Tip Sheet: Handling the Pressure

Details

• Corporate Authors:
  Washington (State). Department of Labor and Industries
• Description:
  Pressure washers make cleaning grimy surfaces a breeze. Truck drivers and mechanics use them often to remove mud, grease, and oil from undercarriages, mud flaps, tires, fifth wheels, dump bodies, mechanical parts, and even bay floors. While pressure washers make clean-up easier, using one improperly can cause painful injuries and other damage-not just from their high-pressure spray. Preventing pressure washer injuries begins by identifying equipment hazards. First, set yourself up for success by taking a moment to read the manufacturer's safety instructions. If you don't have a printed version, you can typically find it online by performing a simple Google search. Next, observe the equipment in use. You may see other hazards and ways to reduce risks. Finally, take a few minutes to train employees before they use a pressure washer for the first time. Before use: Perform a job hazard analysis (JHA) to identify all mechanical, energy source, cleaning chemical, and task-related hazards. Provide PPE to employees to prevent wounds from high pressure spray and airborne debris. Inspect equipment and scan work environment to ensure safe operation. Never use a gasoline powered washer in an enclosed area to prevent asphyxiation from exhaust fumes. Make sure the washer is properly grounded and always test the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). During use: Always wear PPE to protect your eyes, hands, feet, ears, and torso. Never aim the washer wand at yourself or others. Keep electrical cords out of streaming and standing water. Avoid stepping on oil, grease, and other slippery substances. Use a telescoping wand to prevent working from ladders or elevated platforms. Stay aware of your surroundings and pause work until all pedestrians are safely away. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Education Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Safety Management Staff Development Workplace
• Keywords:
  Equipment Maintenance Equipment Operation Equipment Reliability Hazards Injuries Injury-prevention Personal-protection Personal Protective Equipment PPE Risk-factors Safety-education Safety-measures Safety-practices Training Work-environment Workers

  More +
• Publisher:
  Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Fact Sheet
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 10 ; Washington
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20060183
• Citation:
  Olympia, WA: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, 90-145-2020, 2020 Jul; :1
• Contact Point Address:
  SHARP Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, PO Box 44330, Olympia, WA 98504-4330
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2020
• Performing Organization:
  Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Tip sheet: handling the pressure
• End Date:
  20260630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:c4f66a39821eb909018203a481a757a700e4ae615368b34b6fce0325a8e9793437b45b16d382ee8589d85a2f6a07fbbf3e3c942216700b60b573c5f0909dd054
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/224174/cdc_224174_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 461.13 KB ]