Water jetting is proving to be increasingly useful for many industrial tasks – from cleaning machinery in the manufacturing and mining sectors through to materials cutting and hydrodemolition.

It is used extensively in petrochemical processing and food production for pipe and tank washdowns and in the marine sector for surface de-fouling.

David Kennedy, Director of the Water Jetting Association, argues that the benefits water jetting brings to these industries can only be maximised if contractors and their operatives have the skills and awareness to manage the substantial risks associated with the process.

The Water Jetting Association (WJA) is based in the United Kingdom and is a leading international member organisation that supports the interests of water jetting contractors, equipment manufacturers and hirers.

Its aim is to continuously improve both the technical standards and the safety of all forms of water jetting, including high-pressure water jetting and ultra-high-pressure water jetting, whether hand-held or robotic.

These standards are enshrined in two internationally-recognised Codes of Practice, developed by the WJA, designed to set a benchmark for operational excellence and risk control.

David Kennedy said: “Water put under pressure by a thumb under a tap can cause permanent eye damage. When you consider ultra-high-pressure water jetting reaches 43,500psi (pounds per square inch) or 3,000bar, the hazards are stark.”

Commercial and industrial water jetting needs a combination of good systems and processes, high skill levels and the right protective clothing to be carried out safely and effectively at all times.

“In most markets, there is no control on the purchase of water jetting equipment,” said Kennedy. “However, it can cause death and catastrophic injury if put in the hands of operatives who have not been properly trained.

“At 5,000psi, water leaves the end of a drainage jetting hose at 550 miles per hour. Entry wounds for water jet injuries can be very small, but the internal damage caused can be vast.”

Key players in manufacturing and mining, guided by global operational standard and risk management policies, usually require in-house teams and contractors to undergo water jetting training.

Increasingly, they value the additional assurance of having that training backed by a recognised qualification that shows the instruction can be benchmarked against international standards.

The best water jetting training also helped introduce behaviours and skills that improve workplace communication, team working, and decision-making that leads to increased productivity, better problem solving, and higher levels of end-use customer satisfaction.

These benefits are embedded in courses developed by the WJA. The modules are accredited by City & Guilds of London Institute, one of the most highly-respected business learning organisations in the UK. And delivered by WJA-registered training providers and approved instructors.

They include a one-day class-based Safety Awareness course, that introduces delegates to the principles of water jetting, types of water jetting equipment, key safety issues, and safety techniques.

There is also a range of further one-day practical courses with topics that include Pressure Washing, Tube and Pipe Cleaning, Hydrodemolition, Surface Preparation, and Drain and Sewer Cleaning.

All delegates must pass a written assessment. Those that do are eligible to be registered on the WJA’s international operator database, receiving a certificate of competence and a photo ID card.

David Kennedy said: “There is never room for complacency when it comes to the application of water jetting in all its forms. Which is why we are always interested to hear from organisations who want to join or work with us and advance the interests of water jetting standards.

“In markets where the use of water jetting is growing rapidly, this is particularly important. End-use clients in safety-critical industries value the assurance of working with contractors that set high water jetting standards.”

www.waterjetting.org.uk