WJA issues safety alert after jetting gun fluid injection injury

An injury suffered by a water jetting operative as he removed the nozzle of a jetting gun has prompted the Water Jetting Association to issue a safety alert with guidance on adjusting jetting devices.

The operative had been using an adjustable spanner to remove the nozzle of the gun when the trigger was activated and a jet of water pierced the operative’s gloved hand at 1,500 psi.

The incident resulted in an fluid injection injury that needed hospital treatment. It happened in Australia and was the focus of a safety alert first published by water jetting trade body Ausjet.

Actions to make jetting guns safe

WJA Technical Manager Gordon Taylor said the incident showed the importance of making devices such as guns and accessories, etc., safe, before attempting to make changes, such as changing nozzles.

He added: “The power unit must be switched off, and the system depressurised prior to removing nozzles, hoses, or accessories. Our safety alert identifies specific checks and actions that must be taken to make devices safe.”

The safety alert also shows where related guidance can be found 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 9 – High Pressure Water Jetting Injury

View – All WJA safety alerts