Safe Use of Water Hoses

Key Hazards

• Trips from hoses across walkways or work areas
• Slips from wet floors, overspray, or puddles
• Hose whip or sudden movement from pressure release
• Damaged nozzles, fittings, or couplings
• Water contacting electrical equipment, cords, or outlets
• Strains from dragging long or heavy hoses

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Water hoses are common cleanup and work tools, but they can create slip, trip, electrical, pressure, and handling hazards if not routed and controlled properly.

Workers should inspect hoses before use. Cracks, leaks, bulges, damaged fittings, loose couplings, worn nozzles, and weak spots should be corrected.

Hoses should be routed away from walkways, stairs, doors, ladders, vehicle paths, and equipment travel lanes whenever possible.

Wet areas should be controlled. Water, soap, mud, algae, or overspray can make floors, steps, ramps, and platforms slippery.

Workers should keep water away from electrical panels, cords, outlets, powered tools, battery chargers, and energized equipment.

Pressure should be controlled before disconnecting hoses, changing nozzles, or removing fittings. A sudden release can cause hose movement or spray.

Long hoses can be heavy and awkward to drag. Workers should avoid twisting, yanking, or pulling from poor body position.

Safe water hose use depends on inspection, routing, pressure control, electrical awareness, housekeeping, and storing hoses so they do not create trip hazards.

Safety Reminders

• Inspect hoses, nozzles, and fittings before use.
• Route hoses away from walkways and traffic paths.
• Control wet floor hazards.
• Keep water away from electrical equipment.
• Release pressure before disconnecting or changing nozzles.
• Avoid dragging hoses with poor posture.
• Store hoses neatly after use.

Ask the Crew

• Is the hose in safe condition?
• Could the hose create a trip hazard?
• Could water create a slip or electrical hazard?
• Are fittings and nozzles secure?
• Has pressure been controlled before disconnecting?