HIGH-PRESSURE WATER JETTING TOOLBOX TALK
High-pressure water can carry enough energy to cut metal and tissue.
Control of cutting, injection and hose hazards during high-pressure water jetting.
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Toolbox Topic
HIGH-PRESSURE WATER JETTING TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent severe cutting, injection injury, hose whipping and loss of control during high-pressure water jetting.
WHY IT MATTERS
High-pressure water jets can reach energy levels capable of cutting skin, soft tissue and potentially reaching bone.
Hose, nozzle or fitting failure can release stored energy and cause uncontrolled equipment movement.
Loss of footing or trigger control can direct the jet toward people, structures or equipment.
Water-injection injuries may appear minor externally while causing severe internal tissue damage requiring urgent medical treatment.
Effective control requires barricading, functional deadman controls, suitable PPE and safe nozzle positioning.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
An operator repositioned a nozzle inside a restricted area and slipped on a wet surface.
The sudden movement caused the jet to remain uncontrolled for several seconds.
The deadman control stopped the pressure, but nearby workers had been standing close to the exclusion-zone boundary.
A larger exclusion zone, slip control and planned operator positioning would have reduced the exposure.
REMEMBER
Never direct a pressurised jet toward any part of the body.
KEY HAZARDS
Jet cutting injuries.
Injection injuries.
Hose whipping.
Loss of nozzle control.
Slippery surfaces.
High noise.
Inadequate PPE.
Unauthorised access.
CONTROLS
Barricade the work area.
Test deadman controls.
Inspect hoses and fittings.
Use correctly rated equipment.
Keep the body outside the jet path.
Wear suitable face, hand, foot and body protection.
Control slippery surfaces.
Provide hearing protection.
Depressurise before intervention.
Seek urgent medical attention for suspected injection injuries.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, high-pressure water jetting is a high-energy activity, not routine cleaning. We will maintain full area control, test deadman systems, inspect hoses and keep every person outside the jet path before pressure is applied.
TEAM QUESTIONS
What pressure are we using?
Does the deadman control work?
Are hoses in good condition?
Is the area barricaded?
Is PPE suitable?
What happens after a suspected injection injury?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Area barricaded
Deadman tested
Hose sound
Connections secure
Pressure suitable
PPE suitable
Hearing protection available
Surface safe
Depressurisation method clear
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.