What is this document?
INDG68 provides essential safety guidance for anyone using steam or water pressure cleaners in the workplace. The full title warns "You Could be in for a Shock" because these machines combine electricity with water, creating significant electrical hazards if not properly managed.
The leaflet focuses on preventing electric shocks and injuries from pressure cleaning equipment. It outlines practical precautions that operators and their employers should take before and during use.
Who needs to read this?
- Cleaning contractors using pressure washers on commercial or industrial sites
- Facility managers responsible for cleaning equipment and staff safety
- Small business owners who operate their own pressure cleaning equipment
- Vehicle valeters and car wash operators
- Building maintenance staff using pressure washers for external cleaning
- Agricultural workers cleaning equipment or livestock areas
- Anyone who selects, buys, manages, or supervises pressure cleaning operations
Key points covered
The guidance addresses critical safety measures:
- Electrical protection devices including residual current devices (RCDs) and earth monitoring devices
- Daily equipment checks for flexible cables, plugs, and sockets before use
- Visual inspection requirements to identify damage or faults
- Eye protection that must always be worn during operation
- What to do if equipment is damaged and when not to use it
- Selection criteria for choosing safer equipment
- Maintenance requirements for ongoing safe operation
How this applies to you
Before each use
Carry out daily checks on your pressure cleaner:
- Inspect flexible cables for visible damage, cuts, or wear
- Check plugs and sockets are in good condition
- Test that the RCD or earth monitoring device is working
- Do not use any equipment that appears damaged or faulty
During use
- Always use an RCD with pressure cleaners that have flexible cables
- Wear appropriate eye protection at all times
- Be aware of where cables are positioned to avoid damage during cleaning
- Keep electrical connections away from wet areas where possible
Equipment selection
When buying or hiring pressure cleaning equipment, consider:
- Built-in electrical protection features
- Quality of cables and connections
- Ease of inspection and maintenance
- Compliance with relevant safety standards
For more detailed technical guidance, the HSE also publishes PM29 (Electrical risks from steam/water pressure cleaners) which covers installation and maintenance requirements in greater depth.
Related Safety Clarity content
- Workplace Safety Requirements - General employer duties for health and safety
Source: This page summarises HSE guidance document INDG68. For the full official guidance, visit the HSE website.