressure washer from a ladder, scaffolding, or other unstable position is not recommended. A slip or fall could result from the recoil of the initial spray, or the pressure of the water striking a wall surface.
- Never attempt to repair a damaged high-pressure hose. If the high-pressure hose is damaged, replace with a new one.
Personal Safety
- Always read and follow the operator’s manual and all operating instructions.
- Assume a solid stance and firmly grasp the spray gun with both hands to avoid injury if the gun kicks back before squeezing the spray gun trigger.
- High-pressure spray can cut trough skin. Never spray people or animals, as injury can result.
- Use extreme caution when spraying near power lines, service feeds, and electrical meters.
- Keep the nozzle spray away from electrical wiring and windows.
- Never allow children to operate the pressure washer. Do not leave a pressure washer unattended while it is running.
- Do not wear open-toed shoes while pressure washing.
- Most importantly, always wear goggles when using a pressure washer or when in the vicinity of the equipment in use. The high-pressure spray can cause paint chips or other particles to become airborne.
- Spray gun traps high water pressure, even when engine/motor is stopped and water is disconnected. ALWAYS point spray gun in safe direction and squeeze spray gun trigger, to release high pressure, every time you stop engine/motor. Engage trigger lock when not in use.
Usage Tip
- Always read and follow the operator’s manual and all operating instructions.
- Assume a solid stance and firmly grasp the spray gun with both hands to avoid injury if the gun kicks back before squeezing the spray gun trigger.
- High-pressure spray can cut trough skin. Never spray people or animals, as injury can result.
- Use extreme caution when spraying near power lines, service feeds, and electrical meters.
- Keep the nozzle spray away from electrical wiring and windows.
- Never allow children to operate the pressure washer. Do not leave a pressure washer unattended while it is running.
- Do not wear open-toed shoes while pressure washing.
- Most importantly, always wear goggles when using a pressure washer or when in the vicinity of the equipment in use. The high-pressure spray can cause paint chips or other particles to become airborne.
- Spray gun traps high water pressure, even when engine/motor is stopped and water is disconnected. ALWAYS point spray gun in safe direction and squeeze spray gun trigger, to release high pressure, every time you stop engine/motor. Engage trigger lock when not in use.
