What is a water jetting team and who is part of it?
The water jetting team is a group of workers needed to carry out a water jetting job, satisfying all the health and safety requirements.
The size of this team and the workers profile needed will vary depending on the specific characteristics of each job, but generally, it will be comprised of some (or all) of the positions described below:
- Coordinator: Asset owner’s representative capable of understanding the work to be carried out and communicating his needs to the contractor.
This figure is not actually part of the waterjet team, but due to its importance in relation to it, it must be mentioned in this section. The participation of the coordinator is essential to carry out the job in a safe way, as a good risk assessment can only be achieved with the cooperation between the contractor and the asset owner (represented by the coordinator).
- Contract Manager/Supervisor: Contractors representative having sufficient knowledge to be able to choose the right equipment for the work, construct the risk assessment document with the Coordinator, secure the work permit and explain both to the pump operator.
- Pump operator: is the person that monitors and controls the pressurizing pump during the jetting operation. It is also responsible for overseeing the jetter(s) during the water jetting jobs, to ensure that the work is carried out safely.
The person assuming this role must have sufficient knowledge of the equipment being used, that the personnel carrying out the work have the appropriate training and experience and know what the work entails to better check the danger assessment and work permit to reduce the risk of accidents.
They must be watching the water jetter and the working area as long as the jetter is working to be able to react in case any difficulty arises, if the operator has any problem, or if anyone tries to enter the working area.
If problems arise during operations, the pump operator shall depressurise the system, ideally after the jetter is informed so that they can stop working, until the problem has been dealt with.
- Water jetter: The water jetter is the member of the team who holds a gun, lance, or delivery hose and controls the motion and direction of the jet(s) during cleaning operations.
They must carry out the work assigned in a safe manner and in accordance with the prescribed procedures and working instructions. The water jetter will work under the instructions of the pump operator.
- Additional personnel: In addition to the pump operator and the water jetter(s), other personnel may be required on the team, (Ex. Observer with an instant depressurising device if pump operator does not have direct line of sight to water jetter) depending on the site and nature of the work.
- Workers undergoing training: Trainees may be added to the team under the supervision of certified personnel. They must not act as emergency stop operators or work in jobs which present especially hazardous conditions.
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