Jet News June/July 2021 by Birenbaum & Associates

June/July 2021

Published by the WJTA for the benefit of its members. Phone: (314)241-1445 • Email: wjta@wjta.org • Web: www.wjta.org

On the Inside WJTA Life Membership Awarded to Pat DeBusk and George Savanick..........pg. 2 Registration Opens for the 2021 WJTA Conference & Expo.............pg. 8 Bridging the Gap.............. pg. 10 Toolbox Talk.................... pg. 18 Creating A Safer Workplace With A Few Simple Hose Management Changes...... pg. 22 Medical Alert Card Introduced for Vacuum Operators.......................... pg. 23 Safety Corner – Work Safely in Summer’s Heat................. pg. 24 Industry Best Practices – Waterjet Excerpt............... pg. 26 Industrial Vacuum Equipment Recommended Practices – Getting Started................. pg. 28 Revisions to WJTA Blue Book........................ pg. 30 Transportation Trends in the Waterjetting Industry Part 2................................ pg. 32 OSHA Issues Notice of Informal Hearing to Discuss Updates to Hazard Communication Standard........................... pg. 34 Bridging the Gap: Innovative robotic solution provides productivity for Philippine bridge project. See related article page 10.

Leadership Essentials....... pg. 35

WJTA Life Membership Awarded to Pat DeBusk and George Savanick, Ph.D.

Pat DeBusk

ife Membership is a special class of WJTA member and the association’s highest honor. The only WJTA member currently recognized with Life Membership is David Summers, Ph.D., one of the prime movers in establishing the association. In May 2021, the WJTA Board of Directors moved Pat DeBusk to grant Life Membership to two of the association’s founding members, Pat DeBusk and George Savanick, Ph.D., in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development and growth of the WJTA. “Pat and George have both made exceptional contributions to the WJTA and to the industry as a whole,” says association President Bill McClister. “Recognition as Life Members pales in comparison to their efforts, but we are pleased to offer this small token of recognition to two of the industry’s true pioneers.”

George Savanick, Ph.D.

Pat DeBusk has served multiple terms on the WJTA Board of Directors since the association’s founding and was instrumental in developing early waterjetting guidelines in the 1980s that would become the WJTA’s Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment.

Mr. DeBusk has been in the waterjet cleaning industry since joining Hydro Services in 1964. At the time, very few companies were experimenting with waterjetting applications. Pat and the team at Hydro Services had to design and fabricate tooling and components from scratch, pioneering many innovations that would become the foundation of the industrial waterblasting business. Mr. DeBusk has previously been recognized by WJTA with the Distinguished Pioneer Award, the association’s highest honor. continued on page 4

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Life Membership Awarded to Pat DeBusk and George Savanick, Ph.D., from page 2 George Savanick, Ph.D. George Savanick is a founding member of the WJTA and has served as a member of the association’s Board of Directors since 1981. He has held the offices of president and treasurer, has edited the Jet News, and has chaired the WJTA Safety Committee. Notably, Dr. Savanick served as WJTA president for 27 years. Dr. Savanick was the chief researcher in hydraulic mining at the U.S. Bureau of Mines. He instituted research at the U.S. Bureau of Mines on the mining applications of abrasive waterjets. This work included a study of

the thermodynamics of the entrainment of abrasives, a collimation of the abrasive stream in the mixing tube, the distribution of abrasives in the jet, the velocity of the abrasive particles, and the energy of abrasive impact onto the target. He also integrated abrasive jets into mining machinery. Dr. Savanick has previously been recognized by WJTA with the Safety Award, the Service Award, and the Distinguished Pioneer Award – the association’s highest honor. ■

Contact WJTA 906 Olive Street, Suite 1200, St. Louis, MO 63101-1448 Phone: (314) 241-1445 • Fax: (314) 241-1449 • Email: wjta@wjta.org • Socials: @WJTAIMCA

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June/July 2021

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Registration Opens for the 2021 WJTA Conference & Expo

ttendee registration is open for the 2021 WJTA Conference & Expo! The 2021 Conference & Expo returns to New Orleans with the popular daylong Waterjet Technology Basics & Beyond pre-conference short course on Tuesday, October 26, and the Conference & Expo on Wednesday, October 27, and Thursday, October 28. The Conference & Expo program includes expanded educational opportunities, technical paper presentations, onsite training, live demonstrations, additional networking opportunities and exhibits. Most importantly, WJTA 2021 offers the opportunity to reconnect after the last year of cancelations and closures. Learn more and register online at www.wjtaexpo.com or contact the WJTA office by phone: 314-241-1445 or email: wjta@wjta.org. ■

Jet News is published by the WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA) and is a benefit of membership in the Association. ©2021 Jet News. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form forbidden without express written permission.

