Jetstream Creates Visual Safety System For Waterblasting Equipment
Color-coded safety decals help operators identify various pressure ratings
Virtually all industrial high-pressure waterblasting equipment and components are marked in some way with a pressure rating. However, with the wide range of operating pressures and the often confusing array of connection types—coupled with the high labor turnover resulting in only marginally trained operators—there is an increased risk that control gun operators might connect an insufficiently rated tool to the system. Over time, the pressure rating marked on the unit might become covered in muck or abrasion, or worn beyond legibility. In the event the operator is in a hurry or gets distracted, the pressure rating on the equipment may not even be confirmed before starting the project at hand.
To help contractor customers visually identify the pressure rating of the hand-held control guns used in industrial cleaning and surface preparation applications, Jetstream, a leading manufacturer of industrial high-pressure waterblasting equipment operated at pressures up to 40,000 psi, recently developed a unique safety decal system for waterblasting equipment and components.
"At Jetstream, we're committed to creating a safer, more productive working environment for our customers and the people and facilities around them," said Mike Bullard, parts marketing specialist at Jetstream. "With input from our customers we devised a series of color-coded decals that can be applied to all waterblasting equipment and components—not just control guns."
The new Jetstream visual safety system includes a safety sign and four decals in high-visibility colors to represent the four most common water pressure ratings used in waterblasting. Devices with a 10,000 psi rating are coded yellow, while devices rated for 15,000 psi, 20,000 psi and 40,000 psi are coded green, blue and purple respectively.
"Safety is a high priority at the facilities serviced by our contractor customers. The safety officers and foreman at these facilities want their contractors to comply with good safety practices," Bullard said. "With our visual safety system, the intent is to have the safety sign posted either on the unit or outside the blasting area to identify the pressure rating associated with each decal. Those responsible for ensuring safety can then read the pressure gauge on the waterblast unit, identify the distinct, highly visible color of the decal on the control gun from a safe distance and check the sign to verify that the control gun in use is sufficiently rated for the operating pressure."
According to Bullard, Jetstream's safety decals incorporate both a shape and a color so that they become more recognizable as use of the visual safety system increases.
"We have plans to expand the visual safety system to include special rolls of color-coded tape to mark smaller tools and components, as well as hoses and lances," Bullard said.
In addition to the new visual safety system, Bullard added that operator safety can be further enhanced by participating in operator training, practicing general safety precautions and wearing protective clothing and safety apparel including face shields, safety goggles, hard hats, gloves and boots.
Jetstream is widely recognized for several significant advancements in waterblast control gun design, most notably the introduction of cartridge-style valves for fast, easy field maintenance and hydraulically-biased valving for safer, more positive operator control. The company has manufactured innovative control guns for nearly 30 years and launched production of the versatile DuraSafe™™™™™ series in 1998.
For more information on the visual safety system from Jetstream, call 1-800/231-8192, or visit Jetstream online at www.waterblast.com.
Jetstream of Houston, LLP, a division of Federal Signal Corporation’s (NYSE:FSS) Environmental Solutions Group, manufactures industrial high-pressure waterblasting equipment operated at pressures up to 40,000 psi for a wide range of applications, including industrial cleaning and surface preparation. Product offerings include a complete line of skid- and trailer-mounted pump units, control guns, valves, hoses, replacement parts and nozzles. For more information, visit www.waterblast.com.
Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) is a leader in advancing security and well-being for communities and workplaces around the world. The company designs and manufactures a suite of products and integrated solutions for municipal, governmental, industrial and airport customers. Federal Signal's portfolio of trusted, high-priority products include Bronto aerial devices, Elgin and Ravo street sweepers, Federal Signal safety and security systems, Guzzler industrial vacuums, Jetstream waterblasters and Vactor sewer cleaners and vacuum excavators. Federal Signal was founded in 1901 and is based in Oak Brook, Ill. For more information, visit www.federalsignal.com.