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)