Safety Flash
Failure of pressure washer
Failure of pressure washer
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 11/11
- Inspection and MaintenanceMachinery and EquipmentPressure Systems
- CorrosionMechanical failurePressure systems
- Electrical workInspection and maintenance
- Valve
- Functional testingPressure reliefPreventive maintenance
Summary
A portable Karcher pressure washer failed during post-maintenance testing, injuring a technician. A corroded, unserviceable pressure relief valve and defective boiler-regulating switch allowed overpressure to rupture the heating coil, ejecting the boiler hatch. The flash recommends inspection of similar devices and their inclusion in planned maintenance.
Classifications: Corrosion; corrosion damage.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Electrical work; electrical maintenance.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Pressure relief; overpressure protection.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Summary
A member has reported an incident in which a Karcher HDS1195 pressure washer failed when a technician was conducting a test run after maintenance.
IMCA SF 11/11. Themes: inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment, pressure systems.