Contractors

Power Washing

Power washing contractors perform activities and use chemicals that pose environmental liability risks. Contractors may use various hazardous chemicals for cleaning and gasoline or oils for operating power washing equipment. Spills or releases of these chemicals or fuels at a jobsite can cause contamination, bodily injury, or property damage. Additionally, wastewater is generated as part of power washing activities. If not properly managed, it can discharge to storm drains, resulting in potential ecological harm to surface water bodies or regulatory violations and fines. Power washing can release pollutants from paints or materials present on the surface being washed. Additionally, allergens, such as mold, mildew, algae, etc., can be released into the air and cause bodily injury. Transportation and disposal of wastewater and other wastes generated from power washing can pose environmental liabilities.

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Environmental Exposures May Include

Chemical Storage & Incompatible Chemical Handling
Lead Paint Dislodgement & Airborne Contaminants
Hazardous Waste Segregation & Disposal Liability
Carbon Monoxide Accumulation & Indoor Air Quality
Moisture Intrusion & Building Envelope Mold
Wastewater Management & Storm Drain Discharges
Jobsite Transit Spills & Mobile Transport

Chemical Storage & Incompatible Chemical Handling

Chemicals often used in power washing include oxalic acid, citric acid, sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, bleach, ammonia, and potassium hydroxide. In addition, power washers may be fueled with gasoline or use oils for pump lubrication. Storage and handling of these chemicals could result in spills or leaks that can migrate to soil or groundwater or accumulate in stormwater or wastewater. Mixing incompatible chemicals can cause adverse reactions with potentially harmful consequences.

Lead Paint Dislodgement & Airborne Contaminants

Power washing can cause the release of pollutants from the surface being washed. Power washing can dislodge paint containing lead paint chips to surrounding soils or wastewater. Additionally, power washing of lead-based paint surfaces can release lead-containing dust. Mold, mildew, and algae on power-washed surfaces can become airborne. Inhalation of these contaminants can cause injury to third parties.

Hazardous Waste Segregation & Disposal Liability

Waste generators are responsible for the proper segregation and disposal of their wastes. Some cleaning wastes may be hazardous and require special disposal or recycling procedures. Wastewater from power washing can contain particulates, cleaners, and other contaminants. It may also require special handling and disposal. Improper disposal of wastes and wastewater can lead to environmental tort liability and cleanup costs.

Carbon Monoxide Accumulation & Indoor Air Quality

Gas-powered power washing equipment can produce carbon monoxide, and if the gas enters an enclosed space, it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning to occupants. Third-party bodily injury claims could result.

Moisture Intrusion & Building Envelope Mold

Power washing can allow water to enter cracks and holes in siding, seeping into a building’s interior spaces and resulting in mold growth. Mold can cause bodily injury to building occupants and property damage. Cleanup and third-party claims could result.

Wastewater Management & Storm Drain Discharges

Wastewater is generated from power washing and can contain dirt and cleaning chemicals. Wastewater must be properly managed and should not be discharged to storm drains. Mismanagement, leaks, or spills of wastewater can result in the migration of particulates and chemicals to surface waters, which can cause ecological damage. Regulatory violations and fines may also be levied against a contractor for the release of wastewater to storm drains.

Jobsite Transit Spills & Mobile Transport

Releases of cleaners or wastewater that occur during the transportation to and from jobsites or disposal facilities or during loading and unloading operations can create cleanup liability for ground and water contamination. Releases that migrate into water sources can also create liability for natural resource damages.

Contractors Pollution Liability Can Provide Coverage For

Contracting operations completed “by or on behalf of” the insured

Contracting operations performed at a jobsite

Third-party claims for bodily injury and property damage

Third-party claims for cleanup

Defense of third-party claims

First-party emergency response costs

Non-owned disposal sites

Mold, legionella, bacteria, and fungi

Asbestos and lead

Sudden and accidental coverage for owned/leased locations

First and third-party transportation pollution liability

Loading and unloading

Crisis/publicity management

Claims Scenarios & Examples

A power washing contractor had a rollover accident. Cleaning fluids, wastewater, and automotive fluids spilled into the street. Emergency response crews responded by diking and damming street gutters to prevent toxic fluids from entering storm drains. The contractor was liable for the emergency response and cleanup costs.
A power washing contractor was operating gas-powered equipment while working at a hotel. Fumes from the operating equipment entered the building’s air handling system. The hotel guests and employees had to be evacuated and receive treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning, resulting in significant third-party bodily injury claims against the contractor.
A power washing contractor was hired to perform work at a residential home. Mold, mildew, and algae on the structure’s exterior became airborne from the power washing operations. The homeowner had a severe asthma attack that required hospitalization. The homeowner sued the contractor for bodily injury.
A power washing contractor was hired to perform work at a residential home. Mold, mildew, and algae on the structure’s exterior became airborne from the power washing operations. The homeowner had a severe asthma attack that required hospitalization. The homeowner sued the contractor for bodily injury.
A contractor did not test the exterior paint on a building for lead content. They proceeded to power wash the building, and paint chips were washed into the soil. It was later discovered that the paint was lead-based, with high lead levels in soils. Cleanup was required. The building owner sued the power washing contractor to recoup the remediation costs.
A power washing contractor used bleach and ammonia at a jobsite to clean different surfaces. The bleach and ammonia were accidentally mixed, causing the release of toxic chloramine gas. Some neighbors to the jobsite were exposed to the chloramine gas and experienced coughing and breathing issues. They sued the contractor for bodily injury.

Final Consideration

As a contractor you can be faced with the cost to defend yourself against allegations or legal action from pollution related events, regardless if you are at fault or not. Having the proper insurance coverage in place will help fund the expenses incurred to investigate or defend against a claim or suit and provide you with environmental claims handling expertise.

Disclaimer

This environmental risk overview offers a general understanding of potential risks and may not reflect all risks associated with your business. Environmental Risk Professionals has compiled this overview for informational purposes only. This overview does not constitute legal opinion or advice, nor does it establish a consultant-client relationship. This overview is not intended to guide project parties in interpreting specific contracts or resolving disputes; such decisions may require consultation with counsel and depend on various factors. © 2025 Environmental Risk Professionals, LLC

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