Jetter Training Essential to Workforce Welfare

Andy Guest Jetters has teamed up with Jetmasters to deliver Water Jet Association (WJA) training courses at its UK base in Keighley, and the Rioned HQ in Thetford, over the next 12-months. The two-day courses are designed to educate trainees on the hazards associated with using high-pressure jetting equipment, along with teaching essential skills for operating machinery effectively.

Health and Safety in the water industry is of paramount importance. Many Councils, water utility companies and contractors now require that operatives hold valid WJA certificates. It’s also incumbent on contractors to make sure employees have a full appreciation of safe practices when working with high-pressure water jetting equipment.

“It’s about staying alive,” explains Roy Dykes, owner of Jetmasters. “High-pressure water travels at over 400mph and can be lethal. Get it wrong and it can do some serious damage. Drainage operators are at a disadvantage as they can’t directly see the destructive power of the water jet in the mains and generally only have the pressure gauges to work from.

“Of course, jetting equipment has become quieter, lighter and safer, and working practices have improved but accidents still happen every day. We estimate there are over 1000 injuries every year from using high-pressure water equipment.

“The courses we provide are about making sure that operators are working safely and the risk is being managed. Many accidents are preventable with the right training and the correct care and attention on the job.”

The two-day training courses are Water Jetting Association (WJA) approved and certificated,  City & Guilds (C&G) accredited and also recognised by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Training includes safety awareness guidance and drain-cleaning techniques, which are delivered via a mix of classroom time and practical exercises.

Day one of the training is classroom-based and covers Safety Awareness. This includes developing trainees understanding of the types and features of machines and applications, the WJA code of practice, potential hazards and injuries, PPE, and operational procedures.

Day two is Drain and Sewer Cleaning, comprising a mix of classroom and practical exercises designed to teach the correct use of pressures, nozzles and accessories, along with techniques to overcome difficulties and ensure tasks are carried out safely and efficiently. All practical exercises will use Andy Guests or Rioned's latest jetting equipment.

Andrew Wilson, UK General Manager at Andy Guest Jetters, says the new courses fit with the company’s safety-first approach: “We fully support all WJA advice and ensure all colleagues across both of our UK businesses have achieved their WJA qualifications. Having recently moved into new UK premises, we have excellent training facilities that can comfortably accommodate 10+ people on each course whilst maintaining a safe social distance. We hope to welcome clients and new businesses alike.”

Upcoming Courses

• October 13- 14, 2020 (Thetford)
• January 19-20, 2021 (Thetford)
• April 14-15, 2021 (Thetford)
• May  11-12, 2021 (Keighley)
• July 6-7, 2021 (Thetford)
• October 13-14, 2021 (Thetford)
• November 17-18, 2021 (Keighley)

For more information visit here