High-pressure water jetting is a vital operational skill across the utilities, drainage, and construction sectors. Whether clearing blockages, cleaning pipework, or preparing surfaces with ultra-high-pressure equipment, jetting plays a key role in maintaining infrastructure. But when systems, equipment or training fail, the consequences can be significant.
A recent UK incident highlighted this clearly. The HSE found that major failings in safe systems, supervision, and certification led to a fatality. For organisations using jetting equipment, the message is clear: water jetting safety training is not optional.
Safe Systems and Formal Training
Working responsibly with high-pressure jetting equipment isn’t just about skill – it’s about structured competence and safety assurance. Recent enforcement revealed failures including:
- Absence of documented safe systems of work
- Poor equipment maintenance and checks
- Weak supervision of jetting tasks
- Training that didn’t reflect real-world hazards
In response, the Water Jetting Association (WJA) issued an alert emphasising the importance of securing jetting hoses and managing pressure surges, particularly under cold conditions when risk rises markedly.
Water jetting therefore requires more than familiarity – it demands up-to-date certification, site-specific controls and continual review.
Our Water Jetting Programme: Practical, Accredited, Site-Ready
At McCrae Training, we deliver the complete suite of WJA-approved water jetting courses. These programmes combine theory, demonstration and practical assessment to ensure delegates don’t just know what to do – they can do it safely and effectively on site.
Our 2-day Water Jetting course covers the mandatory Safety Awareness course combined with another module. The Safety Awareness course covers all main areas of water jetting operations and safety, while the module covers theory, practical application, and the use of equipment and guns based on the module.
The Safety Awareness course must be completed in conjunction with another one day Water Jetting module to obtain an operational card. Water Jetting modules include the following:
- Surface Prep (SP): Designed for candidates who carry out or will be carrying out surface preparation operations using high pressure (HP) and ultra-high pressure (UHP) water jetting units.
- Drain, Sewer & Gun (DSG): A full day of operations training using jetting guns up to 275 bar, covering both drains and sewer cleaning tasks.
- Tube & Pipe Cleaning (TP): A practical module aimed at those performing tube and pipe cleaning with HP/UHP jetting equipment, including hose and equipment controls and safety checks.
We also run a standalone one-day WJA accredited Safety Awareness course. Upon completion of the Safety Awareness course alone – candidates will be registered with the WJA, and issued a non-operational card.
Each course is delivered by industry-experienced trainers at our East Kilbride centre (or at suitably equipped external sites if required). Delegates are observed using real equipment, undergo digital assessment via Clickapad, and receive full WJA registration valid for three years.
Why Investing in Accredited Water Jetting Training Matters
Certification is more than a card – it’s a symbol of competence, safety awareness and operational readiness. By delivering the full jetting training suite, McCrae offers:
- A complete pathway from safety awareness to operational proficiency in drains, sewers, pipes and tubes.
- Preservation of safety culture and legal compliance across your workforce.
- A reduction of risk through training that mirrors the operational environment (equipment checks, cold-weather hazards, pressure monitoring).
- A trusted partner backed by accreditation and a track record in utilities sector training.
Is Your Team Fully Prepared?
If your operations involve any of the following, now is the time to review your training status:
- Jetting for drains, sewers, pipes or tubes using HP/UHP equipment
- Network cleaning, commissioning or maintenance tasks requiring jetting certification
- Upcoming audits, supply-chain requirements or site-access controls
- Cold-weather operations or heightening on-site pressure risks
At McCrae Training we can schedule safety-awareness training, operational modules and refresher courses – all designed to ensure your team is competent, certified and ready for work.
Safe operations, trained workforce, compliant business.
Visit our water jetting training page or contact us directly to book your next course and guarantee your team is ready for the job.
Or you can fill our a contact form and a member of our team will be int ouch to help with your enquiry.