Safety Tips!
As a promoter and seller of different pressure washers it would be remiss of me not warn users of the dangers when using these machines. So before beginning any task make sure you take the time to prepare the work site by using some of the information detailed as follows;
Before starting make sure you take the time to read the operating instructions. Whilst it looks pretty simple by just switching the machine on and pointing the nozzle at the required area to be cleaned there are quite a few things to do first.
Picture and information supplied by Briggs and Stratton
First of all make sure that your children are out of the way and never allow them to operate the machine. The pressure is of such a nature that it can cut through skin and also loose particles like stones can become airborne causing injury and eye damage to anyone in close proximity. So never spray at people or animals. It is also very important to wear safety goggles.
Never start pressure washing bare foot. It is always advisable to wear rubber soled closed in shoes, particularly if the machine you are using is electrically operated and also if you are washing anywhere near electric power lines. Do not spray at windows and any loose electrical wiring and be extremely cautious when spraying near power lines.
When you are quite sure that all the safety precautions mentioned above are in place you can start the project. Make sure the trigger lock is engaged on the spray gun. Connect the hose to your garden tap and switch the water on. Never start the machine with the water turned off as this will cause damage to the pump. Turn the electricity on if it is an electric machine or start the motor if motor driven. Pick up the gun and assume a solid stance firmly gripping the spray gun in both hands before squeezing the trigger. If not held firmly the gun can kick back when activated causing injury.
Never use a pressure washer whilst mounted on a ladder or scaffolding or any unstable position as this could result in serious injury if knocked off by the recoil of the initial spray.
If you are using a gas operated pressure washer, never refuel whilst the machine is in use or is still hot. Wait a few minutes for the engine to cool down. Also make sure that you check the oil level before each use. If the engine needs topping up do not overfill. This can cause smoking, hard starting, fouling of the plugs and oil saturation of the filter.
When spraying, make sure you choose the correct nozzle. It is best to test each nozzle before applying the spray to the surface you are working on. Some woods in particular are porous and too much pressure can damage it.
Never try to adjust or replace nozzles whilst in use.
Make sure you use the right cleaner for each application. Most pressure washer manufacturers have cleaners for every purpose. For example there are cleaners for deck washing, motor vehicle and boat wash, heavy duty degreasers and multi purpose wash.
When switching off after use beware that high pressure is still trapped in the machine so it is important to release the pressure by squeezing the trigger making sure that the nozzle is pointed in a safe direction.
Whilst I have tried to include all the aspects of safety in this report it is always advisable to study the user manual supplied by the manufacturer that supplied the pressure washer you purchased as an added safety measure.
