WJA issues urgent advice after hose and fittings error
A discovery that high pressure water jetting hoses had been combined with incorrect end fittings has prompted the Water Jetting Association to issue advice about the correct creating hose assemblies.
The WJA has issued a safety alert after a service supplier found the 1,100 bar three-quarter-inch hose, sent by a contractor, had been combined with the wrong make of hose fittings, which did not comply with the hose manufacturer’s instructions.
WJA Technical Manager Gordon Taylor said the incident showed the importance of ensuring all elements of hose assemblies were compatible, including having the correct pressure ratings.
He added: “Water jetting contractors and hose assembly suppliers must take full account of a hose manufacturer’s operating instructions or safety could be compromised.
“The first consideration is the safety of water jetting operatives and other workers. But contractors should be aware that, if an incident happens, and hose assemblies are not compliant, their insurance could be invalidated.”
The water jetting company that owned the equipment was advised of the non-conformance issue and the relevant hose ends were removed. Correct hose ends were fitted. The hose assemblies was pressure tested and returned for use.
WJA Safety Alert 10 details learning points from the incident, first reported to Ausjet, Australia’s water jetting trade association, which included:
· High pressure hose assemblies and fittings must always be supplied by manufacturers that operate an accredited quality system.
· Hoses that exceed 500 bar (7,250 psi) must undergo a proof pressure test carried out by the manufacturer or supplier, and a test certificate must have been issued.
· Hoses that exceed 700 bar (10,150 psi) must follow a system of annual testing.
The WJA Safety Alert also provides details of related guidance in the association’s three codes of practice: the Blue Code for high pressure and ultra-hire pressure water jetting, the Red Code for water jetting in drains and sewers, and the Purple Code for using pressure washers.
View – WJA Safety Alert 10 – Incompatible Hose and Fittings
View – All WJA safety alerts