HEALTH & SAFETY


The new pressure washing code – it will


become the Purple Code – will support safe and productive water jetting in the at lowest of the NACE pressure bands. It introduces a new operational standard and


health and safety framework for companies and agencies that carry out pressure washing, and who rely on its advantages. This includes cleaning brickwork, removing


graffiti, blasting chewing gum from paths and airport concourses, cleaning mud from the carriageway during highway repairs and construction, and many other tasks that would be too arduous and costly using other cleaning systems. In all these tasks, without a clear operational


framework that a code of practice provides, there is opportunity for field teams to improvise and develop unsafe and suboptimal practices. The WJA’s new code of practice is designed to address this issue.


Water jetting injuries


As with the WJA’s other two codes, safety is at the heart of the pressure washing code of practice. Water jetting creates unique risks that must be addressed. There are three main ways water jetting


systems cause serious injury or death: being struck by an uncontrolled hose or jetting nozzle; suffering a laceration that causes a massive bleed; or a fluid injection injury, caused by the water jet puncturing the skin and entering underlying tissue. What is commonly not understood is that


a fluid injection injury can be caused by a water jet with a pressure as low as 100 psi (7 bar). Consider, then, that shop-bought pressure washers can reach pressures of 2,500 psi (170bar). There are two other big problems with fluid


injection injuries. Firstly, it is not just water that can get into the body. The water jet can carry other particles and fluids with it,


including dirt, bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, 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. 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. The WJA’s pressure washing code of practice


will address these risks and detail the appropriate steps needed to mitigate them.


Best medical advice


The new code includes the WJA’s 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. Their study, published in European Journal of


Trauma and Emergency Medicine, confirmed the likelihood that many high-risk fluid injection injuries are not being properly diagnosed by GPs and emergency 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. Every person, from the first responder, to


the paramedic, the emergency doctor, GP and therapist, has a part to play in minimising long-term effects. With this in mind, all WJA-qualified water


jetting operatives carry a medical card alerting emergency medics to consider fluid injection injuries.


skills training


The new pressure washing code of practice has sections covering training and competency, site and equipment set-up, and the different types of pressure washing pumps and equipment. This includes hot water systems which, as we have seen, introduce additional risks. Also covered is equipment operation, use of


personal protective equipment, and managing the pressure washing team. There is detailed advice on risk assessment and a pre-start checklist, as well. A key element is effective training. The WJA is


the UK’s main provider of water jetting training. This includes a City & Guilds accredited


pressure washing course delivered by WJA- approved training providers and instructors. Lasting at least five hours, it is designed to


teach class-based and practical skills for safe and productive pressure washing.


Professional aPProach


The WJA is keen to promote this professional and knowledge-based approach to delivering pressure washing services. It welcomes pressure washing contractors and organisations that carry out pressure washing in-house as WJA members. It also values the lead they take in promoting safety in their industry. They include TPC Brickwork Cleaning, in


Southampton, Hampshire. Company owner Kris Jasinksi says: “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.”


Water Jetting Association www.waterjetting.org.uk


IndUstrIAl ComplIAnCe | mArCH/AprIl 2022 35


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