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When too much automation can lead to danger

When too much automation can lead to danger

Sometimes we receive inquiries about the automatic shut down devices for the gas powered hot water pressure washers. On occasions, the untrained operator neglects to shut off the system when it is no longer being used for cleaning work. Gas is wasted and there is a wish for the machine to have shut off automatically as the operator has left the area.

While a gas auto shut down is technically possible, it may pay off to first look deeper at the condition or circumstance that allows any unsupervised operation of the machine. One might find this to be a significant safety concern and should be questioned.

When the pressure washer operator leaves the machine running it is just like a loaded weapon, and he must understand that the gun is armed with deadly force, hot or cold, which could easily be discharged by unsuspecting pedestrians, or children into equipment or persons not intended. Supervisors must instruct to the user to cool down and shut off the equipment as instructed in the operation manual.

This can also be true on systems with pressure sensitive unloaders. Trapped pressure in the hose system between the unloader and gun has the potential for injuring someone even if the engine or motor is off, so a trigger pull with the gun pointed in a safe direction to “disarm” the system must also be done regularly, and shut off the switch.

Operators must be trained & be able to recognize this potential for injury. They must also be trained & expected to perform the shut down procedures correctly and to shut off the unit when not spraying water.

Hydro Tek thinks that using a pressure washer safely is of utmost importance. Do you have any safety tip you would like to share? Please comment on this blog if you do.

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  • Hot Water Pressure Washers

    Hydro Tek hot water pressure washers are designed to tackle the toughest messes wherever they may occur. Our products feature high-quality stainless steel construction, simple controls, and an innovative Spiralast™ heating coil that improves efficiency and reduces your fuel costs. We manufacture the Spiralast™ coils right here in our facility using a proprietary cold rolled process and robotic welds for exceptional strength and unimpeded flow. Our Spiralast™ lifetime warranty is the ONLY lifetime heating coil warranty in the industry.

  • Advantages of a Hot Water Pressure Washer

    Simply by heating up the water, a hot water pressure washer delivers dramatically improved cleaning power compared to a cold water machine. Hot water pressure washers are especially useful for cleaning sticky, greasy, or oily surfaces, because they will loosen the dirt much faster without the large amounts of soap, detergent, or other cleaning chemicals that must be used with a cold water system.

  • Hot Water Pressure Washer Applications

    A hot water pressure washer is essential for any cleanup job involving a sticky, greasy, or oily mess, as well as for applications where a surface must be sanitized. With a variety of models available, including self-contained mobile units with gas, diesel, or electric power, Hydro Tek hot water pressure washers can go anywhere and clean anything. Some common applications include heavy equipment cleaning, vehicle cleaning, graffiti removal, restaurant hood vent cleaning, and livestock facility cleaning.

Quality & Innovation Since 1985

Hydro Tek

From simple beginnings in 1985, Hydro Tek has grown to become the most trusted name in the pressure washer manufacturing industry.

How did we do it? By continually focusing on quality and reliability as the key to customer satisfaction, and by incorporating the latest technologies into our design and manufacturing processes.

By 1991, we were using computer-aided drafting systems to refine our product designs and improve efficiency. In 1997, we brought the power of computers to the shop floor by incorporating laser-cutting and other CNC manufacturing machinery, and in 2001 we began focusing on improving efficiency through the latest manufacturing techniques. The end result has been superior products delivered at a superior value to our customers. Through the next decade, we look forward to fulfilling our vision of making our products the "obvious choice" for all your industrial and commercial cleaning needs.