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Bridging the Gap Innovative Robotic Solution Provides Productivity for Philippine Bridge Project

Passion for Problem Solving

o matter the project – from a simple structure to a massive, multi-milliondollar bridge system – efficient construction requires thorough planning. But, even with flawless logistics, projects can run into challenges that put deadlines in jeopardy.

In the early 1990s, Asia Waterjet Equipment’s founders were part of the brave crews tasked with containing oil wells in Kuwait that were destroyed during the Persian Gulf War. Their experience helped avert a huge environmental crisis. They remained in the Middle East, eventually founding Asia Waterjet Equipment in 2006, bringing high-pressure waterjetting and robotic hydrodemolition to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Construction is currently underway in the Philippines on a massive bridge system connecting Cebu City with Cordova on the southern When a bad batch of concrete threatened to derail end of Mactan Island. The progress on a major bridge project in the Philippines, 8.5-kilometer (5.3-mile) Cebu- Asia Waterjet Equipment turned to Aquajet for a creative solution that could quickly remove the poor-quality Cordova Link Expressway, concrete without damaging the rebar or putting the Now, with offices in Dubai, slated for completion in 2021, project behind schedule. Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, will span the Mactan Channel Bahrain and Singapore and with 51-meter (167-feet) a strong presence and partnerships throughout these navigational clearance for shipping vessels. It promises territories, the company is known for creative problem to ease congestion between Cebu and Mactan and boost solving – delivering innovative cutting and cleaning economic activities throughout the region by providing solutions for hazardous areas or difficult to pump products additional access to the island and the Mactan-Cebu in petrochemical, wastewater, mining, construction and International Airport for an estimated 50,000 vehicles a other industries. They also offer a range of robotic solutions day. to help customers protect employees and perform beyond expectations. As expected, the construction – one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country – relies on a carefully “Our focus has always been providing the cutting-edge choreographed plan of simultaneous operations to meet strict deadlines. Expert logistics allow crews to avoid many tools to make challenging applications safer and more efficient,” said Chris Parkhill, Asia Waterjet Equipment hurdles; however, unforeseen challenges can still arise. sales director for Southeast Asia. “From the very beginning, When a bad batch of concrete threatened to derail progress on one of the bridge’s first pylons, project managers needed we’ve been involved in some of the most hazardous operations out there. We understand the demands and a creative solution that could quickly remove the poordangers, which is why we partner with industry-leading quality concrete without damaging the rebar or putting the equipment manufacturers for robust solutions that project behind schedule. Hydrodemolition was the only maximize safety and productivity.” process with the precision and productivity to keep the project on track. Pairing the right tools with experienced team members who bring a wealth of industry knowledge and a deep Cebu Link Joint Venture (CLJV) contacted Singaporeunderstanding of local markets to each project has earned based hydrodemolition expert Asia Waterjet Equipment. Asia Waterjet Equipment a reputation for high-quality Access and site conditions presented quite a challenge, but results. In emerging markets, such as the Philippines, where with decades of experience in some of the most hazardous the demands of multi-million-dollar projects have become a applications, Asia Waterjet Equipment was more than up proving ground for newer, more efficient technologies, this to the task. With the clock ticking and monsoon season in expertise puts the company at the forefront. full swing, the team arrived onsite with an Aquajet Aqua Cutter 710V Hydrodemolition Robot and Jetstream HP Waterjetting Pump. continued on page 12 Page 10

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June/July 2021

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Bridging the Gap from page 10 “From North Africa to Southeast Asia, we cover a lot of ground,” Parkhill said. “But being able to meet the contractor where they are is key to a successful solution. Working with CLJV, there were a number of challenges we had to overcome to keep the project on track. Hydrodemolition was the best solution and Aquajet was the best tool for the job.” Troubled Water Access was the primary problem. CLJV was conducting construction on several bridge pylons simultaneously. To minimize disruptions to the local community, the project’s primary staging area, as well as the initial pylon, were only accessible from the coast. This meant the concrete had to be mixed 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) down the coast then transported by barge to the jobsite. From there, the barge was grounded, and the trucks disembarked directly onto the beach. The pylon was 30 meters (98 feet) inland. Overall, the transportation delay had no negative impacts on the concrete, and the 16-by-14-meter (52.5-by45.9-foot) pylon quickly grew to 4 meters (13 feet) tall.

