SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN USING HAWK PRODUCTS
Each pump presents certain safety risks as water at high pressure is dangerous if misused .
TECHNICAL
High pressure can be dangerous
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1
HIGH-PRESSURE GUN
Never point a high-pressure gun at another person , especially when a machine is switched off . The hose between the unloader and the gun remains under maximum pressure until the gun trigger is pulled .
By
By Hawk Pumps
Minimise your risk with high-pressure equipment thanks to some expert advice .
CLOSED SHOES
Always wear closed shoes when operating a high-pressure cleaning machine .
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SAFETY GOGGLES
Never play around with a dangerous machine .
Always wear suitable safety goggles or a clear plastic face shield as the lance can whip around and eyes cannot be replaced .
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UNLOADER SETTINGS
Do not adjust the unloader setting to try to achieve higher pressures . If the unloader is set higher than is recommended , the pressure in the hose will intensify causing damage to the pump or the motor .
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SWITCH ACCESSIBILITY
Make sure that the switch on the machine is accessible in case of an emergency .
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FIRST AID KIT
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DANGEROUS MACHINERY
SAFETY GLOVES
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Gloves should be worn when working with hot water machines which can go to 90 degrees Celsius .
HOSE LEAKS
If a hose leaks , do not try to stop the leak with your hand . x
ON
HOSE MARKINGS
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If tube cleaning is being done , mark the hose clearly about one or two meters from the nozzle . When withdrawing the hose , this will warn the operator that the hose is about to come out of the tube .
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Hawk Pumps , manufacturers and distributors of high-pressure pumps and accessories , including high-pressure washing machines , recognises that , while pressure washing is a practical and highly effective washing method for a number of applications ; as is the case with many mechanised instruments , high-pressure equipment comes with its fair share of risk .
Some machines are designed to work at 1000bar of pressure . That equates to 14 500 pounds per square inch , which could even sever a limb . It ’ s essential to bear the safety risks in mind as water is dangerous if misused at high pressure . Here are a few tips from Hawk Pumps to ensure safety is a priority .
• Always be mindful of other people ’ s safety . Never point a high-pressure gun at anyone and don ’ t assume that it is safe when switched off . This is when it is at its most dangerous . The hose remains at maximum pressure and when the trigger is engaged it can release with brute force .
• Protect your feet . Wear closed shoes when operating a high-pressure cleaning machine , as it can penetrate the soft skin at the top of the foot .
• Machines are not toys . Don ’ t play around with them under any circumstances .
• Protect your face with safety goggles or a clear plastic face shield . If the pressure causes the lance to whip around , you could lose an eye . Highpressure hoses work surfaces loose , and they can quickly bounce back and cause injury .
• Hot water machines can reach up to 90 degrees Celsius . That is almost boiling point . Always wear gloves when working with hot water machines .
• Make sure to select the correct nozzle for your pressure requirements . The incorrect nozzle will cause too much backpressure . If you adjust the unloader instead of the nozzle , the excessive pressure will damage the pump or motor when it is switched off .
• Don ’ t be fooled by tiny leaks . Never try to stop them with your hand , as the tiny jet stream is powerful . It can severely damage your hand . In extreme instances , it has even caused a hand to inflate .
• Always ensure easy access to the off-switch in case of emergencies . It is advisable to have a second person on standby when operating under extreme pressure .
• When tube cleaning , mark the hose clearly about one or two metres from the nozzle . This will warn the operator that the hose is about to come out of the tube as it is withdrawn . Extreme caution must be exercised as the hose can whip around and injure the operator . The injury can be fatal .
• Always ensure that a well-stocked , clearly labelled first aid kit is always easily accessible . PA
Make sure there is a suitable first aid kit .
February 2023 Volume 28 I Number 12 www . plumbingafrica . co . za