High Pressure Cleaning Risk Management

What is high pressure water jetting? 

High pressure water jetting systems deliver a pressurised stream of water that is fantastic to unblock commercial and municipal sewers and drain pipes. Water jetting systems are also a great choice for removing materials, coatings, contaminants and debris from various surfaces. Due to the high pressure of the water jetting system, they are the first choice for difficult jobs dealing with sludge, grease and blockages.

Are high pressure water jetting systems dangerous?

Due to the high pressure of water jetting systems, safety measures need to be put in place to take care of yourself, your team and the environment. The high pressure does hold the capabilities to pierce skin or cause damage to surroundings. Take note of the below safety requirements to ensure responsible use of the equipment.

Risk management 

Follow these steps to ensure your high pressure cleaning job is performed responsibly:

1. Identify hazards: analyse the environment where the job is being performed as well as the surrounding area. Consider how the tasks are done and possible incidents that could occur, no matter how far fetched they might seem. 
2. Review any incident reports: enquire on previous incidents and review any reports that are relevant to the high pressure cleaning job. 
3. Communicate with your team: ensure all of your team members are confident in completing the work. Discuss possible hazards and find solutions to hazards together. Build awareness to the overall project and the possible risks involved. 
4. Training: ensure only skilled and confident workers are using the high pressure system. Encourage team members to ask for help or ask questions to make sure they’re feeling confident to perform the work. 
5. Problem solve and eliminate risk: if any hazards have been identified, remove the hazard and reassess the safety. If you cannot eliminate the risk, consider how you can combat the hazard with control measures. For example, if you suspect water spills then consider using hazard signs for nearby pedestrians.

Examples of incidents 

If a proper risk assessment has been carried out, then the possibility of incidents occurring are unlikely. However, to give you a full understanding of what could occur, here we’ve listed possible risks that could take place:

• Damage from the high pressure force
• Flying debris
• Harmful spread of chemicals or toxins
• Loud noise disrupting the area
• Loss of control of water jetting system
• Accidental impact of high pressure stream
• Injuries to pedestrians, team members of individual using the high pressure water jetting system

Purchase safety equipment

Regardless of whether you assess your job as safe or unsafe, you should always have personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE isn’t replacing safety measures or excusing hazards but it’s an additional resource to increase the safety of the job. PPE varies from protective eyewear, hearing protection, helmets, sufficient protective clothing, high visibility clothing and safety signs.