To protect rebar and the existing good concrete, Asia Waterjet Equipment knew hydrodemolition was the only solution. The non-intrusive method uses high-pressure waterjets as powerful as 40,000 psi manipulated by an automated robot to remove layers of deteriorated and damaged concrete.

However, a complication with a single delivery threatened to throw the entire project behind schedule and over budget. continued on page 14

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Bridging the Gap from page 12 “When you are working with concrete, sometimes things don’t go to plan,” Parkhill said. “It’s a delicate equation, after all, and even a slight miscalculation can ruin the mixture. Unfortunately, when that happens, there isn’t an easy fix.” Crews knew there was a problem immediately. The concrete was already setting as they pumped. Vibrating and other correctional methods failed, and the pour was ultimately unsuccessful. Even worse, the concrete fell 350 millimeters (13.8 inches) short, leaving a mesh of exposed rebar. For CLJV and Asia Waterjet Equipment, the challenges were adding up, making for a very difficult repair. The pylon was nearly complete. While CLJV had budgeted time and money for small complications, it could not afford to demolish the whole pylon and start over. Crews with handheld breakers or excavators could remove the poor-quality concrete, but only by destroying the rebar. They would have to cut the exposed rebar at the top of the pylon to access the concrete a foot below. More rebar would be damaged as the poor-quality concrete

was removed, and microfractures from the vibration of jackhammers or excavators would weaken the remaining concrete, jeopardizing the pylon’s integrity. “There was no option; the rebar and existing good concrete had to be protected,” Parkhill said. “If CLJV went with traditional demolition methods, they’d have to open, pry apart where possible or cut the rebar and manually jackhammer out the bad concrete. There’s no guarantee a man using a jackhammer could gauge what’s good and what’s bad, so they’d end up removing extra. Then they’d have to bend the rebar back into place without breaking it, or weld or cut new threads and join with it threaded couplers. It would add weeks to the project and a significant cost to the budget. They simply couldn’t afford it.” Asia Waterjet Equipment knew hydrodemolition was the only solution. The non-intrusive method uses highpressure waterjets as powerful as 40,000 psi manipulated by an automated robot to remove layers of deteriorated and damaged concrete. The high-pressure water exceeds the strength of the concrete to widen existing pores and microcracks, breaking it apart in a controlled manner. continued on page 16

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June/July 2021

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Bridging the Gap from page 14 Unlike other mechanical methods, hydrodemolition is impact free, eliminating the vibrations that cause microfractures. Additionally, the method meets European Standards EN 1504 and provides a superior bonding surface for new concrete. The Aqua Cutter 710V’s high-pressure waterjet leaves a rough, irregular profile after removing the initial layer of concrete that results in a better bonding strength. The robot also cleans and descales the exposed rebar and removes non-visible contaminants such as dirt, mud, foundation mud, salts, chlorides and sulfates. Building Bridges Productivity was also a concern. With simultaneous construction continuing on several other pylons in the area, crews needed to remove the poor-quality concrete and complete repairs quickly – with minimal labor. With the ability to complete concrete removal tasks up to 25 times faster than a hand lance, the Aqua Cutter provided the necessary solution to keep the project on schedule. Asia Waterjet Equipment brought in Aquajet Special Application Manager Kjell Isaksson to support the operation. “There were a lot of variables and no room for error,” Parkhill said. “To minimize the risk of delays, we decided it would be best to have an Aquajet specialist on site.” Like the cement trucks, the Aqua Cutter and all support equipment, including a high-pressure waterjet power pack with a 4200 series Jetstream pump, had to access the site from the Mactan Channel. Proximity to the water and the frequent, heavy rains of monsoon season made ground conditions difficult. However, since the Aqua Cutter is selfpropelled with tracks, the uneven, muddy terrain presented no problems for Asia Waterjet Equipment. This minimized necessary site preparations and helped accelerate repairs. Crossing the Bridge to Success This mobility was also necessary for tackling the demolition itself. Once lifted the 4 meters (13 feet) onto the pile cap by a crane, the Aqua Cutter was able to easily maneuver over the rebar. The high-pressure pump was setup 7 meters (23 feet) away and connected to the hydrodemolition robot by a high-pressure hose.

of the demolition rather than bring in fresh water. The company continually filled two 20-cubic meter (5,283 gallon) night tanks directly from the Mactan Channel. Fresh water was only used during the last two days of the project to remove salt and other impurities that could impact bonding.

