News

Hydraulic industrial tools specialist, Enerpac, has announced a lifting system for safer excavator maintenance. Based on Enerpac SCJ-Series Cube Jacks, it enables lifting and holding of the entire cab, boom and arm, allowing the undercarriage to be safely removed.

During maintenance of the excavator’s swing drive and bearings, the undercarriage unit must be separated from the upper body cab and arm to give access to the swing motor and multiple sets of planetary gears. Until now this would have involved at least two service engineers jacking up the body and holding it on stands, a time consuming and hazardous practice. 

The Enerpac cube jack lifting system offers a safer, CE-certified, approach to removing the undercarriage. It comprises two pairs of cube jacks providing coordinated hydraulic lifting of loads up to 25T per jack to a height of 2m. Two cube jacks are positioned under a lifting beam at the rear of the excavator, while two cube jacks are located under the arm’s bucket lugs. Each pair of cube jacks is connected to a hydraulic pump to synchronously lift and lower the excavator body and arm.

“The excavator lifting system has been developed in collaboration with a leading excavator maintenance company looking for a safer CE-certified approach to removing the undercarriage. It automatically self-locks so that engineers can work safely under the raised cab without the need for secondary jack stands,” said an Enerpac spokesperson. ‘It has been well received especially for its safety, secure load holding, precision lifting and lowering and quick and easy set-up which make it attractive to users and customers alike.”

Enerpac Cube Jack
Enerpac cube jack technology is well proven in many industrial lifting applications. The SC-Series Cube Jacks use a base lifting frame and self-aligning, lightweight steel cribbing blocks to provide high-capacity and stabilised lifting–offering a safer, controlled and more efficient alternative to climbing jacks with wooden cribbing. 

Lloyds witness tested to 125% of maximum working load, the incremental cube jack lifting system is self-locking to support the load as each cribbing block is manually added or removed, instead of being held by hydraulic pressure. Once the mechanical lock engages, the lift cylinder retracts, and another cribbing block can be added or removed. 

To learn more about the Enerpac Self-Locking Cube Jack and find a local Enerpac distributor, visit www.enerpac.com.

The topic of “explosion safety” is widespread for plant operators and OEM´s when it comes to handling or transporting combustible dusts. Despite the common assumption that an increased risk of explosion only exists for gases, enormous forces can also be released by explosive dust- / air mixtures.

To help minimize the risk of explosions when handing combustible dusts, it is important to understand the requirements for an explosion and the respective dust safety characteristics, which are described below. The following picture shows the explosion pentagon which must be taken into account.

The following conditions must exist for an explosion to occur within a production facility or machine:

Fig. 1: Explosion pentagon

If any one of the afore mentioned prerequisites is eliminated, explosion prevention has intrinsically been practiced. However, if this is not possible at all times and in all operating states, explosion hazards will still be present. In that case, it is necessary to divide any potentially explosive atmospheres into zones and systematically apply safety measures.

Drying processes in particular are used in many industries to produce material, for easier storage, more efficient transport and a longer shelf life. However, the combination of moisture extraction and high temperatures creates an increased risk of both fire and explosions.

If fires and/or explosions occur in drying plants, which are usually very large, the situation is not only extremely dangerous for the machines and the business, but especially for the employees on site.

Operators of spray dryers must combat a particular type of ignition source – namely smouldering nests that can lead to spontaneous combustion if the material undergoes excessive caking. Caking occurs due to sub-optimal drying of the material and its initially high moisture content. The caked material is then insulated against the surrounding air by a build-up of moist material. The high temperatures ensure that the caked material is continuously heated until a biological reaction takes place involving protein, carbohydrates and water – known as the Maillard reaction. The Maillard reaction generates additional heat that cannot be dissipated due to the insulating layer of caked material. This exothermic process continues to accelerate until spontaneous combustion finally occurs.

