Dos and Don'ts When Pressure Washing

Pressure Washing Dos

• DO read your operation manual thoroughly to ensure safe operation of your pressure washer.
• DO make sure all guards and shields are in place and in good working order.
• DO check oil levels before every use.
• DO wear proper eye, face and hand protection when operating the equipment and pressure washing.
• DO attach nozzles and/or accessories completely before starting the machine.
• DO keep hands and feet clear of the cleaning nozzle at all times.
• DO consider using a detergent or accessory to increase your cleaning power and decrease your cleaning time.
• DO direct the water at a downward arc when cleaning wood substrates. Spraying head-on can damage wood siding and decks.
• DO wash a small test area prior to starting your cleaning task.
• DO pressure wash the surface thoroughly.
• DO keep the wand and water jet at least 6 feet away from electrical wires, service boxes and entrances. A shock from service wires can be deadly.

Pressure Washing Don'ts

• DON'T fill the fuel tank while the engine is running or still hot.
• DON'T leave the nozzle in a closed position for more than a minute or two while the equipment is running. The pump may overheat.
• DON'T try to repair a leak in the hose or connection while the system is under power.
• DON'T wash pressure sensitive areas without testing first. Increasing spraying distance can allow for safe washing.
• DON'T place any part of your body in front of the nozzle or point it at other people. The blast is so powerful, it can literally tear the skin off.
• DON'T hold the nozzle too close to the surface or too long in one spot - the strong jet will gouge wood, dent aluminum side, erode stucco, and blast mortar out of joints in brick walls. Likewise, do not point the wand directly at windows, for obvious reasons.
• DON'T pressure wash from a ladder - you'll need both hands to control the wand (when you turn it on, it has a hefty kickback, which can kick you off balance). Instead, use an adjustable extension wand to reach high places.

Dos and Don'ts of Air Compressors

Air Compressor Dos

• DO read your operation manual thoroughly to ensure safe operation of your air compressor.
• DO make sure all guards and shields are in place and in good working order.
• DO check oil levels before every use.
• DO wear proper eye, face and hand protection when operating the equipment.
• DO keep hands, arms, hair and clothing away from belts, pulleys and other moving parts. Never wear a tie or dangling necklace.
• DO keep other people clear of the compressor before starting it and during operation.
• DO inspect hoses regularly and never use a damaged or defective hose.
• DO inspect all connections and couplings to make sure they are completely interlocked and pinned.
• DO set up the compressor as level as possible and block the wheels.
• DO inspect all air filters on pumps. Replace if dirty or clogged.

Air Compressor Don'ts

• DON'T use compressed air to clean yourself or others. Air at high pressure can break an ear drum, damage an eye and even penetrate the skin.
• DON'T fill the fuel tank while the engine is running or still hot.
• DON'T smoke or have an open flame in the area when refueling.
• DON'T make any adjustments when the compressor is running. Air pressure must be safely and properly released prior to adjustments.
• DON'T exceed recommended maximum air pressure.

Dos and Don'ts of Generators

Generator Dos

• DO read your operation manual thoroughly to ensure safe operation of your generator.
• DO make sure all guards and shields are in place and in good working order.
• DO check oil levels before every use.
• DO store your portable generator in a dry, clean area that is easy to get to. When the lights go out, you don't want to trip over things to get the power going.
• DO set the generator outside or vent the exhaust outside to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home.
• DO attach a ground wire to the generator to assure proper grounding. Without proper grounding, the ungrounded system may use you for the ground rod and you could be electrocuted.
• DO use fresh gasoline when possible. If the generator is likely to sit long periods of time before being run again, use a gasoline stabilizer.
• DO dry your hands if wet before touching the generator.
• DO plug appliances directly into the generator. Or, use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
• DO start your generator at least once a month and let it run for a few minutes. If yours has a battery, trickle charge the battery from time to time to ensure it is ready to go.
• DO contact a licensed electrical contractor if you must connect the generator to the house wiring to power appliances.

Generator Don'ts

• DON'T run the generator in an enclosed area. Keep it away from the home's windows and doors.
• DON'T use frayed or defective extension cords.
• DON'T run the generator in the rain or snow. Keep it inside, under an overhang, or in a portable shelter if possible.
• DON'T add gasoline to a generator that is running. Always shut off the generator and let it cool down before refilling it.
• DON'T ever try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as "back feeding". This is an extremely dangerous practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.

Dos and Don'ts of Portable Heaters

Portable heaters Dos

• DO read your operation manual thoroughly to ensure safe operation of your space heater.
• DO make sure all guards and shields are in place and in good working order.
• DO turn off the heater before leaving home or going to bed.
• DO have proper ventilation.

Portable heaters Don'ts

• DON'T fill the fuel tank while the unit is running or still hot.
• DON'T use heater if the cord is frayed or broken.
• DON'T lay rugs or carpet over the cord or extension cords.
• DON'T hang items above the heater.
• DON'T put heater near flammable objects.
• DON'T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.

Dos and Don'ts of Vacuums

Vacuum Dos

• This product must be grounded. Connect to a properly grounded outlet only.
• Always be certain the unit is receiving proper voltage.
• Before plugging the unit into a compatible power source, be certain the switch is in the "OFF" position.
• Disconnect from power source when not in use.
• Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• Check power cord for signs of crushing, cutting or heat damage.
• Keep all connections dry and off the ground.
• Use only extension cords having an electrical rating not less than the rating of the product.
• Know how to stop the Wet/Dry Vacuum and be thoroughly familiar with the controls.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all parts of body away from openings.
• Use extra care when cleaning on stairs.

Vacuum Don'ts

• DON'T pull or carry the unit by the electrical cord.
• DON'T use the cord as a handle, close a door on cord, or pull cord around sharp edges or corners.
• DON'T run Wet/Dry Vacuum over cord.
• DON'T unplug by pulling on cord.
• DON'T allow electrical cords to lie in water or in such a position where water could come in contact with them.
• DON'T handle plug or Wet/Dry Vacuum with wet hands.
• DON'T use damaged extension cords.
• DON'T pick up any flammable materials such as gasoline or anything that is burning or smoking such as cigarettes, ashes, etc.
• DON'T use without dust filter in place.
• DON'T leave operating unit unattended.