Using the hydrodemolition robot, operating at 1,000 bar (15,000 psi), and two employees, Asia Waterjet Equipment removed 10 cubic meters (13 cubic yards) of poor-quality concrete at a depth of 150-250 millimeters (6-10 inches) in days. “With the Aquajet Aqua Cutter, we increased productivity to a point where construction was back on schedule,” Parkhill said. “Without hydrodemolition, there’s no way CLJV would have been able to do that.” The Future of Hydrodemolition While construction on the bridge system continues, Asia Waterjet Equipment is already on to the next challenge. “Construction in Southeast Asia is changing,” Parkhill said. “Robotic processes like hydrodemolition are proving you can have productivity and safety. With innovative partners like Aquajet, Asia Waterjet Equipment is playing a leading role in facilitating that change.” For more information, visit www.asiawaterjet.com and www.aquajet.se. ■

To help reduce cost and increase production, Asia Waterjet Equipment opted to use seawater for the majority Page 16

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June/July 2021

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AquaSafeSuits.com

Toolbox Talk By Rick Pitman, CSP, CRSO, Senior Vice President Environmental Safety, Health and Transportation, HydroChemPSC

oolbox talks are important because they help improve awareness of the hazards and risks that could lead to workers getting hurt on the job. This is especially true with waterjetting since waterjet injuries almost always have the potential to be severe. Here is an important waterjetting toolbox talk topic. How waterjetting can hurt you and what to do about it – Part 2 High pressure waterjetting applications can range from 5,000 to 55,000 psi. If a component fails, a subsequent burst of water, similar to a ‘water explosion,’ will occur. Although this burst will last a split-second, during that time the resulting force can cause significant damage to skin, organs and tissues. Disabling injuries and even death have resulted from water burst type incidents. Water bursts are similar to a water injection incident, in that the high pressure water stream penetrates into your body and not only cuts into tissue but also fills the inside of your body part, causing swelling and severe infection risk. Where water bursts are different is that they also carry the impact of a blunt force trauma injury with the potential to cause bruising and bleeding over a wider area. A water burst injury will almost always require draining, antibiotics and surgery to repair more than one tissue, muscle or organ. All in all, it is much easier and smarter to follow key safety rules.

3. Utilize burst resistant hose shrouds where hoses are in continuous close proximity to workers. Many pump configurations require an operator to continuously stand near the pump to monitor and adjust settings, placing themselves in close proximity to the high-pressure pump hose running from the block to the manifold. Manual shotgun operators have a high pressure ‘whip’ hose next to their bodies continuously while jetting. Manual rigid lance technicians hold a high-pressure hose in their hands as they ‘walk the dog’ in and out of exchangers. In each of these cases a burst resistant shroud is critical to help diffuse the force in case the hose should fail near the worker. The shroud should be rated and tested by a reputable provider with documentation of successful testing available. 4. Make sure all components are rated for the pressure application. Running a 10k fitting on a 20k application is inviting disaster. However, without an easy method to determine ratings, inexperienced workers may be placing themselves at risk because they just don’t know. Utilizing the WJTA color coding system for pressure ratings is an easy way to make sure everyone knows that the right components are set up for the job.

1. Automate every job you can. Simply put, the farther away you are from high pressure devices the less likely a water burst can cause harm. Automation is the best method for placing distance between you and the risk. 2. Make sure there is a pressure relieving ‘rupture disc’ type device on your system. In case of over pressurization, you want a place where the system can ‘rupture’ first that will not harm your workers. A properly tagged rupture disc, rated for 1.2 times the working pressure, can be a place for a system to safely fail. Ensure a properly rated disc is in place so that the system can fail there if it needs to. Substitute discs such as nickels will not burst at a low enough pressure, which will then cause your hose, connection or tool to become the weakest point in the system. Page 18

Make sure all hoses, tools, and fittings are rated for the pressure you are using. Source: WJTA.

