Name: Hotsy Equipment Company
Address: 3005 Interstate Dr, San Antonio, TX, 78219, US
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Location: Hotsy Equipment Company

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Disinfecting and Sanitizing Equipment, Hotsy, Hotsy Cold Water Pressure Washer, Hotsy Hot Pressure Washer

Pressure Washer Safety: Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

At first glance, a pressure washer in action doesn’t look all that dangerous. After all, it’s just a blast of water, albeit more powerful than what you get from a regular garden hose–right? Wrong. A pressure washer–just like any other power tool in your garage–can become dangerous with improper use. Think about it: if a […]

by Keval Shah

Hotsy

Can Pressure Washers Remove Rust?

Rust turns everything into an eyesore. Whether it’s a vehicle, a railing, or a household appliance, the presence of rust makes anything look old, worn, and dirty. When a metal object corrodes, you have two choices: you can buy a replacement or you can remove the rust with a pressure washer. In the interest of […]

by Keval Shah

Disinfecting and Sanitizing Equipment, Hotsy, Hotsy Cold Water Pressure Washer, Hotsy Hot Pressure Washer

Pressure Washer Safety: Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

by Keval Shah

Hotsy

Can Pressure Washers Remove Rust?

by Keval Shah

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Disinfecting and Sanitizing Equipment, Hotsy, Hotsy Cold Water Pressure Washer, Hotsy Hot Pressure Washer

Pressure Washer Safety: Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

At first glance, a pressure washer in action doesn’t look all that dangerous. After all, it’s just a blast of water, albeit more powerful than what you get from a regular garden hose–right?

Wrong.

A pressure washer–just like any other power tool in your garage–can become dangerous with improper use. Think about it: if a pressure washer can remove paint from a surface, just imagine what it can do to bare skin! You’re lucky if all you get is a bruise or a wound. But with a pressure washer’s powerful spray, it is very likely to have water injected into your skin, which can easily cause a deep-layer infection.

As a business, you are responsible for your employees’ safety and your own. With that in mind, knowing about pressure washer safety is crucial before you attempt to use a pressure washer without prior experience.

Keep on reading to learn more about the potential dangers of using a pressure washer and–more importantly, how to prevent serious injuries or damage from happening.

Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

The short answer is yes, pressure washers can be dangerous. But the real question you should ask is, how dangerous are pressure washers?

A pressure washer can be just as dangerous as any other power tool, but the injuries that they can cause are definitely less severe than, say, a power saw. However, this doesn’t make them any less hazardous. At the very least, getting hit by the spray of a pressure washer can cause minor bruising or wounds on your skin. In worse cases, however, the pressurized water can penetrate deep into the skin and where it’s not supposed to be, which can lead to an infection. Let’s say you get sprayed in the eyes – you could be at risk of losing your vision permanently.

We say all this not to scare you, but rather to make you aware of the reality you face when you use a pressure washer.

These types of deep-tissue injuries can appear to be no big deal at first glance, which can increase the risk of not seeking medical help until it’s too late. In the absolute worst cases, a pressure washer injury where the water ended up deep inside the skin can lead to disability and even amputation.

So, to answer the question, “are pressure washers dangerous?” Yes, they can be–unless you employ proper pressure washer safety practices. This brings us to our next topic:

At What Pressure Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

To be able to use a pressure washer safely, you must know the level of pressure at which pressure washers can become dangerous. More specifically, you need to know the pounds per square inch (psi) level at which the jet of water can cut through the outer layer of skin, which is 1,160 psi.

General cleaning applications call for 1,500 to 1,900 psi of pressure. Pressure washers that can emit pressure between 1,500 to 1,900 psi are considered “light-duty”. That said, an average pressure washer with a “light” spray can be strong enough to cause serious injury if you’re not careful.

Having said that, just imagine how much damage a higher psi level can cause (pressure washers can go up to 3,300+ psi!). In any case, it is important to practice proper pressure washer safety at any pressure.

Speaking of psi, check out this guide on how much water pressure psi you need for different types of applications!

