Serious incidents prompts WJA to strengthen codes of practice
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The Water Jetting Association has updated guidance in two of its codes of practice to make it clear flexible lances and hoses should not be used to carry out washdowns.
The move has come after several incidents reported to the WJA, one resulting in an operative being seriously injured.
One involved operatives carrying out flushing using a flex lance. In another, an operative had been ‘washing down’ equipment using a flex lance. On both occasions, the operatives lost control of hand-held flexible hoses.
Strong case for change
WJA Technical Manager Gordon Taylor said: “As a result of being alerted to these incidents, we have reviewed our codes of practice to see if they needed to be amended.
“WJA water jetting codes of practice are the main channels for sharing learning in a clear and structured way and, in this case, we could see there was a strong case for strengthening them.”
The changes affect two codes of practice – the Blue Code for using high and ultra-high water jetting equipment and the Red Code for using water jetting equipment in drains and sewers.
It has resulted in three new pieces of advice being added to the codes about the use of flexible lances and hoses, which state:
- Flexible lances and hoses should not be used as washdown devices.
- When used for flushing, they should, wherever possible, be secured with a clamp or similar device.
- When flushing, care must be taken to ensure the pump is run at low revolutions per minute (RPM).
Urgent reviews recommended
Gordon Taylor said: “These were serious incidents. We intend to issue a full safety alert in due course, but wanted to make sure water jetting contractors and service end-users are aware of the changes to our codes of practice as soon as possible.
“The WJA urges all members and other parties involved in water jetting operations to take serious note of these changes and to review their own policies, procedures – and any need for additional training and instruction as a result.”
Using flexible lances and hoses – new WJA guidance
Blue Code Review December 2024
- Page 37: 17.9: Flexible Lances & Hoses
- Due to the creation of back pressure, flexible lances/hoses or restrictions other than handguns (refer to codes of practice) SHOULD NOT be used as a “washdown” device.
- Care must be taken when flushing with flexible lances/hoses as the back pressure may cause the lance/hose to whip. Wherever possible a clamping/open-ended bulkhead type connector/device must be used, and care must be taken when clamping to prevent damage to lances/hose and ferrules.
- When flushing, care must be taken that the pump must be run at a low RPM.
Note: extra care must be taken with units fitted with electronic engine speed control/ hydro-throttles or similar. The flex-lance MUST Be secured before starting the unit.
Adhering to these guidelines will promote safer practices when using flexible lances and hoses. Operators must understand the dynamics involved and implement these safety measures to protect both personnel and equipment.
Red Code Review December 2024
- Page 39 18.2.20 Washdown Devices
- Due to the creation of back pressure, flexible lances/hoses or restrictions other than handguns (refer to codes of practice)
SHOULD NOT be used as a “washdown” device.
- Care must be taken when flushing with flexible lances/hoses as the back pressure may cause the lance/hose to whip. Wherever possible a clamping/open-ended bulkhead type connector/device must be used, and care must be taken when clamping to prevent damage to lances/hose and ferrules.
- When flushing, care must be taken that the pump must be run at a low RPM.
Note: extra care must be taken with units fitted with electronic engine speed control/ hydro-throttles or similar, hoses MUST be secured before starting the unit.
Adhering to these guidelines will promote safer practices when using flexible lances and hoses. Operators must understand the dynamics involved and implement these safety measures to protect both personnel and equipment.
Water jetting training
The WJA is the UK’s member organisation for the water jetting industry. It also has a third code of practice, the Purple Code for the safe use of pressure washer equipment.
Through its City & Guilds accredited programme – which is based squarely on its three codes of practice – the WJA is also the UK’s largest provider of water jetting training.
Find out more
Contact us today if you have any safety or technical concerns about water jetting, want to find out more about WJA codes of practice, or want to join the WJA.
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8320 1090.
Email: info@waterjetting.org.uk.