A Pressure Washer Jet Is Not a Cleaning Brush

Controls to confirm

• Control the spray area: keep people clear and pause if anyone enters. Never aim the lance at yourself or another person. Work from stable footing; arrange hoses to avoid trips and keep runoff from making the route slippery. Wear the eye, hand, foot, body and hearing protection specified by the task assessment.
• Check the complete setup: inspect the washer, hose, lance and electrical supply before use, following the manufacturer's instructions. For electric units, test the RCD/GFCI and keep connections away from runoff. Take defective equipment out of service. Keep petrol-powered units outdoors, away from openings and air intakes.
• Treat spray injuries seriously: stop work, raise the alarm and obtain urgent medical assessment for a high-pressure spray wound, even if it looks minor. Tell the clinician that pressurised water was involved and identify any cleaning chemicals used. Do not wait for swelling or severe pain.

Today’s action

Walk through the wash area before starting. Confirm pedestrian separation, safe footing, equipment checks and how to summon help for a spray injury.

Source guidance

Authoritative guidance checked 9 November 2026. Apply the legal requirements and approved procedures for your location.

• CDC — Pressure Washer Safety: jet wounds, electrical precautions and prompt medical attention
• Washington State Department of Labor and Industries — Handling the Pressure: task assessment, PPE and pedestrian protection; hosted by CDC Stacks
• HSE — Pressure-water washing machine shock: equipment checks and maintenance