5. Inspect hoses before use to ensure no exposed or broken braids. Hose bursts account for a high number of water burst injuries. Once the outer rubber or poly cover wears off, the exposed braids can quickly rust leaving the hose at a higher likelihood of

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June/July 2021

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Toolbox Talk from page 18 failure. Hoses with broken or compromised braids must be immediately removed from service.

June 2018 - Delaware

6. Consider pressure resistant garments for an extra layer of protection.Pressure resistant garments show much promise in minimizing the force of water bursts. If they don’t inadvertently cause other hazards – they can be very hot in the summer for instance – these type garments are worth researching as part of a water burst protection strategy.

Pump hose burst next to where operator was standing. He was out of work for over six months. Source: WJTA.

Waterjetting is an efficient and cost-effective method for cleaning deposits and fouling on client equipment. By following these key rules and others found in the WJTA Orange Book, you can protect yourself from the highpressure water burst and keep your promise to your loved ones to get home safe. Exposed wire braids rust quickly, which puts high pressure hose at higher risk for burst. Source: WJTA.

7. Finally, make sure your tools, hoses, and pumps are fit for duty. If a part wears out and fails near a worker, then the quick burst of high pressure water can be fatal. The time it takes to use your Stop Work Authority and switch out to good equipment is always worth it.

Next time we’ll cover How waterjetting can hurt you and what to do about it – Part 3. Rick Pitman began his career as a manual waterjet technician in 1995 and has served on the WJTA High Pressure Safety Committee since 2005. In May 2020, Rick was honored to be approved as a WJTA Master Trainer. When away from work, Rick spends his time in Friendswood, Texas, with his wife Angie, three adult children and grandson. ■

WJTA Administration Chairman of the Board Bill Gaff Email: bgaff @vactruckrental.com Phone: (815) 341-3171

Treasurer/Jet News Editor

George A. Savanick, Ph.D. Email: gsavanick@gmail.com Phone: (651) 756-7768

President

Secretary

Vice President

Association Managers

Bill McClister Email: mcclisterbill @gmail.com Phone: (713) 828-9450 Kerry Siggins Email: kerry.siggins @stoneagetools.com Phone: (970) 259-2869

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Gary Noto Email: gary.noto @hydrochempsc.com Phone: (713) 393-5600 Mark S. Birenbaum, Ph.D. LeAnn Hampton Peter Wright

2019-2021 Directors James W. Ashmead Email: james.w.ashmead @usa.dupont.com Phone: (302) 695-1173

Jimmy Peck Email: jpeck @mpwservices.com Phone: (800) 927-8790

Luis Garcia Email: lgarcia @northernsafety.com Phone: (281) 471-3368

Drew Waltenbaugh Email: drew.waltenbaugh @nlbusa.com Phone: (248) 624-5555 Ext. 10167

Bill Krupowicz Email: bkrupowicz @waterblast.com Phone: (832) 590-1347

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June/July 2021

Creating A Safer Workplace With A Few Simple Hose Management Changes

PIR STAR Ltd. has long been a proponent of safety training for its employees and customers who are handling high pressure hose assemblies. SPIR STAR Ltd. is currently ISO 9001:2015 certified and ISO 45001:2018 certified for quality and health and safety, respectively. After 25 years of supplying hose, fittings, valves and quick disconnects to valued customers who require up to 60,000 psi working pressures, SPIR STAR recognizes that certification may be the safety gold standard, but when that is not possible, implementing just a few simple procedures can dramatically increase worker safety. Following are a few suggestions that can be incorporated into even the most basic of equipment maintenance programs. •

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Store hose assemblies correctly: The main thing to be aware of is to keep anything that might contaminate a hose off of and out of the hose. Therefore, storing outside, on the floor, around chemicals etc. is not a good idea if you want to maintain the best integrity of the hose. Similarly, hoses should be cleaned, drained, and coiled after use before they are stored. Follow recommended service life: Is there such a thing, you ask? Well, the answer is yes, and no. Ultimately, there are multiple variables that will affect the life expectancy like how well it is taken care of when not in use, how often it is used, the media flowing through the hose, and the environment in which the hose is being used, to name just a few. But there are general guidelines available, especially regarding high pressure water blasting hoses. The WJTA has done research and made it available regarding the recommended maximum service life of water blasting hose assemblies that can be followed to help prevent leaving them in service until failure.

