Fatal jet hose explosion prompts £800k fine and safety warning

A utility contractor has been fined £800,000 after a drainage engineer was fatally injured when a high-pressure jet hose exploded during priming, striking him in the face. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the incident demonstrates the life-critical importance of safe systems of work, proper equipment maintenance and competent supervision in all high-pressure jetting operations, including hydro-demolition and concrete cleaning.

The incident occurred in December 2022 while the worker was filling the jetting system with water in freezing conditions, with temperatures around –4°C. An ice blockage is believed to have caused a pressure release that sent the hose whipping upward. The 51-year-old was placed in an induced coma and died 17 days later.

An HSE investigation found that the company, Lanes Group Limited, had:

• no safe system of work detailing how priming should be carried out safely
• failed to maintain jetting vehicles in an efficient state, with other units found to have defective vices
• not provided workers with sufficient training, information, or supervision

During the investigation, the Water Jetting Association (WJA) issued a safety alert reminding operators of the need to restrain or anchor the ends of hoses during priming, and to take additional precautions when operating in freezing conditions. The WJA guidance stresses that the end of a hose should always be mechanically secured, for example using the vice provided on the vehicle, and never left unsupported.

HSE inspector Marcus Pope said: “This absolutely tragic incident demonstrates the need for companies to ensure there are suitable safe systems of work for non-routine operations such as cold-weather jetting. The input from the Water Jetting Association should reinforce the importance of restraining hose ends when priming systems.”

Lanes Group Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was ordered to pay £8,680 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge in addition to the £800,000 fine.

For information on safe high-pressure jetting practices and training, visit the Water Jetting Association website: waterjetting.org.uk.

Caption:
HSE and the Water Jetting Association have reiterated the importance of mechanically securing jet hoses, particularly during cold-weather operations.