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9.
March
2021.
Water jetting leader backs industry's young talent

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE09 | 03 | 2021

Image supplied

Caption: Ross McDonald, Operations Director, Water Jetting Association


Water jetting leader champions young talent

The youngest ever member of the Water Jetting Association is championing the promotion of his industry to talented young engineers and technicians.

Ross McDonald, aged 28, became a member of the Ruling Council of the Water Jetting Association (WJA) in 2018. He has also been a member of its Technical Committee since 2016.

The WJA, the member organisation for the water jetting industry, has just marked the 40thanniversary of its foundation in October 1980.

Ross McDonald, Operations Director at water jetting contractor Hydroblast, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, now wants to showcase the industry to bright and talented young engineers and technicians.

He said: "The WJA has done a good job to get us to our 40thanniversary. To realise the full benefits of advances in the quality, safety and capability of water jetting technology, we need to refresh our vision and goals in line with future challenges and younger generations.

"Many young people have different ways of working and, perhaps, broader expectations. It's something I will be encouraging as we enter our 41styear and move forward as an organisation."

The WJA represents water jetting contractors, equipment manufacturers, hire specialists and training providers. It is the UK's largest provider of water jetting training, accredited by City & Guilds.

Industrial sectors water jetting is used in include: construction and structural maintenance; oil, gas and petrochemicals; marine maintenance; drainage and water utilities; manufacturing; and energy generation.

Hydroblast delivers a full range of water jetting services, including pipe and tank cleaning, surface preparation, refractory removal, material cutting and hydrodemolition. It also provides water jetting training and consultancy.

Ross McDonald said: "The water jetting industry has developed rapidly in recent years. The technology is proven and powerful, and includes new robotic water jetting systems that have greatly enhanced capability and safety.

"We want to maintain this momentum by encouraging the brightest and best young people into our industry. We need to show them they can develop an excellent career in water jetting."

He said: "There is more than enough that is interesting and challenging in this industry to keep the most technically-minded person happy and fulfilled.

"Every day and every project teaches you something new. The challenge is to select right the pump, jetting equipment and accessories and combine pressure and flow rates ways that complete a task in the safest, most productive and most sustainable way.

"We consider the parameters placed on us by our client's system specifications, the varying condition of legacy components we're working on and the site conditions during the project. This all takes expertise and experience.

"Unit costs of hydrodemolition are higher than traditional removal methods, such as labourers with hammers and chisels. But those costs are outweighed greatly by productivity gains and the reduced risk of damage to pipework and other structures, as well as reduction in hand and arm vibration risks. It makes hydrodemolition the obvious choice."

He is keen that the WJA constantly moves forward. "All industries are working hard to encourage the right people to join them, to ensure skills are maintained, passed on and developed in line with the needs of businesses and their customers," he said.

"Water jetting is no different. I am confident we can provide young recruits with very rewarding careers."

For more information about the Water Jetting Association, visit:www.waterjetting.org.uk

Ends

For more information about this release please contact:

Andy Comber

T:01952 883526

M:07889 630440

E:ac@matm.co.uk

 

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 Health and Safety Executive, are recognised as setting important industry standards in the UK and internationally.

The WJA provides water jetting training, 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.

Address: The Water Jetting Association,Thames Innovation Centre, Veridion Way, Erith, Kent. DA18 4AL. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8320 1090 Email:info@waterjetting.org.uk