GRW/Drainage/TBT-GRW-017

Jetting and Cleaning Drains

Groundworks & Earthworks › Drainage › Jetting and Cleaning Drains

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High-pressure water jetting is used to clean blockages and deposits from drainage pipes and sewers.
Jetting pressures can exceed 200 bar — a jet at this pressure can penetrate skin and cause fatal injuries.
The jetting hose can whip violently if it becomes snagged or the nozzle catches on a joint or obstruction.
Manholes used for jetting access may be confined spaces requiring atmospheric monitoring.
Biological hazards from sewage mean workers must be vaccinated and practise strict hygiene.
Noise levels from jetting operations typically exceed 85 dB, requiring hearing protection.
Back-splash from manholes and chambers can spray contaminated water onto operatives.
The jetting vehicle must be positioned safely with stabilisers deployed and traffic management in place.
Drain cleaning often takes place in highways, car parks, and public areas with pedestrian and traffic risks.
All jetting operatives must be trained in the safe use of high-pressure water equipment.

Injection injuries	High-pressure water jets penetrate skin instantly, causing deep tissue damage that requires emergency surgery.
Biological hazards	Contact with sewage exposes workers to leptospirosis, hepatitis, and other serious waterborne infections.
Hose whip	An uncontrolled jetting hose under pressure can strike with enough force to cause broken bones or fatal injuries.

Don't

Ensure all jetting operatives are trained on high-pressure water equipment
Wear full PPE including waterproofs, face shield, gloves, and safety boots
Depressurise the system before connecting, disconnecting, or adjusting nozzles
Assess each manhole for confined space hazards before opening for jetting
Deploy traffic management where jetting takes place near live roads or footways
Keep bystanders and other workers outside the exclusion zone during jetting
Secure the jetting hose to prevent whip if the nozzle snags in the pipe
Wash hands and face thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking
Ensure vaccinations for hepatitis A and tetanus are current before starting work
Position the jetting vehicle on firm ground with stabilisers fully deployed

See also: Below Ground Drainage Installation | Manholes and Chambers

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