Hose Burst !

Russ Spence

Russ Spence

Commercial Pressure Wash Expert
Be careful when cleaning, never assume that hose burst cant hurt you. This morning while changing the surface cleaner back to the gun the hose end blew in my left hand, just a small hole but with 3500 psi and 200+ degree water it was hot and not only was it hot but the water shot thru the glove and into my thumb filling my muscle tissure with scalding hot water. My thumb was at thest 4 times its normal size and HOTT.

I am fine but it was an experience that I will always remember:eek:
 
I know how that can hurt,

Since a new O ring burst a few months back, causing 2 degree burns after cutting through a insulated leather jacket and a sweat shirt worn under the jacket, we now have the hose encased at the pistol area in Kevlar PLUS have our men wear Kevlar Arm Sleeves along with the leather insulated jacket, a sweatshirt ( Thick), Thermal shirt and a undershirt to protect them from fine leaks of DRY steam. The Leather Gloves, if wet, are used once then thrown away.

We go through 20 to 30+ pairs of gloves every 2 weeks. We buy them in box loads. When leather gets wet or worn, they are useless.

Being that your thumb swelled up that much Russ, maybe you should use Kevlar to protect yourself. I buy them in bulk for about $5 a sleeve for the wand, the one that the guys wear are about $30 each arm. They are made a bit thicker and can handle 500 degrees and will stop the water from penetration into the skin.

Russ, if you want to know where to buy the Kevlar, just give me a call. I will be happy to help.

Something that you may want to look into being that you got hurt this time.

Below is a photo of a burn from just the hose ONLY, no metal, couplers etc., on the skin. And yes, He screamed.
 

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sorry to hear that
 
Russ

That sounds hideous - do you have pics? JK - glad it wasn't any worse!

I always thought a protective sleeve at the end of the hose was a good idea, I've had them burst there more than anywhere else, and its near your face while spraying the gun!

Jim, how do those sleeves work? It sounds like a good plan to make them standard equipment, especially for employees. Its bad when you take a shot yourself but when your guy gets it it just feels horrible. I got a braided protective sleeve that was for hydraulic connections but I never put it on, I'm not sure if it would stop a water burst.
 
I am sorry for your misfortune.
That is a good reason to get a k-7 unloader, which diverts all pressure to bypass, when you let go of trigger
 
Glad to hear you are ok Russ, I know about that pain from hot water.

About the kevlar sleeves, I used them at the refinery to protect against steam burns when working with steam pipes, fixing steam leaks, etc....

I have been wanting to get some kevlar sleeves and gloves for when working with the very hot water for more protection.

Hope your thumb gets better soon.
 
AS a precautionary measure, whenever you get water injection like that you should seek medical attention. Russ may be ok, well, everywhere except in his head, but that is an injury that can turn extremely nasty, extremely quickly.
 
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