Pressure Washing Course

*WJA Pressure Washing Course – Contents

1. Registration and Introduction
2. Applications and Machines

Effect of varying pressure/flow at the nozzle – range of jetting machines – configurations and categories (pressure washers)

3. Legislation and the WJA Code of Practice

Health & Safety at Work Act – WJA Codes of Practice – status, use and recognition by the HSE Management Regulations – Risk Assessment – PPE at Work Regulations – COSHH – Employer/Employee responsibilities – Enforcement Powers – other relevant legislation e.g. Environmental Protection Act / control of Pollution Act. Confined Spaces entry Requirements.

4. Nozzles

Jet principles – purpose of nozzles – power of water jet – jet pressure/flow characteristic – jet reaction force. Types of nozzle – forward facing, fixed and spinning jets, multi-jet fixed and spinning nozzles.

5. Pumps

Pump configuration – standard piston/plunger pump, positive displacement action, operating features, effects of blockages, variation of plunger sizes. Other pump configurations – diaphragm and intensifier types. Drive arrangements – engine/electric motor, hazardous area equipment. Water supply/delivery features – filtration equipment, boost feed pumps, pulsation dampers, jump-jet. Pressure safety relief options – relief valve/bursting disc. Pressure gauge features.

6. Pressure Controls

Dump and dry shut controls – fail-safe/selector versions, direct manual operation/remote operation via electric-pneumatic-hydraulic controls, automatic unloader valve for dry shut, pressure regulators and automatic off-load engine speed control systems.

7. Water Jetting Hose

Hose construction and pressure ratings, external & internal damage possibilities, hazards arising from damaged hoses, inspection requirements. Hose end fittings, construction/assembly/testing. Connectors and hose end couplings – types and features. Bore size and flow ratings. Hose for general/high flow/small bore tube and pipe cleaning. Pressure drop due to flow through hose and lances – effect on pressure available at the nozzle.

8. Hazards

Hazards arising directly from the water jet – from operational regime – from site environment.

9. Injuries

Effects of impact by high pressure water jet – nature of internal injuries caused – action in event of a jetting injury – awareness of possible absence of visual injury and use of WJA Medical Card.

10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

General principles regarding use of PPE, as a last resort; Main body protection – limits on effectiveness against direct impact of water jet. Protection of head, hands, feet, hearing, respiration.

11. Operational Procedures

Routine care and inspection – site preparations – preparations for operation – team operation. Safety points during operations – use of manual jetting gun, tube/pipe/drain cleaning nozzle/hose combinations and techniques. Safe use of non-standard equipment e.g. tee nozzle. Site shutdown and anti freeze procedures. Use of DO/DO NOT GUIDE.

12. Summary

Review of course content as above – with opportunity for any further discussion before Questionnaire.