Caking of this kind can build up both on the nozzles and the inner wall of the spray dryers. If the nozzle malfunctions, droplets may drip into the fluid bed and cause further clumping. If a smouldering nest is able to form, this can ignite the explosive atmosphere inside the dryer or the downstream machinery.

How can such conditions, which are frequently encountered in practice, be prevented?

Everything starts with the human factor, i.e. properly trained personnel for the respective processes. Optimal process control is also required to avoid caking. But without precise and reliable information/measurements, this is virtually impossible, even for specialists. Nowadays, humidity and one of the by-products of spontaneous combustion at early stages – carbon monoxide (CO) – are used as indicators to ensure a smooth and thus safe process. However, the fact that combined measurement systems cannot clearly distinguish between these two indicators is problematic and can result in inaccurate measurements.

The REMBE CO.Pilot – Synergistic CO and Humidity Measurement

The REMBE CO.Pilot autonomously performs continuous comparison of measured gas data with a synchronized database of stored reference gases that serve as "fingerprints" of the selected process and combustion gases. This allows the possibility to perform a real-time check to continuously verify the measurement accuracy as a self-calibration. At the same time, the real-time fingerprint analysis eliminates the cross-sensitivity to other gases in the measurement spectrum which is problematic with other commercial gas analysers.

To ensure a reliable measurement of the operating status, samples are sucked in from all of the dryer's relevant supply and exhaust air ducts under very high vacuum. REMBE calculates the delta CO value on the basis of the absolute values measured at the individual measuring points. This value is the mathematical difference between the CO content of the extract air and the CO content of the supply air. Thus, only events that actually occur in the respective process are detected. External factors that may disturb the measurement process can thus be ignored.

A proprietary evaluation algorithm, the REMBE Flow Algorithm, (RFA), enables the measured supply and exhaust gas stream values to be compared in real time. As a result, the REMBE CO.Pilot is the first system on the market that makes it possible to adjust the individual alarm limits and gas residence times for the individual measuring points in the dryer's various air throughputs without any delays. The ratios of the different supply air channels and the  associated predicted process gas streams are analysed via the software and calculated to determine an upset condition in the incipient stage.

Thus, if an increased carbon monoxide concentration is detected due to spontaneous combustion during the process, countermeasures can be initiated immediately.

But what does this mean in detail?

This special sampling process eliminates the need for costly and error-prone gas treatment, thus ensuring that the CO.Pilot is less susceptible to faults and requires less maintenance. Furthermore, this measurement method can make recurring calibrations unnecessary. Due to the precise measurement technology and the reproducible results, false alarms and downtimes can also be avoided. In combination with moisture measurements, the entire drying process can be optimally controlled, significantly increasing the energy efficiency of the system.

Fig. 2: REMBE CO.Pilot

Contact REMBE^® Inc. at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / www.rembe.us .

Explosion isolation is essential for comprehensive explosion protection. Without isolation, an explosion safety concept is not only incomplete, but is also a waste of money for operators as:

In almost every production facility, individual plant components are interconnected by means of pipelines. The purpose of explosion isolation is to seal these pipelines in the event of an explosion to prevent the propagation of pressure and flames, thereby protecting the adjacent plant components. Precompression and flame jet ignition increase the severity of the explosion in the connected vessels. This leads to secondary explosions that can cause even more catastrophic damage.

Isolation systems prevent an explosion from propagating, thereby reducing the effects of the explosion to a minimum. Adjacent system components are optimally protected.

A distinction is made between active and passive isolation systems:

Active systems use sensors or detectors to detect an explosion as it occurs by registering the rising pressure or flames as they form and activate the associated isolation device, e.g. a quench valve.

