2. High Pressure Water Jetting and
the Necessary Safety Measures
 In this post I would like to discuss high
pressure water jetting.
 In particular, I would like to explain what
it is, what high pressure water jetting or
hydrodemolition can be used for and the
various benefits of high pressure water
jetting.
 I would then like to discuss the safety
measures that are necessary when
operating high pressure water jets.

3. High Pressure Water Jetting
Defined
 High pressure water jetting is the use of
high pressure water for the removal or
controlled demolition of unwanted matter
from a range of surfaces. Both chemicals
and abrasives can be used in conjunction
with high pressure water jetting to aid the
removal of stubborn matter from
surfaces.

4. High Pressure Water Jetting
Applications
 There is a vast range of different high pressure water jetting applications
which are explored in greater detail below.
 One of the most common uses of high pressure water jetting is to clean
surfaces that have become dirty due to pollution, graffiti or general wear
and tear. Known as hydrocleaning this high pressure water jetting
application can remove the dirt and restore the surfaces to their previous
condition.
 High pressure water jetting is also great for preparing rigid surfaces such
as concrete, metal or asphalt before they have a coating applied to them.
High pressure water jetting creates a smooth surface that is ready for
bonding.
 High pressure water jetting can even produce enough pressure to cut
through and remove concrete. This is extremely useful for the controlled
demolition of concrete that has become deteriorated without damaging
the existing structure.
 Finally, high pressure water jetting can be used for a range of
miscellaneous applications such as cleaning the hulls of ships, road
marking removal, nuclear decommissioning and unblocking and cleaning
drains.

5. The Benefits of High Pressure
Water Jetting
 Firstly, high pressure water jetting is an
environmentally friendly way of cleaning
cutting and preparing surfaces.
 Water jetting does not produce dangerous
water products and only uses a small
amount of water which can also be
recycled using a closed loop technique.

6. Safety Measures
 High pressure water jetting uses pressures above 25,000 pounds
per square inch and obviously a process that can cut through
concrete must be operated with the upmost safety and precaution.
 Firstly, as high pressure water jetting can cause serious injury or
death, all water jetting equipment should only be operated by
trained individuals who have experience of using this equipment.
 Secondly, all operators must wear a range of protective equipment
when operating the equipment. Steel toed boots, hard hat, face
shield, ear protectors and a hard hat are required for operators
using robotic high pressure water jetting equipment. Operators
using hand held equipment should also protect themselves with
shin and metatarsal guards and even body armour.
 Finally, it is important to remember to de-energize electrical
conduits and equipment before undertaking high pressure water
jetting work.

7. Conclusion
• The author writes for Corecut, the
UK’s leading provider of high pressure
water jetting and hydrodemolition
services