DIYers are often eager to save money, and pressure washing is one of those projects they think can be done without professional help.
However, pressure washers can be dangerous when used by untrained hands or without the correct safety precautions. They can cause damage to surfaces, electric shock, and even exposure to chemicals.
Damage to Surfaces
Pressure washing is an affordable and easy way to remove dirt, mold, mildew, and other buildup on surfaces. It can also help to make a house shine like new.
However, if you don’t know how to use the machine correctly, it can damage your property. The water pressure that comes out of the nozzle can cause serious damage to wood, brick, stone, and concrete.
Inexperienced DIYers often use too much pressure, which can strip paint and leave etch marks on surfaces. It can also break windows, damage plants, and completely remove shingles and siding.
If you are unsure about how to use your machine, it is best to hire a professional service. They will be able to assess your needs and provide you with the best cleaning solution for the job. They can also make sure that your home is clean and safe before they begin working on it. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Electric Shock
Pressure washing can be a dangerous DIY job. Not only can it cause damage to surfaces, but it can also result in electric shock.
Static electricity is another form of electric shock that can be harmful to people. This happens when someone touches two wires at the same time.
While these shocks are not as serious as the electric currents found in a pressure washer, they can still be life-threatening. In some cases, they can be as high as 2,000 volts.
If you think you or someone you know may have been electrocuted, it is important to seek medical help immediately. The electric current may have burned internal organs or caused other injuries.
Often, these types of shocks can be hard to detect at first. This is because they can be accompanied by muscle spasms and other symptoms. Some people can even experience a cardiac event after being shocked.
Falling Objects
Pressure washing is an efficient way to make your home look and smell fresher. However, it can also be dangerous. Thousands of people have ended up in the emergency room from injuries related to pressure washing, so don’t take this task on without considering your safety first!
One of the simplest ways to avoid an injury during a DIY pressure wash is to clear out all objects that can get wet and damaged. This includes things like your garden furniture, grills, bags of soil or charcoal, etc. You’ll also want to cover up any electrical outlets and unplug anything that you do not plan on using during the cleaning process. Similarly, you should also consider canvassing your property for possible fall hazards before you begin. The best way to do this is to walk around your house and look for things that might fall over during the cleaning process. The right tools, a proper plan, and the right knowledge can go a long way towards making your home looking like new again.
Damage to Skin
Pressure washers are powerful cleaning tools, and they can be dangerous if you do not know how to use them properly. In addition to spraying water at high pressure, they can also have harsh chemicals that are not suitable for the skin, which can lead to irritation and rashes.
Moreover, if you are not wearing the right safety equipment when you are using a pressure washer, you can breathe in some of these harsh chemicals, which could worsen your respiratory condition and cause sickness. Some of these chemicals could even get into your bloodstream, which can lead to bacterial infections.
Although some of the injuries that occur from DIY pressure washing may look relatively minor at first, they can actually be serious and result in soft tissue injury, deep-space infection, and compartment syndrome if left untreated. These injuries often require surgery and ongoing physical therapy to heal the injured area. So, if you’re planning on doing any kind of exterior work on your home or business property, it’s best to hire professional help instead of trying to tackle the job yourself.
