Why Pressure Washers Cause Thousands of Injuries Every Year

Every year people get out their pressure washers to clean their homes and driveways and every year, people end up in the hospital with pressure washer related injuries. In fact, Some 6,000 people end up in the ER each year from injuries related to pressure washers, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

Related: Why You Should Never Pressure Wash Your Windows

Safety Hazards of Using a Pressure Washer

While most people understand that pressure washers produce a powerful spray of water, many don’t understand just how powerful. A pressure washer increases the pressure a standard garden hose produces by as much as 80 times depending on what type of nozzle you’re using. Pressure washers can generate water pressure of 1,500 and 4,000 PSI, many man times greater than the 50 PSI your garden hose delivers. 

Not only does that water pressure work to remove dirt and grime, it can also penetrate skin. All it takes is a second of high pressure water to cause bruises, eye injuries, and even skin punctures. And since it can also push water deeper into the body, a pressure washer can also cause an infection. 

What Practices Cause Injury

High Pressure Nozzles

The biggest risk associated with pressure washer is the use of high pressure nozzles. Zero degree nozzles, which concentrate all of that pressure into a narrow stream, are very dangerous. Given the fact that these nozzles can also damage surfaces like concrete and metal, there’s very little reason to ever use a zero degree nozzle, which is usually red. Leave this nozzle type to the pros and limit your selection to nozzles of no less than 15 degrees. 

Eliminate Tripping Hazards 

Pressure washing injuries are also often caused by obstacles that are in the way while one is operating the pressure washer. Before you start pressure washing, do an inspection of the area and remove anything that could get in your way and cause you to trip, including toys, outdoor furniture, garden tools, and potted plants.  

Related: Think Pressure Washing Your Roof Is Safe? Think Again

Clear Bystanders

Pressure washing poses a significant danger to pets and people standing in the vicinity of the pressure washer. Make sure any kids, friends and family members are away from where you’re working to avoid injury. 

What Safety Gear to Wear

Take measures to protect yourself from the high pressure spray by wearing safety gear while operating a pressure washer:

• Shoes: Always wear closed toed boots or shoes to protect your feet from the high pressure streams of water.
• Gloves: Hands are the most common body parts injured by pressure washers. Wear gloves that protect your skin while giving you a firm grip on the wand. 
• Long Pants: When pressure washing, you want as little exposed skin as possible. Long pants protect your legs from the high pressure water and any debris that happens to blow off of the surfaces you’re cleaning. 
• Safety Glasses: Eye protection is a must. Pressurized water presents a major threat to your eyes as does any debris that’s coming off of the house, so safety glasses or goggles are an absolute necessity.
• Hearing Protection: Pressure washers, especially if they use a gas motor, can be quite loud. Wearing ear protection to prevent hearing damage while you’re using your pressure washer. 

Bottom Line

Since pressure washers are using water to clean, we often underestimate how dangerous they can be. Pressure washers can cause serious long-lasting injuries. As such, it’s important to take precautions. Avoid using a zero degree nozzle or even having one in your pressure washer tool kit as these nozzles are the main threat of injury. Wear the proper personal protection equipment when pressure washing and make sure no one is in the immediate area while you’re working.