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hot environments, many choose an apron with arm protection, along with helmet, gloves and footwear.
The critical role of PPE in highpressure cleaning of heat exchangers
High-pressure water jet cleaning is a well-established and effective method for maintaining heat exchangers, but it is also associated with some of the most severe risks in industrial maintenance. The combination of extreme pressures, confined spaces and close operator proximity creates a risk profile where serious injury can occur within fractions of a second. In these operations, personal protective equipment( PPE) is not an optional add-on, but a critical part of risk management, legal compliance and responsible operation.
Text & images by TST Sweden
High-pressure water jetting and the specific risk picture High-pressure water jet cleaning removes fouling and deposits without the use of chemicals or abrasives, making it attractive from both an operational and environmental perspective. At the same time, pressurised water jets pose unique hazards that differ fundamentally from many other maintenance activities. Water jets at around 80 bar can penetrate skin, while eye injuries may occur at much lower pressure levels. The risk is further increased by the typical working environment around heat exchangers. Operators often work in confined spaces, close to equipment, in strained positions, and with restricted visibility.
Key hazards in heat exchanger water jet cleaning The most serious hazard in high-pressure water jetting is penetration and injection injury. When a jet breaches the skin, contaminated water can be forced deep into tissue, causing extensive internal damage that may not be immediately visible. These injuries can rapidly become life-threatening if not treated correctly. Additional hazards include flying debris and splashback as fouling, corrosion products and process residues are dislodged. Hose failures, pinhole leaks or defective couplings can release
34 Heat Exchanger World May 2026 www. heat-exchanger-world. com