HEALTH & SAFETY
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. In worst cases, this can result in deep-seated infections that later require amputations or can cause fatalities. The WJA’s pressure washing code of
practice addresses these risks and details the appropriate steps needed to mitigate them.
MEDICAL ADVICE For example, it 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. Their study, published in the 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.
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 are equipment operation, use of
personal protective equipment, and managing the pressure washing team. There is advice on risk assessment and a pre-start checklist. 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. We welcome companies that carry out pressure washing as members. One WJA member is TPC Brickwork
Cleaning, in Southampton, Hampshire. Company owner Kris Jasinksi, says: “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.”
WJA
www.waterjetting.org.uk
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | APRIL 2022 19
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