Due to their structural design, passive isolation systems react purely mechanically to a propagation or loss of pressure. The latter also applies to explosion isolation flap valve. They are kept open during normal mode by means of the currents present in the pipeline. In the event of an explosion, the valve closes due to the propagating pressure front, effectively preventing the further propagation of pressure and flames.

www.rembe.de

As Pepperl+Fuchs, a pioneer in hazardous area mobile devices, announces the expansion of its groundbreaking Tab-Ex® tablet series with the Tab-Ex 04 Pro DZ2 / D2. Based on the rugged Samsung Galaxy TabActive4 Pro, the tablet features a brighter, 480 nit 10” touch screen paired with the latest hardware and connectivity options. Combining high performance with innovative applications such as augmented reality, the new device also provides users with a unique desktop-like experience outside of the field, thanks to DeX Mode.

The Tab-Ex 04 Pro DZ2 / D2 is ideally suited for IIoT-capable applications and simplifies data exchange with SCADA / DCS systems, enterprise resource planning systems, project management systems, and computer-aided system planning. Even with its large 10” screen, the new tablet is compact, lightweight, and ideal for a wide range of tasks such as inventory, material tracking, maintenance, and supply chain and asset management. In addition, documents and templates can be viewed on the tablet's 10-inch display, increasing process efficiency.

More Computing Power for Complex Applications

The Tab-Ex 04 Pro DZ2 / D2 runs on a high-performance Android 13 operating system, featuring a powerful Qualcomm SM7325-2-AB Octa-Core 4x 2.4 GHz + 4x 1.8 GHz processor with up to 6GB of RAM, depending on the model. This improved hardware is capable of supporting complex augmented reality applications. The software delivers all the underlying, existing data directly to the user in real time, while also making it shareable on the company network. Augmented reality provides more transparency and helps make processes safer and faster—from planning to operation and maintenance.

The Tab-Ex 04 Pro DZ2 / D2 also boasts 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for increased data connectivity speeds, ensuring seamless access to all information. It also features high-speed access to detailed master and repair data and other operational data, as well as connectivity that enables employees, experts, teams, and project groups to collaborate quickly and in real time.

Tablet as a Desktop Alternative

With Samsung DeX Mode, users can connect to workstations or larger monitors and work on the go with one easily portable device. Everyday projects and activities in the field can be brought to life on the big screen by connecting the Tab-Ex 04 Pro DZ2 / D2 to a monitor using a multiport connector and turning the tablet into a desktop PC. This allows videos, graphics, documents and classic Office applications to be viewed more closely on a larger screen. From the office to the shop floor, tasks such as retrieving equipment data, checking inventory, resource planning, and schematics can be done seamlessly anywhere. Additionally, costs can be reduced significantly, since there is no more need for office computers, effectively eliminating their management and support.

Rugged Connectivity Opens up New Opportunities

Whether in the oil and gas industry, refineries, chemical plants, the pharmaceutical industry, or along the hydrogen value chain — there are virtually no limits on the uses for industrial tablets. The Tab-Ex 04 Pro DZ2 / D2 is dust and water resistant due to degree of protection (IP68) and meets the MIL-STD-810H standard, which means it is shock and vibration resistant. In addition, the tablet carries NEC/CEC Class I, Div. 2 certifications and FCC/IC compliance test approvals. It is also tested and compatible with the networks of manifold mobile service providers.

Strong Partners for Any Task

With Pepperl+Fuchs as an umbrella brand, customers benefit from a complete portfolio of hazardous area equipment. After all, Pepperl+Fuchs with its subsidiary ECOM Instruments has pioneered the world’s first intrinsically safe GSM mobile phone 30 years ago, as well as the world’s first intrinsically safe PDA 25 years ago. Mobile devices, HMI solutions, a variety of process related equipment, and sensors fit together perfectly for a wide range of offerings for your automation and digitalization needs. In addition, the Tab-Ex 04 Pro DZ2 / D2 is part of the Pepperl+Fuchs interlinked, hazardous area mobile worker concept, which includes smartphones, tablets, peripherals, and software applications. Mobile users can integrate additional Tab-Ex solution packages from a single source, such as Pepperl+Fuchs data capture, measurement and monitoring devices, headsets, AutoID, and Bluetooth beacons for tracking.

