Skip to content

Method Statement 3.11 - High Pressure Water Jetting

Document Information

Field Value
Document Reference MS 3.11
Issue Number 2
Issue Date 1 June 2026
Next Review 1 June 2027
Prepared By Sean Ashton
Approved By Aaron Mason, Director
Task No Task PPE to be worn Plant required Reference is made to the Team Pack risk assessment
3.11 High Pressure Water Jetting As defined by on-site risk assessment Works vehicle and hand tools. Jetting Vehicle, Jetting Pipes and Attachments N/A

Hazards

  • Manual Handling
  • Stored Energy in the Pipe
  • Defective Plant and Equipment
  • Towing Techniques
  • Incorrect Loading
  • Insufficient Space

Environmental Impacts

  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Light From Night working

Customer Impacts

  • Noise
  • Dust
  • Access

Training Required

As Per specific contract training matrix

Additional Plant and Equipment

  • Winch/Tractor Winch
  • Pipe Bursting/Slip Lining Rig
  • Mechanical Excavator

Permits Required

As Per specific contract specifications and Client requirements.

COSHH Assessment Required

  • 2 Stroke Oil
  • Diesel/Petrol
  • Line Marker Spray
  • Lubricating Spray

Sequence of Operations and Control Methods

On arrival at site, team leader shall contact the responsible person and obtain all necessary permits and note any special precautions required. All staff carrying out high pressure water jetting activities shall have been through approved training and all High Pressure Water Jetting personnel shall have received AA induction prior to any works commencing.

The team leader shall ensure that all operators are wearing issued PPE. All engineers must wear the appropriate P.P.E. provided

Provide signage, lighting and guarding in accordance with method statement AA/001 to isolate working areas, taking into consideration the protection of any adjacent properties. Particular attention must be given to the Access and Egress provision on the entry road to the site.

Follow procedures for High Pressure Water Jetting vacuum (HPWJ) as listed below:

  • Ensure adequate supply of water, layout hoses and visually check for damage and leaks.
  • Assemble HPWJ equipment and check joints.
  • Ensure HPWJ filters are clean and sound.
  • Visually check that correct size and type of nozzle is fitted for this HPWJ application.
  • Increase pressure on HPWJ slowly until operating conditions are reached.
  • Recheck all hoses and joints for leaks.
  • Rectify all leaks ensuring that the HPWJ unit is shut down and line pressure released before making adjustments.
  • Lift Manhole covers (Using manhole lifting handles / keys) in accordance with manual handling requirements and ventilate for 15 minutes.
  • Lower gas monitor into manhole chamber to the invert and leave for 5 minutes. If no alarm is sounded work may proceed. If gas monitor indicates hazardous gases no work shall proceed. Stop work and contact line manager.
  • The gas monitor will be used to provide constant monitoring of the working environment. One operative shall be the designated top man, who will control the equipment on the surface and report to the team leader. All confined spaces shall be identified and safety method statements / procedures for work in and around confined spaces shall be followed at all times.
  • The top man will regularly check HPWJ unit operating conditions (oil and water pressure, pipe work hoses and signing and guarding. The operative shall ensure that any line pressure or vacuum is released on shutdown and completion.
  • The downstream outlet on any chamber shall be covered with the vacuum hose. The vacuum unit shall remove all water, debris and or silt and remove from site to dispose of at a licensed tip.
  • On completion of the 'jet/vac' works, all manhole covers replaced and sealed if necessary. Care will be taken to seat the covers so that no trips are created. The HPWJ equipment will be stripped down, cleaned if necessary and packed away in a neat and tidy manner.
  • The site will be cleaned of all signs, lights and guards and debris to the customer's satisfaction.
  • All bagged debris will be removed from site and disposed of to an approved waste transfer station in accordance with local and national environmental legislation.
  • All safety equipment will be cleaned, checked and carefully stored away.
  • The team leader shall ensure that the customer has signed all necessary paperwork (Satisfaction Notes, Work Instructions Sheets etc)

In the event of high pressurised water jetting causing injury:

  • The importance of the injury and the potential severity must be recognised immediately.
  • First aid measures should include controlling any bleeding by the application of pressure over the bleeding site and elevation of the injured limb where possible.
  • Arrangements should then be made for the immediate transfer of the patient to a hospital medical facility.
  • It is recommended that the hospital Accident and Emergency Department be contacted by telephone whilst the patient is in transit with the following details:
    • Time of the injury.
    • Details relating high pressure water jetting activities.
    • The nature of the material in the jet.

To reiterate to hospital Accident and Emergency staff that although the initial injury may appear to be minor, the potential for serious complications arising exists and these patients require referral to the duty Orthopedic team for assessment.