6
PI-078
June 2021
18. If equipment malfunctions or a system malfunction is suspected,
immediately stop cleaning activity and relieve the pressure in the system
before attempting any repairs. Always follow the manufacturer’s repair
instructions.
19. Only trained persons should be authorized to perform any mainte-
nance or repair.
20. Following any repairs, the system should be operated at low pressure
for test. Bring equipment up to operating pressure slowly.
21. For shutdown in freezing conditions, even for brief periods, drain
water from all components. Prior to starting operations in freezing
conditions, the operation of all equipment components must be checked
carefully to make sure components are not frozen and can be operated.
22. Store components properly by protecting them from damage when
not in use. Be sure all safety warning tags and markers remain intact.
CONTROL GUNS AND DEVICES
1. Read General Safety
section before connecting or using control guns
or control devices.
2. Thoroughly review alternative methods before initiating any poten-
tially dangerous shotgunning or hand lancing operation. Fully automated,
semi-automated, and/or mechanized methods should all be considered
first. Contact the applicable waterblasting manufacturers for assistance
and recommendations.
As described in the Industry Best Practices for the Use
of High Pressure Waterblasting Equipment published by the Waterjet
Technology Association, the standard shotgun barrel length shall be a
minimum length of 48” to minimize the risk of nozzle discharge
accidentally striking the operator’s feet, legs, or body. See Section
11.10.6. The WJTA has recognized that deviations or variances from
these best practices may be acceptable under certain circumstances.
See Section 2.7. If users believe deviation from this 48” standard is ac-
ceptable, they should follow procedures outlined in Section 2.7 to
minimize risk to the operator. Among other things, users should ensure
that other measures to perform the work have been considered and
exhausted, senior safety management and customers have considered
and approved the deviation, operators have been properly trained and
warned about any increased risk associated with the deviation, and
operators are wearing all appropriate PPE, including body armor rated
