Waterjet cutting uses high pressure water to cut a variety of materials, but can be hazardous. Eye and ear protection should be worn, and proper training is necessary to prevent injury. Exposure to toxic materials and contact with the jet can cause severe damage.
Waterjet cutting is commonly used in the manufacturing world to cut a wide variety of materials. Waterjet cutting involves a stream of high pressure water that can cut anything from ceramics to titanium. Sometimes, the jet is combined with abrasive materials for a cleaner cut, although this isn’t necessary. Waterjet cutting is an excellent tool for cutting materials that cannot be cut with blades and lasers, and when used correctly, it is an excellent addition to your manufacturing process.
There are a number of hazards associated with waterjet cutting, such as most industrial processes designed to cut materials much denser than the human body. Extreme care and proper operator training are required to prevent injury. Waterjet cutting should never be performed by persons who are intoxicated, judged to be undermining their prescription medication, are tired or ill, or under the influence of any other controlled substances.
A common hazard associated with waterjet cutting is eye damage. If the human eye is exposed to a high pressure water jet, it can suffer corneal scratches, retinal detachment or complete dislocation. Damage to the cornea can heal, but retinal detachment or eye displacement can lead to blindness. While it heals quickly, the eye is a delicate organ when subjected to intense forces and it is advisable to wear solid eye protection when using a water jet cutter.
Waterjet cutting is also associated with a high volume of noise, which can damage hearing at sustained levels. Ear protection should always be worn when using a stream of water and the user should try to be aware of the decibel level. Prolonged exposure to high volumes of sound can lead to tinnitus, hearing impairment and eventually deafness. Most damage from noise exposure is cumulative and slow-moving, meaning the user may not be aware of the extent of hearing damage until it’s too late. Regular hearing tests are highly recommended for waterjet cutting operators.
The materials used in waterjet cutting can also pose a hazard to operators, especially if the jet is mixed with abrasives. If operators cut toxic materials, they can be exposed to particles and fragments of the material as the water jet passes through it. Small metal particles can also penetrate the skin, causing discomfort and infection if left untreated. It is important to keep your workspace clean to avoid exposure.
Another serious risk associated with waterjet cutting is severe damage, especially to the extremities, associated with inadvertent contact with the jet. Waterjet cutting is used to cut extremely hard materials and is quite capable of removing a limb from a careless operator. Most commonly, jet exposure causes deep puncture wounds and internal bruising or bleeding. Prompt medical attention should be obtained after any water jet injury, even if there is no external damage.
To avoid injury when waterjet cutting, wear eye and face protection, gloves, ear protection, and warm clothing that protects your body from surface contact with the water jet.
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