MEDIA RELEASE
03| 10 | 2023
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WJA offers farmers free water jetting training to boost safety
The Water Jetting Association is offering farmers free water jetting training to ensure they and their operatives have the skilled needed to work safely.
Farmers commonly use commercial pressure washing equipment to wash down vehicles and clean or decontaminate facilities like milking parlours and livestock sheds.
However, most operatives working in the agricultural sector do not undergo training before using this powerful equipment - a situation the WJA wants to counter with offers of free training.
The move comes as the WJA is planning the launch of a new code of practice for pressure washing - known as the Purple Code, due to its purple cover.
The association has two other codes of practice - the Blue Code for high and ultra-high pressure jetting and the Red Code for water jetting in drains and sewers and surface preparation with a jetting gun up to a pressure of 275 bar.
The WJA is offering farmers and farm workers places on a free training scheme that helps water jetting contractors who need to train just one or two operatives at a time.
The scheme was set up in 2023 memory of David Kennedy, the long-serving WJA director, who died in October 2022.
WJA Training and Safety Chairman Steve Williams said: "Pressure washing, in particular, is a water jetting technique commonly used by farmers.
"However, our training records indicate that there is not a significant take up of our pressure washing training within the farming community. We want to do something to begin to change that.
"For that reason, we're offering farmers free places our on our David Kennedy Training Programme which provides the full range of WJA training courses accredited by City & Guilds."
Commercial pressure washing equipment with operating pressures of up to 275 bar (4,000 psi) can be bought over the counter or online and are widely used in the UK. Many incorporate the use of hot water or steam and powerful chemical cleaning agents.
These water jetting systems need to be used with great care. Water jets at just 7 bar of pressure (100 psi) can pierce the skin. Water jets under pressures up to 275 bar can cause extreme injuries that can be fatal.
In addition, biohazardous materials associated with farms can be taken into the body, greatly increasing the risk of serious infection.
The WJA pressure washing course is the one most likely to be of interest to farmers. It is a one-day course, with both class-based and practical assessment elements.
Key learning points covered include:
- Introduction to water jetting
- WJA codes of practice, including the new Purple Pressure Washing Code of Practice
- Water jetting systems and safety devices
- Types of water jetting pumps and nozzles
- Health, safety, and PPE
- First aid - through learning about the WJA water jetting injury treatment algorithm
Farm workers can also attend WJA Safety Awareness, a one-day class-based course that provides a general grounding on water jetting systems and their safe use.
They could then go on to attend one or more of five WJA practical modules: surface preparation; drain and sewer; drain, sewer and surface preparation; tube and pipe; and hydrodemolition.
Steve Williams said: "Training is central to improving health and safety. Farmers can significantly reduce risks associated with pressure washing, or other forms of water jetting, by taking up our offer of free WJA training."
Farmers who want to consider taking up the WJA's free water jetting training offer should contact the WJA office team. Telephone:020 8320 1090. Email:info@waterjetting.org.uk.
Ends
For more information about this release please contact:
Andy Comber
T:01952 883526
M:07889 630440
About the Water Jetting Association
The Water Jetting Association (WJA) is a UK-based membership organisation made up of contractors, manufacturers, and equipment hire specialists.
It is committed to supporting the highest possible safety and technical standards for water jetting, including ultra-high-pressure water jetting, high pressure water jetting, pressure washing, and drain and sewer cleaning.
The WJA has developed two Codes of Practice for water jetting - the ‘Blue Code' for high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure water jetting, and the ‘Red Code' for use of water jetting in drains and sewers.
Both WJA codes of practice, developed with the assistance of industry-stakeholders and support from the UK's HSE, are recognised as setting important industry standards in the UK and internationally.
The WJA provides water jetting training, accredited by City & Guilds, and delivered via registered training providers and approved instructors, both in the UK and internationally.
It also contributes to the development of legal and regulatory systems for water jetting governance.
The Water Jetting Association:The Engine House, Veridion Way, Erith, Kent. DA18 4AL. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8320 1090
Email:info@waterjetting.org.uk