WJA offers companies audited membership boost

The WJA is inviting companies involved in the water jetting industry to enhance the assurance they provide customers by become audited members of the association.

Under the audited member scheme, a WJA-approved assessor carries out an audit of one of the applicant’s worksites to assess compliance with the WJA’s codes of practice and to provide practical advice.

It gives the audited membership applicant increased confidence that its systems and processes are aligned with best practice water jetting standards.

The audit also gives the assessor the opportunity to share expertise that delivers potentially important commercial benefits, especially in terms of technical capabilities.

Compliance with WJA codes of practice

WJA audited membership is open to companies applying for membership for the first time. Current members, who are in the process of renewing their annual membership, can also apply.

WJA Technical Manager Gordon Taylor, who has been leading the auditing process, said: “I’m pleased that companies that apply to be audited find it a very helpful process.

“A key aim is to make sure working practices comply with WJA codes of practice, especially in terms of ensuring the safe use of water jetting equipment.

“However, we also want to share advice and promote best practice. We want the audit to be a positive experience that reinforces and widens strengths as much as identifying issues that need rectifying.

“The whole purpose is to raise the standard of water jetting processes, improving safety and productivity. Companies that become WJA audited members can then promote their enhanced status with some pride.”

Any company involved in the water jetting industry can apply to be WJA audited members, including service contractors, hire companies, WJA approved examination providers, and equipment manufacturers.

Audited member promotion advantage

The WJA provides its audited members with a special logo they can use to market their businesses, on websites and other digital platforms, in brochures and on contract bid documents and presentations.

Companies that have been audited under the scheme are reporting significant benefits. They say the process ensures their systems are safe and compliant and enhances their business reputation.

Engineering and waste management specialist Brace-Turner, based in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, became a WJA audited member this year.

The company’s contracts and compliance officer, John Skinner, was impressed with the process and what Brace-Turner learned from the experience.

Audit process ‘constructive and helpful’

He said: “We decided to apply for WJA audited member status because we wanted to be sure we’re compliant. It’s as much for our own team’s assurance as it is for our customers.

“Gordon Taylor carried out the audit and he was extremely helpful. He was very constructive and left us with good ideas to ensure we maintain sustainable compliance across all water jetting activities.

“We can now also promote our assurance externally, which we hope will impress our current customers and potentially win us some new ones, so it should pay dividends.

“We work for large businesses and organisations that expect the highest standards. Having this enhanced audited status makes perfect technical and commercial sense.”

Under the WJA audited member scheme, applicants pay an enhanced membership fee of £900 per year. The site audit must be repeated every three years, with the standard document audit carried out annually.

Find out more

Join the WJA – Find out more about WJA membership
Renew your WJA membership – Go to the membership renewal page