Designed in cooperation with Samsung, the Tab-Ex 04 Pro DZ2 / D2 offers a long product life cycle, state-of-the-art technology, reliability (TCO), and security thanks to Samsung Knox.

Additionally, in 2023 Pepperl+Fuchs confirmed its consultancy and support services by achieving Silver Partner status in the Android Enterprise Partner Program. Customers can be assured that not only Pepperl+Fuchs devices have achieved the Android Enterprise Recommended certification, but also that the consulting staff has been trained and certified accordingly. This means that Pepperl+Fuchs meets the highest requirements Google has set for use in the industrial sector and enterprise environments.

Web: www.pepperl-fuchs.com

UK’s leading safety company will showcase responsible ranges and joined-up safety solutions at the NEC in Birmingham 

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, will be exhibiting at this year's Health & Safety Event, scheduled to take place from the 30^th April to 2^nd May at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.  

The event takes place during a momentous year for both Arco and the health and safety industry, coinciding with the 50^th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and Arco’s 140^th anniversary. 

Arco’s interactive exhibition can be found in Hall 4, Stand 4/G100 and has been designed to take visitors on a journey through the hierarchy of control, emphasising the importance of a joined-up approach to safety management. With a focus on consultancy, training, expert advice, compliance and sustainability, Arco aims to demonstrate its unparalleled safety expertise.  

Visitors to the Arco stand can expect immersive experiences, including virtual reality demonstrations where they will be placed in realistic environments, highlighting hazards within working at height and confined spaces. The stand will also showcase Arco’s award-winning Responsible hi-vis and Responsible workwear product ranges, as well as its product-assurance process and independent UKAS-accredited laboratory.  

Ahead of the event, Arco has been shortlisted in four categories for the 2024 Safety and Health Excellence Awards. Arco is nominated for: BSIF Product Innovation Award Safety Product Category (Non-PPE), Campaign of the Year, Distributor of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year, as well as sponsoring and judging this year’s inaugural Sustainable Company of the Year award. The winners will be announced during the award ceremony that will take place on the second night of the three-day Health & Safety Event. 

Gareth Wray, Marketing Director at Arco, commented: “We are thoroughly excited to be attending The Health & Safety Event during such a special year for Arco and the industry. We have gone above and beyond to create a truly engaging experience for visitors, showcasing our expertise not only in sourcing and delivering quality and compliant products, but in driving forward sustainable practices and offering joined-up safety solutions.   

“We look forward to interacting with the many attendees and sharing our expertise to drive positive change in safety practices." 

For more information, visit www.arco.co.uk  

Enerpac continues to raise the performance of its range of battery powered pumps with the announcement of the XC2-Series cordless hydraulic pumps. The new pumps offer higher speeds, longer battery run-times and greater oil capacity allowing larger tool and multiple cylinder applications to be undertaken on a single charge.

Powered by a high-capacity 54 Volt battery, the XC2 pump matches the speed of a 0,37 kW electric pump with the added benefit of cordless convenience, eliminating the need for extension cords and noisy and emission producing generators. With the XC2 pump, managing cable trip risks are eliminated and environmental health and safety concerns significantly reduced. 

More projects on a single battery charge

The XC2 pump’s brushless motor provides twice the life of brushed motors and high-flow rates for increased productivity, allowing significant work completions on a single battery charge. In addition to increasing engineer efficiency, it also enables a more flexible approach to completing projects.  Available in either 2 or 4 litres oil capacity, the 4 litre XC2 pump can be used with larger and multiple cylinders, up to four 50 ton cylinders, two 75 ton cylinders or a single 100 ton cylinder, for example. 

XC2-Series manual valve models also include a variable speed trigger enabling greater control of tool or cylinder movement. The pump’s bladder reservoir design reduces the risk of contamination and allows pump use in any position; ideal for projects where access and working space are limited. 

