Preventing Electrocution Injuries While Pressure Washing

Deck Power (Pressure) Washing

The main electrical hazard when using a pressure washer is when the arc of the water contacts an electrical source or pooled water contacts the external power connections and there is improper grounding of the electrical wiring or a faulty short circuit within the internal circuitry. Pressure washer circuits are normally grounded; however, in instances where a faulty internal circuit develops or frayed or improperly grounded external circuitry is present, electricity can travel through the short circuit killing the user. To date at least 13 people have died of electrocution from improper pressure washer use, or faulty pressure washer equipment.

 As a result of these fatalities, the National Electrical Code has required, since 1987, that pressure washers be used with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). More and more modern units come with built in GFCIs; however, if the unit doesn't have one (this can be ascertained by reading the manual), then the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that the unit be used with either a circuit breaker type GFCI or a receptacle type GFCI. Homeowners in houses that have neither can, in many cases, rent a portable GFCI from a local hardware store. Whichever type of GFCI you are using, you should test the ground fault circuit interrupter (circuit breaker or outlet) before using a pressure washer. Improperly grounded extension cords are a common cause of pressure washer related electrocution injuries and therefore extension cords must be used with great caution. You should take all of the following precautions:

• Always keep power connections and electrical extension cords out of water
• The third plug of a power connection is the ground, so all plugs and extensions must be heavy duty three wired types
• Never cut or splice extension cords
• Never remove the grounding pin (the third plug) from extension cords
• Stop using the pressure washer after it has tripped a breaker and have it looked at by a qualified electrician
• Never bypass the grounding pin of an extension cord in order to plug it into a two pronged receptacle
• If you are the operator, you should wear rubber-soled shoes that provide some insulation when using the pressure washer. This may save your life when all else fails.

Because of the possibility of a short circuit you should never let the water's arc touch an electrical outlet. Take the following precautions to prevent this from occurring:

• Know the location of all power lines, fuse boxes, telephone junction boxes, generators, or other live electrical outlets in the area where you are working.
• Never let the spray stray from the surface you are working on.

You must maintain total control of the pressure washer hose at all times to ensure that the water will never contact live electricity. Use the following procedures for controlling the spray.

• Familiarize yourself with your pressure washer's spray arc range as well as its kickback during use. Kickbacks may occur when turning on the spray and when applying the spray to a surface.
• If you are using a new model, make sure you know the potential kickback of that model.
• When spraying assume a solid stance and grip the spray gun with both hands.
• Stand on a level surface when spraying and never on a ladder.
• When you activate your pressure washer, make sure the nozzle is in a closed or off position.
• Never allow children to use the pressure washer, and never leave it unattended.

If you feel at all uncertain about using your pressure washer safely, don't hesitate to contact your local deck washing company or house painting company to aske them to do the job for you. They are experts in pressure washer safety and will be happy to assist you.

The Turf Barbers is an outdoor masonry, landscape, house painting, and experienced pressure washer (power washer) company in the Westchester County, Yorktown Heights area. Call them at 914-302-2469 to arrange service. 2929 Quinlan Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, United States