Pressure Washer Safety Tips

Before you attempt to use a pressure washer, take note of these important safety tips to minimize the risk of accidents:

Learn How To Use a Pressure Washer Before Using One

It is imperative that you know the correct pressure washer techniques before even touching an actual machine. A pressure washer is a very powerful tool that can easily cause serious injuries and damage to property when placed in the wrong hands. Therefore, if you are inexperienced, it is crucial that you know how to use a pressure washer properly, at least in theory.

Pro tip: Watch video tutorials on how to use a pressure washer, ideally with the same type of washer that you have. There are plenty of sources online that you can use to learn before you give your pressure washer a go.

Once you learn what you need to do, you can start practicing with your pressure washer at a low psi. Set your pressure washer at the lowest psi it can go, then work your way up as you learn how to maneuver the nozzle properly. In any case, work in an abandoned area where there is less risk of injuring someone or damaging property.

Wear PPE

When using a pressure washer, be sure to wear clothing that covers your skin i.e. pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Similarly, wear shoes that cover your entire foot; work boots with metatarsal guards are the best option, but regular sneakers will do as long as they are thick enough.

Eye and ear protection are also an absolute must. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from the mist and other particles, as well as to prevent accidents caused by something flying into your eye. If you are using a gas-powered pressure washer, which can be very loud, don’t forget to wear ear protection, too.

It is also recommended to wear waterproof safety gloves to protect your hands in case they accidentally get in the way of the pressurized spray. Waterproof gloves will also prevent your hands from getting wet, which minimizes the risk of you losing grip on the nozzle gun.

Another important tip: if you are using a hot water pressure washer, opt for insulated waterproof gloves!

Clear The Area Before Spraying

The powerful spray of a pressure washer can not only pose a risk to humans but inanimate objects as well. That said, always make sure to clear the area before you start working. Get rid of any obstacles that can get in the way of your spray; cover up windows; barricade the walkways (if you are working in a public area), and cover surrounding greenery with a tarp if necessary.

Never Aim The Wand at Anyone

How dangerous are pressure washers? Dangerous enough that you should treat your pressure washer wand like a firearm! Never aim it at anyone or anything that you don’t intend to clean. When the water is off, always point the wand downward and keep your fingers off the trigger.

Don’t Use a Gas Pressure Washer in an Enclosed Space

A gas-powered pressure washer emits fumes as it burns fuel for power. As a result, it is only ideal for outdoor use. If you try to operate a gas pressure washer inside an enclosed space, the carbon monoxide can remain trapped indoors, and you will be at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. If a cleaning job needs to be done indoors, use an electric pressure washer instead.

Cover Electrical Outlets

Before cleaning an area, make it a point to check for and cover electrical outlets. You already know what can happen if you accidentally spray water into one.

Start With a Wide Nozzle

All pressure washers come with 3 to 4 nozzle tips. The widest angle nozzle tip is the 40-degree nozzle, which sprays a gentle fan of water on a surface. The smallest and strongest nozzle tip is the 0-degree nozzle, which sprays a jet of water the size of a quarter. Whenever you work on a new surface, always start with the 40-degree nozzle first, then work your way down until you find the nozzle tip that is strong enough to do the job.

Maintain Your Equipment Properly

This is a safety tip that a lot of business owners tend to forget. Proper maintenance is not only necessary to save money on your pressure washer–it’s also important for the safety of whoever uses it.

To illustrate, a poorly-maintained pressure washer has a higher risk of failing, which can lead to accidents. In the unfortunate event that it does cause an accident, you are legally obligated to pay for damages and medical expenses because maintaining the machine is your responsibility as a business owner. If it is your employee that sustains injuries, they are also entitled to workers’ compensation.

Final Thoughts On Pressure Washer Safety

With all the points that we’ve made here, you should be able to understand how important it is to employ all the necessary safety precautions when using a pressure washer. Don’t put your workers, yourself, and your business at risk–always make safety your #1 priority!