The XC2 pumps are highly portable with weights ranging from 11.9kg to 16.8kg depending on valve function and oil capacity, effectively bringing previously difficult to service remote projects within easy reach. They also include integrated steel rings to attach the accessory carry strap.

The XC2-Series 54 Volt fast battery charger minimises downtime with a 1.5 hour charge cycle. An LED display provides charge status, over temperature and damaged battery indication.

Heavy duty pendant controls

Heavy-duty pendants are used to operate any Enerpac XC2-Series pump. Easy to connect or disconnect when not required, the pendants feature large buttons, an over moulded grip, lanyard loop and hanger magnet. Multiple seals within the pendant provide IP64 environmental protection. When working in confined spaces where using any cord can be problematic, the pendant control is easily detached, and the pump operated by the trigger.

Torque specific model available

For bolting applications, there is the XC-2 cordless torque wrench pump featuring an adjustable pressure relief valve which can be locked when the desired pressure is set. It can be used with a wide range of torque wrenches and features a 100 mm glycerine-filled pressure gauge for easy viewing and a 6 metre detachable pendant control.

Stay Connected - Enerpac Connect

The Enerpac Connect app gives XC2-Series pump users a complete picture of the tool and its usage, both important factors in job safety and productivity. Using either a SmartPhone or tablet, XC2-Series owners can scan the QR code on the pump nameplate for instant access to product specifications, manuals, videos, job specific usage data, and wireless firmware updates through smart enabled tool technology.

Redefining Pump Portability, Usability and Efficiency

“The XC2-Series cordless hydraulic pumps demonstrate the focus that Enerpac is offering customers in terms of portability, usability and enhanced job performance. The increases in speed, battery runtime, and oil capacity compared to the previous XC-Series is where the XC2-Series excels,” says Angie Wallace Global Product Manager, Enerpac. 

We’re translating our outstanding pump innovation and technology into tangible customer benefits designed to improve competitiveness and service delivery, as well as providing the ability to take on larger and higher cycle applications with a cordless pump.”

For more information on the Enerpac XC2-Series cordless hydraulic pump, and torque pump, visit www.enerpac.com.

Hazards from dusts and spilled product fall in to two distinct categories; the first is dusts that are hazardous to health. This category includes obvious products like asbestos and silica dust, but any dust that can be breathed in by the operator or other personnel in the workplace is likely to be hazardous to health to a degree. Industrial Vacuum Cleaners with M-Class and H-Class filtration ensures hazardous dusts are appropriately handled when being recovered.

The second category is dusts that are hazardous in the environment. The obvious category is dusts that can potentially cause an explosive atmosphere, particularly organic products like sugar and flour. Some products fall in to both categories such as wood dusts, which are both hazardous to health and potentially explosive. ATEX rated Industrial Vacuum Cleaners must be specified for use in ATEX zones.

Selecting an appropriate Industrial Vacuum Cleaner requires careful consideration of the potential hazards which then informs the specification of the machine. BVC – British Vacuum Cleaners is the leading brand of British manufactured industrial vacuum cleaners. Manufactured by Quirepace in Fareham, Hampshire the range includes both M-Class and H-Class machines for dusts hazardous to health and ATEX rated equipment suitable to operate in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Quirepace’s extensive knowledge combined with our experienced sales team, UK manufacture, and local service and spares support, means that BVC UK manufactured Industrial Vacuum Cleaners, with their 5-year parts warranty, deliver excellent durability and value for money in the industrial environment.

In addition to portable equipment, Quirepace also design and install fixed installations for Central Vacuum Cleaning, where multiple outlets are served by central plant through a network of fixed pipework.

Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation meeting.

www.quirepace.co.uk www.bvc.co.uk
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
023 9260 3700

For over 30 years, Silicon-on-Sapphire (SOS) sensor technology has stood as a cornerstone within ESI's lineup, defining the very essence of reliability and precision in intrinsically safe pressure transmitters. This innovative technology has played a pivotal role in ensuring steadfast and accurate measurements amidst the challenges posed by hazardous environments. Through the symbiotic fusion of silicon's sensing prowess and sapphire's unyielding resilience, the SOS sensor has emerged as an unparalleled solution, conquering the harsh realities of hazardous applications.

