Is drain jetting safe?
Drain jetting is safe if it is done properly. The main risk is caused by the pressure and flow rate of the water jets. Water under pressures as low as 100 psi (7 bar) can penetrate human skin.
At higher pressures, these injuries, called fluid injection injuries, can be catastrophic, even fatal. They can be caused by an operative losing control of the hose and the water jet hitting their body, or by a hose bursting, releasing an unexpected jet of water.
Research commissioned by the Water Jetting Association found a second serious risk was an uncontrolled hose striking an operative’s head or body, causing a major trauma injury.
Therefore, it is very important that drain jetting is done by people using the right equipment, including specialist personal protective equipment (PPE), plus the right training, qualifications and experience.
Drain jetting is carried out from access points into pipes. These can be manholes, gullies, rodding eyes, or excavations. This creates slip, trip and fall hazards. In some cases, safety procedures must be used that are similar to those used when working at height. Working on drains and sewers also presents significant hygiene risks.