WJA issues cold weather guidance to eliminate jetting risks
The Water Jetting Association is advising contractors to make sure their operatives are carrying out thorough autumn and winter cold weather checks and taking safety precautions.
Specific checks and actions are needed before water jetting equipment is used and at the end of shifts to mitigate the risks caused by ice build-up, especially in hose assemblies, during cold weather.
Comprehensive frost precaution advice for all jetting systems is included in the WJA Code of Practice, which has replaced the association’s three previous codes.
While ice build-up in water jetting machines is a key hazard, the WJA is also advising its members to guard against wider risks – including slips, trips and falls and impacts on operative health and wellbeing.
Consistent frost procedures
WJA Technical Manager Gordon Taylor said: “Establishing and consistently following good practice in operating equipment in cold weather is critical to water jetting safety, as is planning ahead, rather than being caught out when the first cold snap comes along.
“Creating a single code of practice has allowed us to present advice that applies to all water jetting systems clearly in one place. Following it will minimise risks and is a crucial step in keeping work teams and site colleagues safe, as well as businesses legally compliant.”
The starting point is to always follow manufacturer guidance on frost protection, incorporate bespoke measures where necessary, and carry out due diligence checks to mitigate winter working risks.
The WJA Code of Practice states that: ‘Frost precautions are applicable at or below 30C (350 F) and below, as required.’ It also says, when equipment is being transported, the wind chill effect needs to be considered.
Operatives must be trained for frost protection, for their safety and the safety of others, before cold weather periods, and the training must be recorded.
Ice bullets in hoses – risks and prevention
Defrosting and thawing procedures must be written into standard operating procedures. These protection instructions must always be available to operational teams for each type of equipment used.
If equipment has been allowed to become chilled and it is suspected any residual water has frozen, the whole system must be thawed before it is used.
Care must be taken to prevent risks associated with ice bullets in hoses or pump systems. These ice bullets can be ejected at high speed from nozzles or create blockages that can cause hoses to whiplash.
In 2023, the WJA published a Safety Alert after an incident in 2022, when an operative died after he was struck by a jet vac tanker’s hose that was found to have been blocked with ice bullets.
Effective cold weather controls
The alert details the steps that must be taken to counter cold weather risks. These include ensuring hose restraint equipment, such as vices, are in good condition and regularly checked.
It also states operatives must wear all appropriate PPE, during all steps into the operation of water jetting systems, including during start-up and pressurization.
The WJA code of practice also states that, at the end of each cold-weather shift, anti-freeze solution must be added to the machine and circulated through the pump and hose assembly, where applicable.
Or, the system must be emptied of water or pneumatically blow down to remove any water retained in the system. If possible, equipment should be stored internally to prevent freezing.
Take action against all risks – WJA
Water jetting contractors should not lose sight of the wider risks caused by wintery weather, advises Gordon Taylor, especially as forecasters are warning of extreme weather in the months ahead.
He explained: “In all conditions, slips, trips and falls, combined with working at height, are significant risk for water jetting teams, so appropriate measures need to be taken to mitigate them.
“Working in high winds add to fall risks, and heavy rain or snow can limit visibility, which makes it harder to spot dangers, like vehicle movements.
“All water jetting team members must also be provided with warm clothing where it’s needed. Being cold can make operatives less alert to danger and contribute to illness and make chronic conditions worse.”
Cold weather working – WJA code of practice
Full guidance on frost precautions can be found under Section 10 (pages 25-27) of the WJA Black Code. Frost precautions are also incorporated into pre-start and end-of-shift sample checklists in Appendix 1.
The digital WJA Code of Practice is issued to WJA members and every candidate who passes a City & Guilds-accredited WJA training course via the WJA app. It is also available to purchase from the WJA online shop.
Cold weather working – WJA Safety Alert
WJA Safety Alert No 2 – Jetting Drains and Sewers in Cold Weather is available to view and download in the health and safety section on the WJA website.
Find out more
If you need further information or advice about water jetting in cold weather, contact the WJA office.
Telephone: +44 (0)208 320 1090.
Email: info@waterjetting.org.uk.