Aussie Pumps alerts industry to new plumbing standard

According to Australian Pump, there is a new set of standards in place that will affect the plumbing industry.

The AS/NZS 4322.1 is designed to protect users of high-pressure cleaning and jetting equipment. It breaks machines into two classes, with pressure cleaners and drain cleaning jetters that have capacities of up to 5600 bar L/min in the class A category and bigger machines (everything over 5600 bar L/min) classed in the B category.

The standard indicates that operators of A class machines should be trained in how to use them safely. This category includes jetters operating at 4000 psi with 15, 16 or even 18 L/min flow.

However, 90% of all drain cleaning high-pressure machines will now come under the B class codification. B class machines have more stringent safety requirements. Operators of class B machines must be certified, and they require recertification every two years. Foot valves to control the pressure to the sewer hose are mandated for use with B class machines, while the use of ‘safe operator’ PPE clothing is also required. 

Currently, certified B class machines training programs are designed around ultrahigh-pressure blasting or drain cleaning equipment. Ultrahigh-pressure equipment, by industry definition, includes machines over 10,000 psi. They may also be as high as 50,000, 60,000 or even 100,000 psi.

“We applaud the new standards and the upgrade to safety in the industry,” said Aussie Pumps Chief Engineer John Hales.

“We believe the current certified courses for class B are not tailored to the specific needs of plumbers or their machines. We are working on a jetter training program to inform plumbers on how to use their machines safely to supplement the certified courses.”

The B class safety training module from Aussie Pumps will not be a certified course under the terms of the Australian Standards. However, it will educate plumbers on operating their drain cleaning jetter safely.

Plumbers in Australia, South-East Asia and other parts of the world are successfully using 4000 and 5000 psi pressure cleaners for everyday drain cleaning jobs. Jetters use pressure instead of flow to unblock sewage and stormwater drains. They can chop through tree roots, dislodge rags and plastic bottles.

Aussie Pumps provides detailed manuals on the safe operation of jetters. It affixes safety stickers to the machines and provides movies to show operators how to safely use the equipment.

Upgrade packs will soon be available to enable operators with existing equipment to comply with the standard.

Image courtesy of Aussie Pumps.