Why hydrodemolition is a high-risk process
A high-pressure water jet operates at pressures from 50 to 3,000 bar. Direct contact of the human body with such a jet causes immediate and severe injuries — the most dangerous is fluid injection into tissue, where water under extreme pressure penetrates through the skin into deep layers, often with minimal visible external damage. It can cause nerve, tendon and bone damage up to limb loss. WJTA (Water Jet Technology Association) strongly recommends medical evaluation immediately after any water-jet strike, even if the surface wound appears minor. Other risks include hose bursts under pressure, flying couplings and nozzles, jet reflection off irregular surfaces, very high noise levels above 100 dB, slip-and-fall hazards on wet surfaces, flying concrete fragments and working at height or in confined spaces.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
The full PPE set includes: puncture-resistant protective coveralls rated for high pressure (recommended class EN ISO 13688 Type 3), eye protection or full-face shield against water jets with side protection (EN 166), robust rubber gloves with anti-slip coating, safety boots with steel toe cap and anti-slip sole (EN ISO 20345), hearing protection earmuffs or plugs (>SNR 25 dB) and optionally a dust respirator mask for concrete particulates. Personnel not directly operating the jet need at least protective eyewear and hard hat.
Preparing a safe work zone
Before work begins a safety zone is established with minimum 10-metre radius around the work area. This zone is marked with warning tape, cones or solid barriers. All non-essential personnel must be removed from the area. The ground inside the work zone is covered with anti-slip grating or drainage plates for water removal. Adjacent structures and equipment are covered with high-pressure resistant protective tarps. Electrical installations within range must be isolated or disconnected. A first aid kit must be prepared and a properly charged mobile phone or two-way radio available for emergency communication.
Operator qualification and training
High-pressure pump operators must complete specialised training including theoretical modules (hydraulic system physics, water jet properties, risks and prevention) and practical modules (nozzle operation, pressure regulation, emergency shutdown). Each worker should have a valid medical examination for working at heights and with pressure equipment. Regular refresher courses every 2–3 years are recommended by manufacturers and standards. Clients should always verify supplier qualifications before commencing collaboration.
Emergency procedures
Every hydrodemolition operation must have a documented crisis plan: immediate pump shutdown and water supply isolation, first aid administration for injuries (fluid injection = surgical emergency), evacuation and first aid for casualties, calling emergency services (112) with precise location and incident description, securing the damaged equipment before manipulation, incident documentation (photos, witnesses, timestamps) for root-cause analysis and preventive measures. Emergency equipment must always be easily accessible and all persons on site know its location.
Legal framework and standards
We operate in compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, EU directives on personal protective equipment (PPE Directive 89/656/EEC), machinery safety standards and local building codes. For hydrodemolition we follow WJTA guidelines and manufacturer safety manuals. Documentation of all training, inspections and checks is mandatory and must be retained for the duration of the contract plus 3 years.