Generators and Pressure Washers: Using Them Safely

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Generators and Pressure Washers: Using Them Safely

Carbon monoxide, electrical connection, fuel handling and pressure washer risks

Petrol equipment does jobs nothing else can and carries risks that are specific, well documented and entirely avoidable.

Never run a generator indoors

Generators produce carbon monoxide, which has no smell and kills. That includes garages, sheds, porches, conservatories, caravans and any partly enclosed space, with doors or windows open.

Run it outdoors, well away from doors, windows and air vents, and fit carbon monoxide alarms in the house. People die every year using generators too close to a building.

Connecting to a house

Never plug a generator into a wall socket to feed a house. Back-feeding sends power onto the network and can kill someone working on the supply, and it bypasses every protection.

A permanent connection requires a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician. Otherwise, plug appliances directly into the generator.

Fuel

Refuel outdoors with the engine off and cool, since petrol vapour ignites on a hot exhaust. Store fuel in approved containers outside the house, never in a cellar or under stairs.

Petrol degrades in months. Use a stabiliser or drain the tank for long storage.

Pressure washers

The jet can cause serious injection injuries and can strip skin. Never point one at anyone, never use it to clean yourself, and keep it away from children and pets.

It will destroy pointing, soft brick, wood and render at close range, and forcing water into a wall causes damp. Start at distance with a wide nozzle.

Electrical safety

Use an RCD, keep connections out of standing water, and never use a damaged cable.

Sizing a generator

Add up the running wattage of what you need to power, then check the surge rating, since anything with a motor or compressor draws several times its running wattage at startup.

Inverter generators produce cleaner power suited to electronics and are quieter, which matters if neighbours are nearby.

Maintenance

Run it under load every few months, change the oil on schedule and store it with the fuel stabilised or drained.

Pressure washer detergents and surfaces

Use a detergent intended for the machine, applied through the correct nozzle at low pressure, and let it dwell before rinsing. That does more than raw pressure and damages far less.

Keep the jet away from windows, lights, vents, air bricks and anything painted or rendered, and never use one on a car's paintwork at close range.

Hearing and eyes

Wear eye protection and hearing protection, since both generators and washers are loud enough to damage hearing over time.

Noise and neighbours

Check local rules on running times, and wear hearing protection for anything loud.

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