Water Jetting Hydrodemolition Training
Hydrodemolition involves removing concrete using pressures exceeding 690 bar (10,000 psi) that can cause catastrophic injury if the equipment is not set up, operated and managed correctly. This WJA-accredited course covers the legal framework, the WJA Blue Code of Practice, hazard identification, equipment setup, robotic and manual jetting systems, reaction forces, PPE and RPE, and the safe completion of hydrodemolition tasks. On successful completion, delegates receive a WJA card.
• Introduction to hydrodemolition
What hydrodemolition is, the industries and applications in which it is used, and why the pressures and forces involved make it one of the highest-risk water jetting operations.
• WJA Blue Code of Practice and law
The WJA Blue Code of Practice for hydrodemolition, the best practice it contains, and the legal framework governing hydrodemolition operations including NACE standards and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Hydrodemolition hazards
The specific hazards associated with hydrodemolition operations, including ultra-high-pressure injection injuries, pressurised system failure, flying debris and the risks introduced by confined working areas.
• Equipment setup procedures
How to set up hydrodemolition equipment correctly before work begins, including pre-start checks, identification of defects and the safety devices that must be verified before pressurising the system.
• Robotic systems
How robotic hydrodemolition systems operate, the safety controls required when using robotic equipment and the operator's responsibilities when the system is working autonomously.
• Manual jetting and reaction forces
How to carry out manual jetting safely for concrete removal, how reaction forces are generated at pressures exceeding 690 bar (10,000 psi) and how they are managed safely through correct manual handling technique and positioning.
• Pressures, flows and nozzle selection
The relationship between pressure, flow rate and cutting effectiveness, how to select the correct nozzle type for the task and how nozzle selection affects reaction forces and operator control.
• PPE and RPE
The personal protective equipment and respiratory protective equipment required for hydrodemolition operations, and how to select, inspect and use each item correctly for ultra-high-pressure work.
• Injuries and prevention
The injuries caused by ultra-high-pressure water jet strikes and pressurised system failure, how they occur and the actions specified in the Blue Code of Practice to prevent them and respond if they do occur.
• Start-up, job completion and site security
The procedures required to start up equipment safely, the steps to follow on completion of a hydrodemolition task and what must be done to leave the work area safe and secure before departing the site.
• Assessment
Theory assessment in a classroom environment and practical assessment using live hydrodemolition equipment at pressures exceeding 690 bar (10,000 psi).
Classroom theory combined with practical assessment using live hydrodemolition equipment. Theory sessions include group discussion, hazard review and knowledge assessment. Practical assessment covers equipment setup, manual jetting and safe job completion procedures.
Operational candidates new to hydrodemolition, water jetting candidates renewing an expiring WJA card, and managers, supervisors, site owners, permit issuers and health and safety officers responsible for managing or overseeing hydrodemolition operations.
Delegates must have completed the WJA Safety Awareness course or Safety Awareness Recap course prior to attending. The Safety Awareness card is valid for three years. Delegates must be at least 16 years old and employed or in a structured training programme. Delegates must be at least 18 years old if unemployed or not in structured training. Delegates must be able to understand spoken and written English.