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Recertify prior use hoses with the manufacturer: The most important thing to remember if this is part of your hose management protocol, is that testing prior used assemblies (recertification) only indicates the condition of the assembly at the time of the test. The manufacturer will generally test the assembly as if it is new and therefore at the recommended test pressure of a new hose. Periodic hose testing can be beneficial but in and of itself is not enough to ensure safety of the hose assembly and generally should not be done any more frequently than once every three months.

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Consider the use of accessories: Abrasion covers for example help protect the hose from excessive wear due to use on rough surfaces, thereby increasing the working life of the hose. Similarly, other accessories are designed to prevent kinking of the hose, reduce stress near the hose end fitting, and protecting the operator or surrounding equipment.

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Use a visual pre-inspection check list: Of all the suggestions, this one is probably the most critical to employ. Many hose failures can be prevented by removing a hose assembly from service that shows signs of damage prior to use. Employees can be trained to identify hose damage such as kinks, damaged end fittings, exposed and damaged support wire and then remove them from service. Many manufacturers like SPIR STAR have documentation that goes with each hose assembly about the proper care and use of high-pressure hose and can even offer staff training if requested. Most hose failure occurs due to external damage that is likely visible and will be noticed through a pre-use inspection of the hose assembly.

For more information, visit www.spirstar.com and www. spirstarvalves.com. ■

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING SPAM Email addresses and other member contact information published in the WJTA Corporate Member Directory are meant to encourage helpful, informative communication between members. The information is not provided to circulate spam or junk mail.

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The WJTA leadership requests that members respect the contact information of fellow members and not use that information for the dissemination of spam or junk email. Membership information is not meant to be circulated beyond the WJTA membership.

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June/July 2021

Medical Alert Card Introduced for Vacuum Operators

ver 250,000 of the WJTA’s water cut medical alert cards have been distributed since the pocket-sized cards were introduced in 2000. WJTA recommends operators of high pressure equipment carry these cards so that in the event of a water injection incident information from the cards can be offered to the healthcare provider on the possible nature of the injury. Even water pressures below 1,000 psi can penetrate the skin, and although a water cut may appear to be a small pinprick, there is the possibility of internal damage and infection risk that must be considered when treating the injury.

The card is based on wording developed by Tommy Hysler, MD, MPH, chief medical officer of the Health and Safety Council (HASC), after researching standing protocols and documented medical case studies. The new cards are available now through the Online Store on the WJTA website or by contacting the WJTA office at wjta@ wjta.org. ■

WJTA is introducing a similar informational card for operators of industrial vacuum equipment. Industrial vacuum equipment can produce powerful suction presenting a potentially serious hazard to operators. If a body part comes in contact with the vacuum hose end under suction, the resulting injury can be severe with internal damage and dangerous pooling of fluid in the extremities. The new card provides information on the possible nature and treatment of such a vacuum incident.

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With a durable outer material called TECHSTEEL™, the Workplace Safety Solutions protects sensitive equipment, machinery and people from water jets, gravel spray and ricochets. The range includes Operator both, Curtain, Wall and Scuffguard. The products can easily be combined to cover larger areas.

Find distributors, videos and more info at tst-sweden.com

June/July 2021

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Safety Corner – Work Safely in Summer’s Heat By Luis Garcia, President, Gulf Coast Region, Northern Safety & Industrial, and a Member of the WJTA Board of Directors

he hot, humid dog days of summer aren’t just hard on man’s best friend. Anyone who works for long stretches in extreme heat, both indoors and out, feels the effects, too. Additionally, if you combine hot weather with other contributing factors like direct sun exposure, limited air movement, physical exertion, and the use of heavy protective clothing and equipment, the risks increase even more. Those over the age of sixty-five also face increased risk. Prolonged, excessive exposure to heat can cause a range of heat-related illnesses, including heat rash, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is the most dangerous of all heat-related illnesses, and requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. Left untreated, heat stroke could lead to a worker’s death.

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If the conditions become extreme, additional precautions should be taken:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that millions of U.S. workers are exposed to heat as part of their work day. It’s wise to use some common sense precautions when the mercury rises to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths.