The SOS sensor harnesses the extraordinary properties of both silicon and sapphire, culminating in unparalleled performance. Sapphire, renowned for its exceptional durability, chemical inertness, and resistance to extreme temperatures, provides an impervious shield against corrosive chemicals, abrasive substances, and soaring temperatures. Meanwhile, silicon, meticulously grown onto the surface of the sapphire substrate, furnishes the sensor with unmatched sensitivity and precision. This harmonious marriage of materials ensures long-term reliability, even in the most unforgiving environments.

Intrinsically safe pressure transmitters, fortified with Silicon-on-Sapphire Technology, assume a pivotal role in hazardous environments where the spectre of explosion looms large. In such precarious settings, safety reigns supreme, and intrinsically safe devices stand as guardians against potential calamities. ESI's pressure transmitters, not only meet stringent safety standards, but also deliver unwaveringly accurate and dependable pressure measurements, instilling confidence in even the most challenging conditions.

The intrinsic electrical insulation properties of sapphire serve as a linchpin in achieving intrinsic safety. With its exceptional insulating characteristics, sapphire forms an impenetrable barrier, thwarting the passage of electric current and mitigating the risk of sparking or overheating. This inherent safety feature renders SOS sensors inherently safer for use in explosive atmospheres compared to their conventional counterparts.

Furthermore, Silicon-on-Sapphire technology empowers ESI to craft pressure transmitters boasting a compact footprint without compromising performance. The slender yet robust nature of the SOS sensor facilitates the development of smaller, lighter devices, simplifying installation and maintenance in confined spaces within industrial settings.

As industries steadfastly prioritise safety and precision in their operations, ESI’s SOS technology stands poised at the vanguard of intrinsically safe pressure transmitter solutions, offering a steadfast and enduring solution for critical applications. With three decades of innovation behind us, ESI remains committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence, ensuring that our SOS sensors continue to set the standard for reliability and precision in hazardous environments.

www.esi-tec.com

As the inventor of flameless explosion venting, REMBE is once again challenging the status quo with the new Q-Box R3leaf, the world's first sustainable device for flameless explosion venting.

After years of systematic development, testing and successful approval tests, REMBE is convinced that it has contributed to more than just an improvement in flameless explosion venting technology. Instead, the aim is to set a good example and send a clear signal that everyone can reduce the carbon footprint in our industry. 

Fig. 1: The Q-Box R3leaf as the first sustainable flameless explosion venting device

During development of the Q-Box R3leaf the focus was on sustainability and the central question: Where can the status quo be further challenged?  

The development of the Q-Box R3leaf expands REMBE's line of flameless explosion venting devices with a product optimised in terms of both effectiveness and sustainability.  

Thanks to the selection of materials, the geometry of components and appropriate joining processes, it was possible to significantly increase the packaging density, avoid the need for emission-intensive joining and coating processes, and at the same time significantly improve the effectiveness of internal and international logistics processes. These optimisations affect the entire supply chain of the Q-Box R3leaf and thus ensure reduced CO₂ emissions.

Thanks to continuous development, it was possible to significantly increase the venting efficiency of the Q-Box R3leaf, allowing plant operators to reduce the number of flameless explosion venting devices required on their plant.

How does an explosion occur?

The topic of “explosion protection” is omnipresent for plant operators and machine manufacturers when it comes to handling or transporting flammable and explosive dusts. Contrary to the widespread assumption, the risk of explosion extends beyond gases, as flammable dusts can release enormous forces.

