Water Blasting Safe Work Procedure

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the safety guidelines and hazard control measures for water blasting operations. It applies to all personnel involved in water blasting activities, including operators, supervisors, and safety personnel. The procedure covers the use of high-pressure water to clean or prepare surfaces, remove coatings, or perform other related tasks.

2. Definitions

Water Blasting A cleaning or surface preparation method that uses high-pressure water to remove coatings, contaminants, or other materials from a surface. High-Pressure Refers to water pressure exceeding 10,000 psi (pounds per square inch). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards, including eye protection, hearing protection, and protective clothing.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent to perform water blasting tasks.
Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure its proper use.
Conduct regular inspections of equipment and work areas to identify and correct hazards.
Enforce all safety rules and procedures.

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety rules and procedures outlined in this SWP.
Use required PPE properly and maintain it in good condition.
Inspect equipment before use and report any defects or malfunctions.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
High-Pressure Water Jet	Serious injury from direct contact with the high-pressure water jet, including cuts, abrasions, and injection injuries.	Use appropriate nozzle and pressure settings for the task. Maintain a safe distance from the nozzle. Never point the water jet at oneself or others. Ensure the equipment has a functional pressure relief valve.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards	Slips, trips, and falls due to wet surfaces and hoses.	Maintain a clean and dry work area. Use slip-resistant footwear. Secure hoses and cords to prevent tripping hazards. Provide adequate lighting.
Noise Exposure	Hearing damage from prolonged exposure to high noise levels.	Use hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs). Limit exposure time. Ensure equipment is properly maintained to minimize noise levels.
Flying Debris	Eye and skin injuries from flying debris and particles.	Wear appropriate eye and face protection (safety glasses or face shield). Use barriers or containment to prevent debris from spreading. Ensure proper ventilation to remove airborne particles.
Electrical Hazards	Electric shock from contact with electrical components or damaged cords.	Ensure all electrical equipment is properly grounded. Inspect cords and connections for damage before use. Use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection. Avoid using electrical equipment in wet areas.
Chemical Exposure	Skin and respiratory irritation from chemicals used in the water blasting process.	Use appropriate PPE, including gloves and respiratory protection. Provide adequate ventilation. Follow manufacturer's instructions for chemical handling and storage. Ensure proper disposal of chemical waste.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eye and Face Protection: Safety glasses or face shield to protect against flying debris and water spray. Select eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 standards.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to protect against high noise levels. Choose hearing protection with an appropriate Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).
Hand Protection: Waterproof gloves to protect against skin exposure to water and chemicals. Select gloves that are chemical-resistant and provide adequate grip.
Protective Clothing: Waterproof suit or apron to protect against water spray and debris. Ensure clothing provides full coverage of the body.
Safety Footwear: Slip-resistant safety boots to prevent slips and falls. Select footwear that meets ASTM F2413 standards for safety.

6. Equipment and Tools

High-Pressure Water Blaster: Ensure the water blaster is in good working condition and has been properly inspected. Check hoses, nozzles, and connections for leaks or damage. Verify the pressure relief valve is functioning correctly.
Nozzles: Select the appropriate nozzle for the task. Ensure the nozzle is securely attached and free from obstructions. Inspect nozzles regularly for wear and damage.
Hoses: Use high-pressure hoses that are rated for the water blaster's maximum pressure. Inspect hoses for cuts, abrasions, and leaks. Replace damaged hoses immediately.
Pressure Gauge: Verify the pressure gauge is accurate and functioning correctly. Use the pressure gauge to monitor and adjust the water pressure as needed.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Pre-Start Inspection: Inspect all equipment, including the water blaster, hoses, nozzles, and connections, for any signs of damage or wear. Ensure all safety devices are in place and functioning correctly. Check the water source and ensure it is clean and free from debris.
Set Up Work Area: Establish a safe work area, free from obstructions and hazards. Use barriers or containment to prevent water spray and debris from affecting other workers or areas. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Don PPE: Wear all required PPE, including eye and face protection, hearing protection, hand protection, protective clothing, and safety footwear. Ensure PPE is in good condition and fits properly.
Start Water Blaster: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for starting the water blaster. Gradually increase the water pressure to the desired level. Monitor the pressure gauge to ensure it remains within the safe operating range.
Water Blasting Operation: Hold the nozzle at a safe distance from the surface being cleaned. Use smooth, controlled movements to apply the water jet. Avoid pointing the water jet at oneself or others. Overlap passes to ensure complete coverage.
Adjust Pressure and Nozzle: Adjust the water pressure and nozzle as needed to achieve the desired cleaning or surface preparation results. Use lower pressure for delicate surfaces and higher pressure for tougher materials. Change nozzles as needed to optimize performance.
Monitor Work Area: Continuously monitor the work area for hazards, such as water accumulation, debris, and slip hazards. Take corrective action to address any hazards immediately.
Shut Down Water Blaster: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for shutting down the water blaster. Reduce the water pressure gradually before turning off the machine. Disconnect the water supply and relieve any remaining pressure in the system.
Post-Operation Inspection: Inspect all equipment for damage or wear. Clean and store the water blaster, hoses, and nozzles properly. Dispose of any waste materials in accordance with local regulations.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Never operate the water blaster without proper training and authorization.
Always wear appropriate PPE, including eye and face protection, hearing protection, hand protection, protective clothing, and safety footwear.
Maintain a safe distance from the nozzle and never point the water jet at oneself or others.
Inspect equipment before use and report any defects or malfunctions immediately.
Ensure the work area is clean, dry, and free from obstructions.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop the water blasting operation and assess the situation. Ensure the safety of all personnel. Provide first aid as needed. Contact emergency services if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

High-Pressure Injection Injury: Immediately seek medical attention. High-pressure injection injuries can cause serious tissue damage and require prompt treatment.
Electrical Shock: If someone receives an electrical shock, do not touch them. Disconnect the power source if it is safe to do so. Call emergency services immediately.
Chemical Exposure: Flush the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, injuries, and equipment damage, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will initiate an investigation to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

The incident investigation will involve gathering information about the incident, interviewing witnesses, and inspecting the work area and equipment. A written report will be prepared, outlining the findings and recommendations.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]