Keeping Safety in Mind When Power Washing

Published 10/24/2022

Many homeowners rely on power washing to maintain the exterior of their property and add curb appeal. However, a DIY-approach to power washing your home can be a dangerous task, especially without the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). Power washing, or pressure washing, uses a high-pressure stream of hot water to blast dirt, mold, pollution, mildew, and other unsightly materials off your home or deck. There are two potential immediate threats when performing power washing on your home or patio. First, the high-pressure stream of liquid from the spray gun itself can cause cuts and lacerations. Secondly, splashes of extremely hot water, cleaning chemicals, and debris can cause bodily injury.
 
To adequately power wash a home, deck, or driveway, the suggested pounds-per-square-inch (PSI) ranges from 1,500 to 4,000. Lacerations to human skin can occur at pressures as low as 1,160 PSI. Because of this, cuts are the most common injury inflicted when using a power washer. It is essential to always wear the proper gloves and work boots when handling the spray gun.
 
Because a powerful jet of water sprays against a hard surface, debris, water, and chemicals can ricochet at high speeds. Bare skin, eyes, and the mouth become susceptible targets for sprayed projectiles. It is imperative to wear the proper PPE to avoid all possible dangers. Glasses or goggles, properly designated face masks, and ear plugs should be worn when power washing any surface.
 
While injuries from the power washer are the most immediate, keeping other injury occurrences in mind is just as important. Ladders are commonly used when power washing the exterior of the home. The risk of ladder injuries exponentially grows when utilizing a water source such as a power washer. Slippery ladders and wet surrounding areas can easily cause slips and falls. Not only is the user at risk of injury, but people assisting or merely passing by can easily be hit with debris or slip on wet surfaces. Make sure to use rope, tape, or signage to delineate the area. Lastly, power washing equipment engines can be dangerous as well. Power washers have belts and many moving parts, similar to engines, and the loud noise can potentially cause hearing damage. Lastly, without proper experience or training the likelihood of accidental damage to the home greatly increases. For instance, a water pressure setting too close or too high to the surface being cleaned can result in ruined siding, chipped paint, broken screens, etc.
 
Bubbles Power Washing is Chicagoland's trusted pressure washing professional. Whether it's a patio, drive-way, or building, our power washers are professionally trained and experienced to take care of all your power washing needs. Pressure washing is a great way to maintain the exterior of your property and add curb appeal, but the potential dangers can cause severe injury to you or others. Put your safety in the hands of a Bubbles professional! 
 
Bubbles Window Washing & Gutter Cleaning is Chicagoland's premier window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and power washing service provider. We're proud to provide your professional power washing services!