More than that, invest in a top-quality commercial pressure washer san antonio that has all the features you need to increase user safety. With a reliable unit from Hotsy Equipment Company, you won’t have to worry about your hot water pressure washer spraying scalding water everywhere for no reason–or perhaps your electric pressure washer suddenly malfunctioning. As long as you do your part in maintaining your machine, you can rest assured that a Hotsy pressure washer will remain fully functional and safe for years to come.

by Keval Shah

Hotsy

Can Pressure Washers Remove Rust?

Pressure washing is the easiest and most effective method of rust removal. The pressure from a power washer is powerful enough to chip rust away without having to sand or scrape metal surfaces. However, how much pressure do you need to use to remove rust? What kind of pressure washer is the best for rust removal? And how do you remove rust with a pressure washer safely and effectively?

In this article, we answer all these questions you have along with many others. We’ll explain everything you need to know about removing rust with a pressure washer. Let’s start with some basic information on how rust forms in the first place.

How Does Rust Form?

Rust forms after metal starts to corrode from exposure to oxygen and moisture. Metal objects that are not sealed with a protective coating and constantly exposed to the elements are most susceptible to corrosion.

Here are the most common places where rust is present:

Exterior walls that are made or are in contact with metal
Interior and exterior pipes
Faucets, spigots, gutters
Metal around heaters
Outdoor decorations, especially those made of metal
Unused vehicles

Non-metallic surfaces can also be victims of rust stains if they are in contact with metal or are in the way of rust run-offs. For example, concrete surfaces near rusted spigots can develop rust stains because of the water coming from the corroded material.

How Much Pressure Do You Need To Remove Rust?

Rust requires heavy agitation before it chips away from a metal surface. That said, the key to removing rust effectively is to choose a pressure washer that is powerful enough to separate rust from metal surfaces.

A pressure washer that reaches at least 3000 psi is good enough to remove rust. This kind of pressure washer is in the heavy-duty category, able to remove stubborn contaminants like algae, barnacles, oil-based paint, and rust.

If you are planning to remove deep-seated rust, however, you will need an extra heavy-duty pressure washer that can reach pressures of 3300 psi and higher. An extra-heavy-duty power washer is recommended for foodservice, trucking, construction, and other industrial applications. Check out this article to learn more about how much pressure washer you need for your intended use.

Cold vs. Hot Water Pressure Washer

Cold water pressure washers are great for blasting away general dirt and grime, especially if you are cleaning temperature-sensitive surfaces. However, they are not suitable for industrial work where there is a constant presence of oil and grease. If the surface you plan to clean has oil and grease alongside rust, it is better to use an industrial hot water pressure washer.

The hot water from this kind of pressure washer cuts through grease, oil, and stubborn grime. Combined with the high pressure, a hot water pressure washer can clean contaminants from metal surfaces more efficiently than a cold water pressure washer.

Here is a helpful article that can help you learn more about the best applications for cold and hot water pressure washers.

How to Remove Rust With a Pressure Washer

Pressure washing can be dangerous if not done safely and correctly. Along with safety concerns, you need to understand the proper technique in order to remove rust effectively. Hence, we have created a simple guide to help you remove rust safely and efficiently with a pressure washer:

Step 1: Gather equipment and gear

Whether you are using a cold or hot water pressure washer, you need proper protective gear to keep you safe from the powerful jet and–if you are using hot water–high temperature. Wear safety goggles, a dust mask or respirator (if you are also stripping paint), work gloves, work boots, and protective clothing. If you have sensitive ears, wear ear protection as well; a running pressure washer can get quite loud.

Next, set up your pressure washer, your hose, and your nozzles. If you have to strip away paint from the surface, you may also want to have a paint stripper to make the job easier.

A pressure washer detergent will also help you get rid of stubborn oil, dirt, and grease. We recommend using one to effectively wash away these contaminants along with the rust. Here’s how to determine which kind of pressure washer soap you should use.

Step 2: Clear the area

Make sure that the area is clear of anything that cannot get wet or withstand high pressures. Cover nearby windows with plywood if needed.

