Although many quarry and batch plant operators use high pressure cleaners on-site, many are not aware of new safety regulations regarding their operation.
The new Australian Standard (AS/NZS4233.1) for using high pressure water blasters aims to improve safety awareness in the industry. The standards separate blasters into two classes for the purposes of differentiating safe work techniques and the level of training required to safely operate the machines.
The power of a high pressure water blaster is calculated by multiplying the pressure of the machine, in bar, by the flow, in litres per minute. Class B machines include all water blasters above 5600 bar litres per minute.
Big cleaning contractors generally use this group of machines. It covers hydro-blasters right up to 50,000 per square inch (psi). However, even some 3000 psi machines with high flow rates fall under the Class B category. Operator training in the safe use of these machines by an RTO-certified trainer is mandatory under the Australian Standard.
Class A machines are those most commonly used in quarry and batch plants. These include all domestic and commercial pressure washers up to about 4000 psi with lower flow rates.
CLASS A OPERATOR TRAINING
Australian Pump Industries, one of the country’s principal manufacturers of high pressure cleaners, is acutely aware that even Class A machines can cause operator injuries.
Whether through unsafe work practices or a lack of machine maintenance, injuries can be serious and even life-threatening. A jet of high pressure water can carry infections deep into body tissue, and although the surface damage may look insignificant, resulting infections can lead to major medical complications.
In a bid to educate operators, Aussie Pumps has developed an Aussie Class A Safe Operator course that covers blaster basics.
The course includes how a piston pump works, what safety precautions are required during the operation of a blaster, what can go wrong and the potential consequences.
The Aussie Class A course is available free of charge, and is currently available in hard copy. Aussie Pumps recommends an experienced operator run through the course with trainees to ensure the practical implications are fully understood. The course includes a short comprehension test and, on successful completion, a certificate of attendance is issued.
“We are finding that safety conscious employers are keen to train staff and suitably equip them with protection gear,” Aussie Pumps’ product manager Bruce Hulm said. “Many are even adopting some of the Class B requirements, like high pressure safety clothing.”
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SAFE OPERATOR PROTECTION
The Aussie Safe Operator range of personal protective equipment safeguards against pressures up to 7000 psi (500 bar).
The range includes jackets, pants, aprons, gloves and even boots. Comfortable and lightweight, the Aussie Safe Operator gear protects an operator should a hose rupture while under pressure.
Hose ruptures and fittings failures account for more than 90 per cent of all injuries while using high pressure cleaners. An operator will naturally position the high pressure gun near his or her chest during operation, so the potential for personal injury is acute.
Aussie Pumps supplies 500 bar hose shrouds that fit over the hose where it joins the gun. Hose shrouds are mandatory on all Class B machines, but even the pressure jet on a Class A machine has the potential to inflict injury.
“We are looking into getting the Aussie Class A Safe Operator course up online,” Hulm said. “We want every user of a high pressure cleaner to benefit from our extensive industry experience. We’re out to share the safety message and improve operator welfare.”
IN-BUILT BLASTER SAFETY
The quality and design of the high pressure water washer is also paramount to operator safety.
Built under an ISO9001 quality system, all Aussie Pump blasters feature an Aussie Safety Protection kit, which includes a number of safety devices that protect not just the operator but the machine too.
For example, a safety valve fitted to the triplex pump relieves excess pressure in a controlled manner. This protects the pump and the operator from pressure spikes.
The thermal dump protects the pump against excess bypass running. The unloader controls the pressure delivered to the gun. All these devices are factory set for maximum performance and safety.
The Aussie Scud range of contractor pressure washers promises increased operator safety. The award-winning design is not only eye-catching but also extremely practical. By eliminating “sharps” from the frame, the hose is less likely to snag.
The frame design enables an easy fit hose reel mounting bar and hose reel to be attached. The occupational health and safety benefits of adding a hose reel with an extra length hose include minimising trip hazards and improving operator convenience.
“These top of the range industrial blasters come with all the safety essentials but at a down to earth price that makes them extremely good value,” Hulm said. “We are extremely proud of the Scud machines and the fact that we make them here in Castle Hill, NSW.”
Hamish Lorenz is the managing director of Australian Pump Industries.