Before We Start: Pre-Job Protocol

A safe job starts before the pressure washer is switched on. Our pre-job protocol establishes the safe work zone and identifies every risk before any equipment is deployed.

Phase 0 — Arrival

Site Assessment

  • Walk the full work area with the client contact or site representative
  • Identify and photograph all existing property damage (pre-existing cracks, staining, dents) to document condition before work begins
  • Identify all electrical fixtures, outdoor sockets, and exterior lighting within the splash zone
  • Note the location of pool, fish ponds, garden beds, and lawn areas potentially affected by runoff
  • Confirm location of mains water supply and pressure specs

Protecting Your Property

Vehicles

Any vehicles parked within 5 metres of the work area must be moved before cleaning begins. High-pressure overspray and chemical mist can strip vehicle paint and damage seals. If vehicles cannot be moved, we use heavy-duty plastic sheeting secured with clip ties. We will always confirm vehicle clearance with the client before starting.

Electrical Fixtures

All exterior electrical outlets, junction boxes, and security light fittings within the work zone are covered with waterproof plastic and secured with tape before water is applied. We do not clean within 50 cm of uncovered electrical fittings under any circumstances.

Windows and Glass

Windows adjacent to the wall work area are identified during the site walk. For windows within direct line of spray, we use temporary protective sheeting. Chemical products are never applied within 30 cm of glass surfaces.

Garden Beds and Planting

All garden beds bordering the wall are thoroughly wet-soaked with clean water before chemical application begins. After each section is chemically treated and washed, the adjacent beds receive a clean water rinse. For vegetable gardens, we apply additional sheeting barriers where necessary.

Client Checklist

To help us do the safest job possible: move vehicles, bring pets inside, and let us know about any outdoor furniture, ornaments, or sensitive plants you want protected before we arrive.

Protecting People and Pets

Exclusion Zone During Active Washing

During active pressure washing, a minimum 3-metre exclusion zone is maintained around the operator. Bystanders — including the client, residents, and pedestrians — must remain outside this zone while the machine is running. Our team will clearly communicate when it's safe to approach.

Pets

We ask that all dogs and cats be kept indoors or in an enclosed area away from the work zone for the duration of the job. Dogs, in particular, are drawn to the noise and activity of pressure washing — an animal in the work area creates both a safety risk for the animal and a distraction hazard for the operator.

Pedestrians and Public Access

For jobs on walls adjacent to public pavements or roads, we deploy orange safety cones and warning tape to establish a public exclusion buffer along the pavement edge. For commercial sites with significant pedestrian traffic, we can schedule work during off-hours to minimise disruption.

Operator PPE

Our operators work in full personal protective equipment on every job — no exceptions:

  • Safety goggles — rated for chemical splash and high-pressure water impact
  • Chemical-resistant gloves — full gauntlet length for chemical application phase
  • Steel-capped boots — rated for pressure washer lance impact
  • High-visibility vest — required for all roadside and public-adjacent work
  • Hearing protection — for extended operation of diesel-powered equipment

Runoff and Waste Management

All wash water and chemical runoff is directed toward the property's stormwater drainage points — never toward neighbouring properties or public storm drains without dilution. For jobs using acid-based efflorescence treatment, the runoff is fully neutralised with a bicarbonate rinse before discharge.

Upon job completion, the work area is swept and cleared of any debris, cleaning agent containers are removed, and temporary protective coverings are taken down. We leave the site in at least the same condition we found it — visually, a significantly better one.

Have specific safety concerns about your property layout? Get in touch before booking — we're happy to discuss the setup in advance.

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