Standardized training 'a major step forward for industry'
Hydroblasting is a critical support service with applications across a wide variety of industries, but until now, the lack of a widely accepted entry-level credential in North America has created challenges for safety and workforce development.
Utilizing pressures up to 55,000 psi, industrial hydroblasting has the potential to be a high-risk craft. Incidents, near-misses and equipment damage due to improper procedures can lead to major delays and lost productivity for both contractors and facilities, in addition to the human impact of hydroblasting injuries. While many industrial contractors employ world-class safety programs and progressively implement new technologies, the variations in entry-level training represent a continuing challenge for the industry.
To help address this need in the industry, the WaterJet Technology Association- Industrial & Municipal Cleaning Association (WJTA-IMCA) and the Houston Area Safety Council (HASC) have partnered to provide a new entry-level hydroblast operator training and certification program.
The new certification program combines computer-based training (CBT) and verification with instructor-led, hands-on training and verification, all in full compliance with the WJTA-IMCA's recently revised "Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment." Trainees will receive a Basic Hydroblaster certification for completing the CBT and successfully completing the written verification. A Hydroblaster Plus certificate will indicate the additional successful completion of the hands-on training and verification.
"Leading industrial owners expect to be able to verify credentials of contractor personnel working in their facilities, but our industry has lacked a certification rigorous enough -- and with appropriate emphasis on newer robotic hydroblasting techniques -- to have a meaningful impact on the safety of our workers," said Gary Noto, CEO of HydroChem LLC and an officer of the WJTA-IMCA board.
"Facilities and contractors throughout North America and other areas of the world look to WJTA-IMCA for leadership in hydroblasting safety and technology. So to develop a world-class curriculum, HASC immediately looked to WJTA-IMCA as the subject matter expert," added Tommy Nipp, director of training and workforce development, Houston Area Safety Council.
The CBT module will provide background and an introduction to the hydroblasting craft and safety considerations. The hands-on course will include permit/job safety analysis, job setup, operations, and tear down and permit close-out. Hydroblasting operations emphasized in the curriculum include hands-on shotgunning, flex lancing and line moling, as well as automation application of these functions.
The course will initially be offered through HASC's new state-of-the-art training facility as well as the new HASC mobile training trailer. Equipment donations from manufacturers -- including NLB Corp. and StoneAge Inc., among others -- enable hands-on training on both manual waterblasting techniques and newer robotic/automated technology to be conducted on-site at HASC.
"HASC is a recognized leader in craft training, verification and workforce development. Their leadership and outstanding reputation among facility owners are key in being able to implement a successful certification offering for the industrial cleaning sector," said Noto. "The development of a uniform program based on WJTA-IMCA's safety guidelines is a major step forward for the industry in North America, ensuring that asset owners can rely on qualified hydroblasters in their facilities and contractors can access a trained, safety-aware labor pool.
"The new WJTA-IMCA/HASC training program raises the bar for the entire industry in terms of professionalism and rigorous adherence to safe practices."
For more information, visit www.wjta.org, email wjta-imca@wjta.org or call (314) 241-1445.
