Posted By Robert Woods David, Would it not be possible to use radio's to communicate between the workers. I know this presents some problems if operatives are in sewers [Intrinsic safety etc]. Robert Woods.

Posted By David Brede Thanks Robert and Ashley for your response. This is essentially a Plan B situation as normally the operatives use hand held remote controls for specialised custom made pumping machines. So the situation is when they are using hired in plant and a radio solution (though with head sets potentially ideal for a noisy environment) is not immediately available.

Posted By STEVE Hi David I have just read the other respondants views and thought I would give my views to see if I could help you. 1=You dont tell us what sort of pressures you are Jetting at 2=Why are people Jetting when the communication plays one of the biggest parts in this area of work. What Judas is saying is quite correct to a degree The noise generated from a H/P Jetting Unit makes it quite impossible for head-phones also these give little protection against the noise. If they are using H/Pressures then also what Judas tells you is quite correct both hands need to be on the gun. All guns either have a safety trigger on them or a dump to ground if they are using big Jetting Machines. The dump to ground means that when the jet is not going out of thee nozzle and the trigger is realised then the water comes out of the dump valve but not under pressure. Where Judas tells you that the Jetter does not need to be in touch with the machine operative is where he is wrong The jetter needs to be constantly watched as whilst he has control of the gun he has no control of the bagging(hoses) should they blow near him and at high pressures this is very dangerous. Why cant they use a third man just for communication if the machine is so far away? Why if the Machine operative needs to get the attention of the Jetter cant he wait until the PSI gauge is reading zero then turn off the machine and enter the place of work. Never-ever should the Machine operative turn the machine off whist it is under pressure as this will cause the Jetter to lose his balance. Visa-versa why if the Jetter needs to gain the attention of the Machine OP cant he just let go of the trigger of the gun as previously staed this then dumps the water to the ground without pressure. Hand signals dead easy,why complicate: Thumb up= More pressure Thumb down= Lower pressure Shut machine down= Both hands crossed at chest height then pushed outwards I cannot see any reason for other signals. I have a concern when you say person was hit with water and material which he was jetting and then the conclusions is that there was poor communication Have the Jetters been on any courses,are they aware that to prevent splash-back whist Jetting the angle of the jet of water is all important I could go on and on but if you need any further help please feel free to e-mail me or ask me on this web-site. Steve (SafetyTrainer/TeamLeader for H/Pressure Jetting Team) are