Prevent a Catastrophic Injury: Power Washing Safety
Spring cleaning project season is here. Many people choose power washing to clean their concrete, brick, decking and siding of winter grime and buildup because of its efficiency over other methods. If you have never used a power washer before or aren’t very familiar with them, you should know that power washers have the potential to cause catastrophic injury when they are not handled properly. The reason that pressure washers are so dangerous is the water pressure that they create: a garden hose delivers water pressure at about 50 pounds per square inch (psi) compared to pressure washers that can generate 1,500 to 4,000 psi. The good news is that most power washer injuries are preventable when good safety measures are followed.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured by another’s negligent use of a power washer or because of a defective power washer, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you are able. He or she may be able to help you recover medical expenses, lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering, etc.
Pressure washing can cause catastrophic injury
Pressure washers have the capacity to damage skin in a split second. Skin lacerations are the most common injury associated with power washers, followed by bruises, punctures, and eye injuries.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2014 about 6,057 people visited the emergency room with injuries related to pressure washer use; 14 percent of those ER visits led to hospitalization.
Common sense power washing safety tips
- Choose a power washer that doesn’t allow a spray nozzle setting below 15 degrees. Zero degree settings have the potential to cause much greater harm to the skin; the extra power they provide is not worth the risk.
- Read manufacturer’s instructions and safety tips.
- Wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms and legs from skin damage.
- Wear sturdy, closed toed shoes to prevent a slip and fall accident and protect your feet. Flip-flops are very dangerous to wear while power washing.
- Never use a gas pressure washer in an enclosed space to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Watch where you are stepping while moving around with the pressure washer.
- Watch out for kids playing nearby.
- Watch out for cars and people getting in and out of them.
- Do not climb up a ladder to reach high heights with your power washer; use an extension wand instead.
If you or a loved one is dealing with an accident or injury through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
