TRD/Highways/TBT-TRD-028

Water Jetting Safety

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Water Jetting Safety

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-TRD-028  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: April 2026
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What?

  • Water jetting uses high-pressure water to clean surfaces, cut materials, and clear drains and pipework.
  • Operating pressures range from 100 bar for cleaning to over 2,500 bar for cutting and demolition.
  • Water at pressures above 100 bar can penetrate skin and inject fluid deep into tissue on contact.
  • Injection injuries from high-pressure water require immediate surgical treatment to prevent tissue death.
  • The Water Jetting Association (WJA) sets competency standards for operators in the UK.
  • PUWER 1998 requires all water jetting equipment to be suitable, maintained, and operated safely.
  • Common construction uses include drain jetting, concrete preparation, paint removal, and pipe cleaning.
  • The jetting lance creates significant reaction forces that can throw the operator if not controlled.
  • Foot injuries are the most common water jetting accident — safety footwear alone is not sufficient.
  • Exhaust water and debris create slip hazards and may contain hazardous substances requiring containment.

Why?

Injection injuriesHigh-pressure water penetrates skin instantly, injecting fluid into tissue causing infection, necrosis, and amputation risk.
Reaction forcesThe lance kickback at high pressures can cause loss of control, striking the operator or bystanders.
Foot injuriesThe water jet easily penetrates standard safety boots — metatarsal protection alone is insufficient at high pressure.
DoDon't
  • Ensure operators hold valid WJA or equivalent competency certification for the pressure range.
  • Inspect all hoses, couplings, nozzles, and safety devices before starting each shift.
  • Use foot protection rated for the operating pressure — standard boots are insufficient.
  • Establish an exclusion zone around the jetting area and post a lookout at access points.
  • Use a dead-man trigger that stops flow immediately when the grip is released.
  • Wear full-face visor, waterproof overalls, and hearing protection during operations.
  • Contain wastewater and debris using bunds and filtration before disposal.
  • Brief all nearby workers on the exclusion zone and emergency stop location.
  • Test the emergency stop and dead-man controls before starting the operation.
  • Follow the manufacturer's start-up and shutdown sequence for the jetting unit.
  • DON'T point the lance at any person, even when the system is depressurised.
  • DON'T operate jetting equipment without valid competency certification.
  • DON'T use hoses or fittings rated below the actual operating pressure.
  • DON'T enter the exclusion zone while the lance is in operation.
  • DON'T attempt to clear a blocked nozzle while the system is pressurised.
  • DON'T jet towards electrical equipment, cables, or junction boxes.
  • DON'T discharge wastewater into drains or watercourses without authorisation.
  • DON'T override or disable the dead-man trigger control on the lance.
  • DON'T treat a water jet injury as minor — seek hospital treatment immediately.
  • DON'T work alone when carrying out water jetting operations on site.

See also: Hydro Demolition | Pressure Testing Safety
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