(Stream Pressure Cleaning)
With Melbourne Spring in the air you may be considering using a pressure washer to get rid of hard-to-remove dirt, grime, mildew, and mould from around your home that has built up during the winter months. However, because of the immense water pressure it can be dangerous.
Here’s a few tips from the Stream Team if you’re going to tackle the job yourself.
Protection
Many people underestimate the strength of a pressure washer. Whether you’re operating a commercial pressure washer or one you picked up from Bunnings, we always recommend using protective eyewear such as googles or safety glasses, gloves to provide protection and grip and ensure your feet are covered with quality boots that have good grip and provide protection from the high pressure.
Risk of electric shock and emission of pollutants
Dependant on the pressure washer you are using there are inherent dangers that you must be mindful off. If you’re working with an electric unit which most home pressure washers are, these are susceptible to cord kinking and cracking which can result in electric shock or electric fires. Having a grounded power source eliminates a great deal of risk, but it cannot remove all risk of electric shock.
Alternatively, if you are using a petrol unit in an enclosed space these are prone to emitting carbon monoxide, which is a toxic gas responsible for causing respiratory and irritating issues in people exposed to it frequently. We recommend not using petrol models in enclosed spaces.
Clear the Area
While you may have protected yourself, you also need to be mindful of people and pets roaming around as you could expose them to risks of the water pressure, slipping and physical injury etc. Make it a priority to ensure that unneeded people are evacuated from the area.
Spraying Technique
For starters, ensure that no such electrical openings and flammable items which can be triggered instantly which are nearby while spraying. In addition, water from the nozzle is of great intensity right at the end by the pump, which means that if you make the mistake of placing a functioning nozzle to close or too far from what is to be washed, you can risk loss of effectiveness or worse cause permanent damage the surface you are cleaning such as wood, mortar and paint.
The easiest way to avoid these risks is to use a professional who has experience with pressure washing. Although you may want to save a few bucks to do it yourself, what you save on the task could cost you in personal injuries and property damage.