Seven Basic Principles of High Pressure Waterjetting

The purpose of the GICC is to increase safety in the industrial cleaning industry. Our mission is to help national safety associations adopt basic cleaning principles in high pressure waterjetting, municipal/vacuum truck cleaning, chemical cleaning, and respiratory protection that are easy to implement country by country. For more detailed explanation of the above, please refer to your country’s best practices document.

#1 Joint Responsibility

Industrial Cleaning Contractors have the joint responsibility to collaboratively create and implement safety guidelines

#2 Three Areas of Focus

Water jetting safety guidelines should focus on…

Methods: use the safest possible method and processes to clean

Means: properly select and use the right type of equipment and tooling

People take personal responsibility to know and follow safety guidelines; commit to training

#3 Staff Education and Training

Operators and supervisors are educated and trained on how to work safety and effectively. They are committed to ongoing and repeated training.

#4 Sharing Knowledge and Continuous Learning

New developments in safe working practices are followed and sharing of knowledge is encouraged. Each safety organization should have a reporting system for accidents and near misses.

#5 Assurance of the guidelines

Contractors and Asset Owners need to work together to ensure proper working methods are in place, only properly skilled, trained and certified people are working on-site, and that equipment being used meets proper specifications and maintenance cycle/certification as required by the manufacturer or certifying body.

#6 Working with Safe Equipment

Always be safe when working with high pressure equipment. Know and follow the manufacturer’s recommended operating and maintenance procedures

    • Never Operation Above the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP)

    • Properly Maintain and Inspect Equipment, Tooling and Components

    • Never Work on a Pressurized or Energized System

    • Ensure the System is Setup Properly

    • Be Aware of And Identify Waterjetting Hazards

    • Follow Lockout-Tagout Procedures

    • Exercise Caution Around Mechanical Hazards

#7 Working According to Safe Methods

Waterjetting activities are carried out using the safest and least physically arduous working method possible. Every method has specific tasks, responsibilities and precautionary measures. The goal is to keep everyone safe and out of the line of fire and work to a professional standard.

    • Never Perform High-pressure Hydroblasting Alone

    • Complete Work According to the Safest Possible Method

    • Avoid Use of Handheld Flex Lances Whenever Possible

    • Always Wear Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

    • Always Use a Dump Valve and Emergency Stop

    • Don’t Exceed Back Thrust Requirements

    • Use Anti-Withdrawal Devices (AWDs) where applicable; always use AWDs when cleaning tube or pipe with flexible hose

    • Shotguns Should Have a Minimum Barrel Length

    • Always Perform a Last-Minute Risk Assessment (LMRA)

    • Always Perform a Last-Minute Risk Assessment (LMRA)