Just an open question, feel free to comment. Scenario Power washing a wooden cooling tower using a diesel generator. Operatives fully trained. Now the question. Any significant risk? It's that simple. It's not a trick question. Gary

R.A made no mention of the the task above. On enquiry, the reason given was it was core skill.Their risk perception must be different to mine as the POW and S.A couldn't see any significant risk with the operation.

Thank Phil. That's what happened, we challenged and in discussions that followed they still couldn't see any significant risk even when oil was leaking onto the exhaust and smoking, no risk of fire? with no R.A no fire extinguisher was made available. Bigmac

Not to mention that power/jet washing cooling towers is to be avoided (check L8) where possible for reasons of generating aerosol including potential biofilm from within the tower. Extra control measures such as RPE, tenting off, closing nearby windows/air intakes all recommended in such circumstances.

My immediate knee jerk would be one of making legionellosis bacteria present inside the cooling tower airborne - so I'm with Xavier on this one. But then there would be other considerations pertaining to confined space, any wood mites or microscopic creatures, pressure of the water jet, number of operatives, personal protective equipment including breathing apparatus (legionellosis and microscopic organisms), wellington boots and waterproof coveralls. Diesel generator, presumably being used outside? If inside you need to look at ventilation issues. How are you storing diesel, is it bunded? What about the pipework, is that protected to prevent leaks and accidental spillages and do you have spill containment to hand. It could be that you are simply washing the outside of the tower in which case most of the above will not apply but you need to come up with a method statement and risk assessment just to cover yourself on this.

If it may blast the paint off you may want to consider the age of the paint (lead?). Not sure what you may do, but worth thinking about a little bit.

The operatives are fully trained? But how good at they doing what they were taught? If you don't know (e.g. job not supervised) then there is a significant risk, e.g. improper use of PPE, horse play etc Is the person who did the risk assessment fully trained? If not then there is a significant risk - he may have not considered work at height precautions, e.g. who can build a mobile tower - he may not have conducted a hand-arm vibration HAVS assessment, what is the max time using the washer before the ELV is exceeded? - he may not have conducted noise measurements so he might not recommend the correct ear protection with appropriate NR - he may have not considered the manual handling issues associated with carrying materials - he may have not considered what fumes can be generated, what RPE may be required - there may be other things he has not considered :0) John