WJA Publishes Updated Drain and Sewer Red Code

The Water Jetting Association has published a new edition of its Red Code of Practice with important new information and advice about water jetting in drains and sewers.

The code of practice has been thoroughly reviewed and updated, drawing on the experience and expertise of members and stakeholders, including the HSE, to ensure it sets the most up-to-date standards for water jetting practices.

Robust and authoritative

WJA President John Jones said: “The WJA Red Code plays an essential role in setting recognised standards for water jetting in the drainage and water utility industries in the UK and internationally, so this is an important step forward.

“Drainage equipment and techniques are always evolving, in some areas rapidly, so we were very keen to thoroughly update the Red Code. We’d like to thank all members and stakeholders for their assistance.

“For example, the HSE has liaised closely with us on key sections in the code of practice, because it sees it as a vital benchmark for safe practice. This gives our members and all interested parties in the drainage and water utilities industries confidence that the WJA Red Code is robust and authoritative.”

Thousands of changes

The revision process has led to 3,200 changes to the Red Code. For example, its formal title has been extended to include surface preparation up to 275 bar to acknowledge the addition of advice related to washdown activities carried out by drainage and wastewater operatives.

Guidance on key activities has been strengthened – with 156 instances where the word ‘should’ for an action has been changed to ‘shall’ indicating that the action must be carried out.

There is new guidance for hire companies and their clients to clarify their roles and responsibilities for ensuring equipment is handed over in a safe condition and advice on the competency of users is understood.

The Red Code also includes additional advice on foot control valves (FCV), with clear guidance on the different types of FCVs, how they work and their safe use.

Safe jetting foundation

WJA Ruling Council member Jeff Haigh, the association’s auditing and service quality lead, has played a leading role in incorporating all the changes to the document, extending it in the process, from 79 to 109 pages.

He said: “Drainage and wastewater contractors have the opportunity to use the WJA Red Code as a firm foundation upon which to build a demonstrably safe and effective operational culture for its water jetting practices that will impress their workforce, clients and regulatory bodies alike.”

Find out more

The new WJA Red Code can be bought from the WJA online shop. Non-members that want more than 2 copies should contact the WJA. Telephone +44 20 8320 1090 Email: info@waterjetting.org.uk