The following conditions, also known as fire triangle or dust explosion pentagon, must exist for an explosion to occur within a production facility or machine:

Fig. 2: Dust explosion pentagon

If any of the aforementioned conditions are eliminated, explosion protection has essentially been practised. However, if this is not possible at all times and in all operating states, explosion hazards persist. This necessitates categorizing explosion-prone areas into zones and systematically installing protective measures accordingly.

What is flameless explosion venting? 

Flameless explosion venting devices are primarily used to protect vessels or plants against the main effects of explosions, flames and pressure, which would be released unhindered into the environment if conventional explosion venting was used. To put it simply, they consist of two elements: the explosion venting device, such as an explosion vent and a downstream flame extinguishing element. This decreases the explosive pressure to a level that is harmless for the protected plant, and at the same time reduces the temperature of the combustion gases to a harmless level.

Flameless explosion venting devices are used wherever safe pressure relief in the event of an explosion is not permitted due to the potential proximity to people, other plants or objects.

www.rembe.com

The Water Jetting Association has launched a new code of practice for the safe use of pressure washing equipment.

The code – known as the Purple Code due to its purple cover – has been approved by the HSE and the first of its kind to provide guidance on the use of lower pressure water jetting techniques.

Its full title is the WJA code of practice for the safe use of pressure washers with pressures up to 207 bar and flow up to 22 litres (5 imperial gallons) per minute.

The Purple Code now sits alongside the WJA’s two other long-established codes. The Blue Code is for the safe use of high pressure and ultra-high pressure water jetting equipment.

The Red Code is for the safe use of water jetting equipment in drains and sewers and surface preparation with a jetting gun at pressures up to 275 bar (4,000 psi) that an operative can comfortably control.

WJA President John Jones said: “Given the wide use of pressure washing equipment, both commercially and domestically, the Purple Code is, arguably, one of the most important documents the WJA has produced in recent years.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure it is accurate, up-to-date and, above all, easy to follow and practical, so operatives get clear guidance on how to use pressure washing equipment safely and productively.

“Pressure washing is an increasingly important application in many industrial and commercial settings, and in countless gardens and drives up and down the UK. Therefore, it’s vital that there is authoritative, expert-led guidance to control the risks associated with it.”

Water at pressures as seven bar (100 psi) can puncture skin or damage eyes. At pressures up to 207 bar (3,000 psi), common in pressure washing systems, the damage caused by water jets to the body can be catastrophic. Also, harsh chemicals can be added, and water can be heated to boiling point.

The WJA’s Purple Code is thought to be the first pressure washing code of practice published anywhere in the world. It was finalised with the assistance of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

WJA Technical Manager Gordon Taylor explained: “The HSE has reviewed the WJA Purple Code and we’ve incorporated its recommendations to ensure it is fully aligned with latest health and safety laws and regulations.

“We hope it means the HSE will view the document as the UK’s foremost authoritative guide to safe pressure washing, in the same way it sees our Blue and Red Codes as setting the industry standards for their water jetting applications.

“Powerful pressure washing equipment is widely available but the risks associated with it are often not well understood by operatives.

“We’re very keen to work proactively with contractors and service users to make the WJA Purple Code widely available to address this issue and ensure pressure washing is carried out as safely as possible.”

The WJA Purple Code follows the same format as the two other codes. Its 100 pages has 19 sections covering topics that include:

• Personal protective equipment;
• Water jetting team organisation and duties;
• Frost precautions;
• Water jetting units;
• Hose assemblies, including inspection and testing;
• Safe use of pressure washing equipment, including training.

In a series of appendices, the code shows the WJA injury treatment algorithm, which gives clear instruction on treating water jetting injuries from first response to post-hospital rehabilitation.

The WJA Purple Code will be used as an important aid in the delivery of the WJA’s City & Guilds-accredited Pressure Washing course.

The one-day course, delivered by WJA-approved coach/examiners provides class-based learning and practical skills assessment. Candidates are then examined on their knowledge using the CLiKAPAD digital response tool, with a 75% pass mark required.

www.waterjetting.org.uk