As safety becomes a growing priority across the construction and industrial sectors, updated guidelines have recently been introduced to improve the handling of high-pressure water jetting equipment—a service now offered by Nationwide Crane Hire Ltd. (NCH) as part of its extended range of solutions.
The Water Jetting Association (WJA), the industry body responsible for setting standards across the UK and Ireland, has announced new safety protocols that apply to all high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure jetting operations. These changes come in response to serious workplace incidents and are designed to minimise injury risks and ensure safer job sites.
🔧 Key Safety Updates in Water Jetting
The updated WJA code of practice brings several critical changes that all operators and contractors in Ireland should now be following:
❌ Ban on Using Flexible Lances for Washdowns
One of the most significant updates is the prohibition of using flexible hoses and lances as washdown devices. This may seem like a harmless shortcut, but it’s a major safety risk. Under pressure, these tools can suddenly whip and cause injury—especially if not properly secured.
🔩 Mandatory Hose Securing During Flushing
All jetting hoses must now be clamped or restrained during flushing to prevent sudden movements if pressure builds up unexpectedly. This is a simple but vital step in preventing whip-lash accidents.
🔄 Low-RPM Flushing Procedures
Operators are also advised to run pumps at low RPM (revolutions per minute) when flushing water through the lines. This reduces the chance of back pressure and sudden hose recoil, improving control and operator safety.
🚧 Why This Matters in the Irish Market
While Nationwide Crane Hire Ltd. is best known for our industry-leading crane hire services, we also offer high-pressure water jetting for select industrial and commercial clients across Ireland.
These new WJA guidelines are especially relevant for the growing number of projects in Ireland that involve confined-space cleaning, drain jetting, and surface preparation. As construction and civil works continue to scale across the country, many contractors are turning to high-pressure jetting for its speed, precision, and chemical-free cleaning power.
By following the latest WJA protocols, companies like NCH can ensure that clients receive safe, compliant, and professional service—backed by the same operational standards we apply to every aspect of our work.
📌 NCH’s Approach to Jetting Safety
At NCH, we are committed to maintaining high safety standards in every service we offer, including our pressure jetting operations. Our team remains up-to-date with industry regulations, and our operators are trained to follow the latest procedures for hose management, pump control, and job-site safety.
If you’re planning a project that requires safe, efficient water jetting—whether as part of a larger lift, prep, or cleaning operation—we’re ready to support you.
