Waterjet cutting is a highly precise and efficient method. It’s used in various industries for cutting a wide range of materials. With its ability to cut through even the toughest materials with ease, professionals often opt for waterjet cutting tools as their go-to industrial cutting technology.
But is waterjet cutting dangerous to operators? Given the power and speed of waterjet cutting, an inherent risk to those operating the machines does exist.
However, many factors define the risks associated with waterjet cutting technology, as well as the methods to mitigate them. That said, let’s delve into the topic of waterjet cutting safety and explore the environmental benefits of this cutting method.
Is Waterjet Cutting Dangerous?
As with any industrial cutting tool, the safety of waterjet cutting depends on how it’s used. So, what is waterjet cutting exactly? It’s a cutting process that uses an extremely thin beam of water, often thinner than human hair, to pierce through materials.
Understanding this process is the first step to figuring out the potential risks associated with operating such a machine. Waterjet cutting is a cutting process that utilizes an extremely thin beam of water, often thinner than human hair, to pierce through materials.
While waterjet cutting machines can cut through materials with thicknesses of more than 12 inches, this power also poses a potential health hazard for operators in the work area. So, if you want to eliminate the possibility of injuries, you must follow proper safety protocols.
You must be wondering, can waterjet kill you? In general, waterjet cutting machines are safe to operate and do not fall under the category of high-risk operations.
Given the nature of their operation, though, there’s always going to be potential for mishaps, mainly due to technical gear failure or human error. The type of waterjet cutter also plays a role, as abrasive waterjet cutters come with a bigger risk than pure ones.
Health Hazards of Waterjet Cutting Technology
Waterjet injuries can be severe and life-threatening if not handled properly. The cutting edge of a waterjet cutter is sharper than a blade. It presents a clear danger even for seasoned professionals. Here’s what you need to know about Injuries associated with waterjet cutting:
Ear or Eye Damage
Waterjet cutters produce a very loud noise that can exceed 100 decibels. Prolonged exposure to this noise can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear pain, which is why operators must wear ear plugs or other hearing protection devices when operating waterjet cutters.
Waterjet cutting can also generate flying debris, dust, and water splashes that can injure the eyes. The high-pressure water stream itself is also a threat if it comes into contact with the eyes. Protective gear, usually in the form of goggles, is once again the solution.
Blast Damage
Waterjet cutting can create a powerful blast effect that can cause injuries to the operator or those in the vicinity if they’re too close to the cutting area. The power of the blast can result in cuts, ranging from minor to severed fingers, or even cause major trauma to the torso. Securing the workpiece and especially the nozzle properly before starting the cutting process is crucial.
Skin Infections
Waterjet cutting can expose the skin to contaminated water, dust, or abrasive particles that can cause skin irritation, inflammation, or infection. The water used for waterjet cutting can contain bacteria, fungi, or chemicals that can harm the skin, which is why operators must wear protective clothing, and we don’t only mean gloves.
Puncture Wounds
Waterjet cutting can create puncture wounds if the high-pressure water stream or the abrasive particles penetrate the skin. Puncture wounds are akin to gunshot wounds, causing bleeding, pain, swelling, and infection on account of the contaminated stream. In order to minimize the risk, you must adhere to safety rules.
Fatal Injuries
Whereas extremely rare, fatal waterjet cutter injuries can happen, mostly as a result of severe blast damage or puncture wounds. Lacerations to these or any other exposed major blood vessels can cause death in a matter of minutes after the injury occurs.
Tips to Ensure Water Jet Cutting Safety
There are safety regulations in place to keep your operators and those traversing near an active waterjet cutter from harm. However, in order to ensure the safety of operators and minimize the risk of injuries, you must follow the proper safety precautions when using waterjet cutting machines. Here are some waterjet-cutting safety tips to keep in mind:
- Wear Protective Gear. Use appropriate protective gear, including waterjet cutting safety pressure equipment, safety goggles, ear protection, and cut-resistant gloves.
- Regular Maintenance and Inspection. Inspect the equipment regularly for leaks or damages, and replace any faulty parts with manufacturer-recommended spares. Follow the proper maintenance protocol to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Purpose-Oriented Use. Use waterjet cutting equipment only for its intended purpose, and avoid using it for any other tasks not recommended by the manufacturer.
- Avoid Unauthorized Modifications: Never make any modifications to the waterjet machine that the manufacturer doesn’t sanction, as it can lead to machine damage and fatal injuries.
- Stay Alert and Monitor the Machine. Always monitor the waterjet machine when it’s in operation, and never leave a running machine unattended
- Waterjet Medical Alert Cards. Carry a Waterjet Medical Alert Card with you at all times to provide important information to medical professionals in case of an injury. You can get one from the WTA (Waterjet Technology Association).
- Avoid Operating Under the Influence. Never operate a waterjet cutter or any heavy industrial equipment while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention. In case of an injury, even if it appears minor, seek immediate medical attention from a qualified physician to prevent complications.
Waterjet Injuries vs. Other Cutting Injuries
Waterjet injuries are different from traditional cutting injuries caused by tools like saws or knives. They’re more deep, difficult to detect, prone to infection, and complicated to heal. The water stream can cut through multiple layers of tissue, bone, or organ with ease, creating a small entry wound that may not bleed much but cause extensive internal damage that may not be visible.
The water stream can also carry bacteria, fungi, or chemicals from the water source or the workpiece into the wound, causing inflammation or sepsis. Moreover, the water stream can create irregular or jagged edges in the wound that may not align well or damage the blood vessels or nerves that are essential for healing.
Waterjet Injury Protocol: What Should You Do if Injured?
If you or a coworker are on the receiving end of a waterjet cutter injury, make sure to follow these steps promptly but without panicking:
- Stop the waterjet cutter and make sure it’s disconnected at the power source.
- Apply first aid protocols, depending on the type of injury.
- Immediately seek medical attention without delay, even if the injury seems small. Either go to an emergency room or call 911.
- Provide medical professionals with precise information about the injury, and make it a point to inform them that a waterjet cutter caused the injury.
Conclusion
All in all, while waterjet cutting has the potential to cause severe injuries if not operated safely, following proper safety protocols and guidelines can significantly mitigate these risks.
In the case of injuries, stick to following protocols and don’t brush off waterjet injuries simply because they look small to you – they can be very serious! So, is waterjet cutting dangerous? The answer is yes, but it is no more of a health hazard than other industrial cutting methods, making waterjet cutting technology safe to operate with proper training.
FAQs
1. How loud is waterjet cutting?
Waterjet cutting produces a very loud noise that can range from 90 to 120 decibels, depending on the water pressure, the nozzle size, and the material being cut. This noise level can be equivalent to the sound of a motorcycle, a chainsaw, or a jet engine.
Waterjet cutting is subject to various legal or workplace regulations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, and local or state laws. These regulations cover aspects such as noise levels, dust emissions, waste disposal, and worker training.