It is also important to close off the area to prevent people from passing through and potentially getting in the way. Remember that high water pressures can cause serious bodily harm, especially if you are using hot water.

Step 3: Blast away the rust

If you are cleaning a large, durable metal surface, use the yellow 15-degree nozzle. If you come across stubborn rust stains, use the red 10-degree nozzle to chip them away. However, be extra careful with the red nozzle as this is the most powerful one. There is a risk of chipping concrete, wood, and paint off of surrounding objects with that amount of pressure.

If the metal object or surface you are cleaning is thin and fragile, stick to the yellow nozzle to be safe. Excess pressure can dent or even chip away metal.

Start with a test spray while holding the nozzle 15 or 20 inches away. If the pressure is good enough, continue spraying with that amount of distance between the nozzle and the object you are cleaning. Otherwise, hold the nozzle closer until you are satisfied with the cleaning power. Be careful not to damage the surface underneath.

Spray in downward, sweeping motions. Keep the nozzle moving constantly to avoid putting excess pressure on one spot for too long. Work with one section at a time and inspect each one for lingering rust stains before moving on to the next one.

Step 4: Remove remaining rust

Pressure washing may not be enough to remove stubborn rust stains. If bits of rust linger after you’re done, try scraping or sanding them away with sandpaper, a paint scraper, or a metal brush. Keep your movements as gentle as possible to avoid damaging the surface underneath.

If this doesn’t work, soak the surface in WD-40 rust remover for 1-3 hours and try scraping off the rust then.

Step 5: Prime and paint (optional)

You need to prime and paint metal objects to prevent them from oxidizing again too quickly. Sealing metal objects properly will minimize the need for pressure washing in the future. It will keep your metal looking new for years to come. Priming is especially important for exterior metal objects and surfaces as these are constantly exposed to the elements.

When you are done pressure washing, leave the surface to dry completely. Once it is fully dry, apply a layer of primer. Primer is used to prevent the absorption of paint and the development of rust. Afterward, you can apply protective paint and a layer of topcoat if necessary. A clear topcoat will give outdoor objects an extra layer of protection against oxygen and moisture.

Concrete and wood are not the sources of rust, but they can stain due to rust run-off from nearby metal objects. That said, it is also a good idea to seal them with primer to prevent rust stains from forming.

Remove Stubborn Rust Stains With The Most Powerful Pressure Washers From Hotsy

Pressure washing is easy, efficient, and even fun with the right pressure washer by your side. Make pressure washing to remove rust a lot more effective with one of our powerful san antonio commercial power washers and an arsenal of our top-notch nozzles.

Whether it’s rust from metal or a deep-seated grease stain you can’t seem to get rid of, we have the right machine to make the job easier. Here at Hotsy, we have only the top-quality pressure washers for almost all types of industries, including automotive, food service, trucking, and so much more.

Check out our selection today and discover why Hotsy is regarded as a top pressure washer store online.

by Keval Shah

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Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Pressure Washer Safety: Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

Can Pressure Washers Remove Rust?

Pressure Washer Safety: Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

Can Pressure Washers Remove Rust?

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Pressure Washer Safety: Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

At What Pressure Are Pressure Washers Dangerous?

Pressure Washer Safety Tips

Learn How To Use a Pressure Washer Before Using One

Wear PPE

Clear The Area Before Spraying

Never Aim The Wand at Anyone

Don’t Use a Gas Pressure Washer in an Enclosed Space

Cover Electrical Outlets

Start With a Wide Nozzle

Maintain Your Equipment Properly

Final Thoughts On Pressure Washer Safety

Can Pressure Washers Remove Rust?

How Does Rust Form?

How Much Pressure Do You Need To Remove Rust?

Cold vs. Hot Water Pressure Washer

How to Remove Rust With a Pressure Washer

Step 1: Gather equipment and gear

Step 2: Clear the area

Step 3: Blast away the rust

Step 4: Remove remaining rust

Step 5: Prime and paint (optional)

Remove Stubborn Rust Stains With The Most Powerful Pressure Washers From Hotsy

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