The WJA Approved Surface Cleaning and Preparation Course equips operatives with the essential knowledge and practical skills to safely and effectively carry out surface cleaning and preparation using high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure water jetting equipment across a range of applications.
This course is designed for operatives involved in surface cleaning and preparation using high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure water jetting equipment, who require a clear understanding of safe working practices, correct equipment selection and effective techniques to carry out surface cleaning tasks safely, competently and efficiently.
Yes. Participants must hold a current, valid WJA Safety Awareness Photocard before attending this course. This is required to validate all WJA training and certification, and must remain in date to keep the Surface Cleaning and Preparation Photocard valid.
This course is delivered in two parts, combining classroom-based theory with practical, hands-on training. The theory session covers surface cleaning and preparation principles, safe working practices, equipment selection, operating pressures, nozzles and accessories, and is concluded with a 20-question assessment with a pass mark of 80%. Participants then complete a practical session to demonstrate safe and effective use of high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure water jetting equipment, with successful completion of both elements required to pass the course.
Once the course has been successfully completed, participants will be issued with a WJA Surface Cleaning and Preparation Photocard and granted access to the WJA App, both issued by the Water Jetting Association (WJA). The photocard confirms the holder’s competence in surface cleaning and preparation and is only required once, remaining valid provided a current, valid WJA Safety Awareness Photocard is maintained at all times.
In place of a physical certificate, successful candidates receive digital access to their certification via the WJA App, allowing them to view a digital version of their photo ID card and training record. This digital-first approach reduces the need for paper documentation and supports the WJA’s commitment to a more sustainable, efficient and modern system for managing water jetting credentials.
(included only when presented as a ‘Stand-Alone’ Course)
Nozzles and Jets, Pumps and Ancillaries, Pressure Controls, High Pressure Hose, Hazards and Injuries, Personal Protective Equipment, Operational Procedures.
Scope of surface cleaning and preparation applications. Range of tasks, and differentiation between surface cleaning & surface preparation. Range of Jetting Machines suitable for surface cleaning/preparation.
Review nozzle principles – fixed jet nozzles, rotating nozzles, life & wear characteristics, associated ancillary equipment including automatic, semi-automatic, and wet abrasive blasting.
Hose used in surface cleaning and preparation applications, damage & wear possibilities, hose ancillaries. Review bore size and flow ratings.
Range of jetting machines used, engine controls and instruments. Pump pressure controls, review dump/dry shut and selector/ fail safe types, auto engine speed control systems, pressure safety relief. Water supply/delivery features – filtration requirements, boost feed pumps, built-in anti-freeze provisions.
Information and assessment – site location, access to work area, surface to be cleaned and layout; base material and contaminants – initial condition and require finished condition; water provision, waste disposal, hazards. Selection of equipment and manning levels – jetting machine/nozzles/accessories, number and duties of operators, single person operation. Determine job method, based on safe system of work.
Daily checks – manufacturer’s instructions, other items requiring regular checks. Setting-up – permits/authorisations, barriers and warning signs, positioning of machine and equipment, team duties and signals, flushing, leaks check, trial run. Monitoring of operation – flying debris, waste contamination, work standard. Job completion – client inspection, waste removal, equipment decontamination, return site to safe condition.
Jetting machine and equipment – review features, and demonstrate daily checks, start/run/stop. Job assessment – review and discuss, site location and constraints, accessibility, screening/extraction requirements. Work surface – nature of contamination, work to be carried out and standard of finish. Water supply, effluent drainage. Hazards & use of PPE. Discussion of options and agree job method. Site preparation – setting up work area. Team talk – review job method, signal, set up team(s). Position jetting machine, layout and check equipment. Demonstrate all procedures to full group. For all teams, instruct each operator in each duty. Trainees carry out exercise, each team following instructions to set up, flush, check for leaks, carry out trial run, proceed with operation. Rotate team members through duties. Review at each rotation and final review. Disconnect equipment and clear site.
Review of course content as above, with opportunity for any further discussion before Questionnaire.
