What is not commonly understood is that a fluid injection injury can be caused by a water jet with a pressure as low as 100psi (7 bar). Consider, then, that shop-bought pressure washers can reach pressures of 2500psi (170bar).
There are two other big problems with fluid injection injuries.
Firstly, it’s not just water that can get into the body. The water jet can carry other particles and fluids with it, including dirt, bacteria, oils and grease. The jet can be so powerful it can enter a forearm, for example, strike the bone and then be diverted up to the shoulder, causing catastrophic tissue damage and taking these pollutants with it.
Secondly, the injection point can be so small that the injured person, their colleagues, and then medical personnel often do not realise the seriousness of the injury.
Best medical advice
This can result in an injured person not receiving the urgent and extensive treatment they need, causing long- term problems such as secondary infections. In the worst cases, this can result in the need for amputations or can lead to fatalities.
To address this risk, the new code of practice includes our new water jetting medical guidelines. They were created following research into water jetting injuries commissioned
by the WJA and carried out by a team of leading NHS trauma doctors.
The guidelines are in the form of an algorithm, giving clear step-by-step information about how to respond to water jetting injuries from the moment they occur through to post-emergency treatment therapies.
Professional standards
The WJA is keen to promote this professional and knowledge-based approach to delivering pressure washing services. We welcome pressure washing contractors and organisations that carry out pressure washing in-house as WJA members. We also value the lead they take in promoting safety in their industry.
They include TPC Brickwork Cleaning, in Southampton. Company owner Kris Jasinksi, said: “We’re a member of the WJA because we want to protect our operatives and everyone around us when we’re pressure washing.
“Undertaking the WJA pressure washing training has made a big difference. I can see our safety has gone up a level. The advice the WJA gives is central to how we go about our work and to our business success. I have no doubt about that.”
www.waterjetting.org.uk www.tomorrowscleaning.com TRAINING AND EDUCATION | 37
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