GRW/Drainage/TBT-GRW-017

Jetting and Cleaning Drains

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Jetting and Cleaning Drains

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-GRW-017  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • 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.

Why?

Injection injuriesHigh-pressure water jets penetrate skin instantly, causing deep tissue damage that requires emergency surgery.
Biological hazardsContact with sewage exposes workers to leptospirosis, hepatitis, and other serious waterborne infections.
Hose whipAn uncontrolled jetting hose under pressure can strike with enough force to cause broken bones or fatal injuries.
Do 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
  • DON'T point the jetting nozzle towards yourself or other people at any time
  • DON'T work on pressurised hose connections — always depressurise first
  • DON'T enter manholes for jetting without confined space assessment and controls
  • DON'T ignore hose movement or vibration — it may indicate a developing snag
  • DON'T operate jetting equipment without hearing protection in place
  • DON'T touch your face, eat, or drink before decontaminating after drain work
  • DON'T allow members of the public near the jetting operation or open manholes
  • DON'T jet into sealed sections without confirming pressure can vent safely
  • DON'T use damaged hoses or fittings — they can burst under high pressure
  • DON'T leave open manholes unattended and unguarded during the operation

See also: Below Ground Drainage Installation | Manholes and Chambers
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