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SAFETY INFORMATION

Operation of waterblast equipment can be hazardous.
Caution must be exercised prior to and during machine and waterjet tool use.

Recommendations & Guides

Safety Guidelines for StoneAge Equipment

High Pressure Fitting Assembly Guidelines and Torque Recommendations

Material Safety

Safety Brochures (SDS)

Please read and follow all of these instructions, in addition to the guidelines in the WJTA Recommended Practices handbook, available online at www.wjta.org. Deviating from safety instructions and recommended practices can lead to severe injury and/or death.

  • Do not exceed the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) specified for any component in a system.
  • The immediate work area MUST be marked off to keep out untrained persons.
  • Inspect the equipment for visible signs of deterioration, damage, and improper assembly. Do not operate if damaged, until repaired.
  • Make sure all threaded connections are tight and free of leaks.
  • Always de-energize the system before opening a door to service or replace any parts. Failure to do so can result in severe injury and/or death.

StoneAge has designed and manufactured this equipment considering all hazards associated with its operation. StoneAge assessed these risks and incorporated safety features in the design. StoneAge WILL NOT accept responsibility for the results of misuse.

  • IT IS THE RESPONSIBILTY OF THE INSTALLER/OPERATOR to conduct a job specific risk assessment prior to use. Job specific risk assessment MUST be repeated for each different set up, material, and location.
  • The risk assessment MUST conform to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other relevant Health and Safety legislation.
  • The risk assessment MUST consider potential material or substance hazards including: Aerosols, Biological and microbiological (viral or bacterial) agents, combustible materials, dusts, explosion, fibers, flammable substances, fluids, fumes, gases, mists, oxidizing agents.

PRE-RUN SAFETY CHECK

Install mechanical stops, stingers and back out preventers as appropriate when doing any tube, pipe or vessel cleaning.

See the WJTA-IMCA’s Recommended Practices for the use of high-pressure water jetting equipment and/or the Water Jetting Association’s, WJA Code of Practice for additional safety information.

  • Complete a job specific risk assessment and act on the resulting actions. Adhere to all site specific safety procedures.
  • Ensure the waterblasting zone is properly barricaded and that warning signs are posted.
  • Ensure the workplace is free of unnecessary objects (e.g. loose parts, hoses, tools).
  • Ensure all Operators are using the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Check that the air hoses are properly connected and tight.
  • Check all hoses and accessories for damage prior to use. Do not use damaged items. Only high quality hoses intended for waterblast applications should be used as high-pressure hoses.
  • Check all high-pressure threaded connections for tightness.
  • Operate the high-pressure water at full pressure and use the Pneumatic Foot Pedal Dump Control to verify that the dump valve is working properly.
  • Ensure that Operators never connect, disconnect, or tighten hoses, adapters, or accessories with the high-pressure water pump unit running.
  • Ensure no personnel are in the hydroblasting zone.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is dependent on the working pressure of water and the cleaning application. Managers, Supervisors, and Operators MUST carry out a job specific risk assessment to define the exact requirements for PPE.

See Protective Equipment for Personnel (Section 6) of WJTA-IMCA’s Recommended Practices For The Use Of High-pressure Waterjetting Equipment for additional information.

  • Hygiene: Operators are advised to wash thoroughly after all waterjetting operations to remove any waterblast residue which may contain traces of harmful substances.
  • First aid provision: users MUST be provided with suitable first aid facilities at the operation site.

PPE MAY INCLUDE:

  • Eye protection: Full face visor
  • Foot protection: Kevlar® brand or steel toe capped, waterproof, non-slip safety boots
  • Hand protection: Waterproof gloves
  • Ear protection: Ear protection for a minimum of 85 dBA
  • Head protection: Hard hat that accepts a full face visor and ear protection
  • Body protection: Multi-layer waterproof clothing approved for water jetting
  • Hose protection: Hose shroud
  • Respiratory protection: May be required; refer to job specific risk assessment