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Plan for High Temperatures and Humidity

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Regularly monitor the weather forecast and plan ahead Alert workers about the predicted high temperature and heat index for the day and inform them of the precautions that are in place to prevent heat-related illnesses Train supervisors and workers about heat stress, how to prevent it, and how to identify it Increase the number of workers per task to alleviate physical strain Provide adequate amounts of cool drinking water close to the work site Ensure adequate medical services are available Workers not used to the work may be at higher risk

for heat-related illnesses, even if the heat index is low. Acclimatize temporary, new, and returning workers performing strenuous work Take additional precautions for workers wearing heavy or nonbreathable clothing. These workers can experience heat-related illness in temperatures as low as 70ºF Encourage outdoor workers to wear sunscreen and use additional protection (hats, cooling apparel, safety glasses with dark lenses, etc.)

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Actively encourage workers to frequently drink small amounts of water, before they become thirsty Provide your workers with electrolyte replacement drinks or tablets, as these help maintain a normal body temperature and fight off the effects of heat stress Establish and enforce work/rest schedules to control exposure to extreme humidity and high temperatures Adjust work activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day Set up a buddy system so workers can watch for signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses in each other Have supervisors watch for signs of heat-related illnesses in workers

Over-exposure to high heat and humidity poses health risks for your team. With the right precautions, heat-related illnesses can be prevented. If you have any questions about combatting heat stress, give the technical support reps at NSI a call at 800-922.8553, or email techsupport@ northernsafety.com. They’re happy to help! ■

Mark Your Calendar for the 2021 WJTA Conference and Expo October 26-28

www.wjtaexpo.com

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June/July 2021

Industry Best Practices – Waterjet Excerpt

he text below is excerpted from the WJTA’s Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment, Second Edition. Refer to the Industry Best Practices for complete details and related information. 2.0 General 2.1 These Industry Best Practices are designed to describe the basic practices for using high pressure waterjets when cleaning, cutting, or excavating materials. 2.2 These Industry Best Practices do NOT replace the training necessary to safely operate and maintain high pressure waterjet systems; these guidelines, or comparable best practices, should be part of the overall training and qualification program for waterjet equipment operators.

Waterjet Cleaning Operation Showing System Components. The pump can be fixed or mobile and powered by hydraulic, gasoline, diesel, or electric motors.

2.3 Every job and work site has special conditions that must be reviewed by the contractor’s and owner’s representatives before work begins. As part of this process, a set of written procedures is typically needed to accompany a hazard assessment or job safety analysis (JSA). The procedures and JSA can and should be adjusted to account for specific conditions, then communicated to and signed by workers for every job. This Industry Best Practices is intended to serve as a resource for the development of these written procedures. 2.4 Waterjet systems are used over a wide range of operating pressures and flow rates, and can include mixtures of fluids, gases, and solids besides pure water. Regardless of pressure, waterjet systems can be potentially hazardous and cause injury if improperly used. As such, these Industry Best Practices should be referred to whenever waterjets are used.

2.5 When using different systems at different sites, procedures may need to be changed. However, certain steps are recommended for all operations. In these Industry Best Practices, where “shall” is used rather than “should,” the procedure described must be followed to comply with these Industry Best Practices. 2.6 Since the vocabulary often used to describe waterjet equipment and processes varies by industrial application and geographic location, a standardized set of definitions is provided in a glossary at the back of the Orange Book.

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These definitions apply to terms used in these Industry Best Practices and are recommended for general use. 2.7 Deviations or Variances from the practices contained in this document are acceptable only after all other measures have been exhausted, and both senior management and the customer have approved. This approval shall be contingent on using any one or a combination of the following: engineering controls, enhanced PPE, specialized training, and/or a written, detailed job procedure deemed adequate to mitigate any risk that could occur because of the deviation or variance. 2.8 Wherever possible, automated or robotic systems should be considered over the use of manually operated waterjet systems. See the complete section in the Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment. The Industry Best Practices includes information about responsibility, accidents, pre-service and operational checklists and procedures, PPE, training requirements, waterjet team responsibilities, care and maintenance of equipment, automated equipment, permanent cleaning areas, design criteria, and a glossary of definitions and guidelines. Copies of the manual are available for purchase through the WJTA online store at www.wjta.org or by calling (314)241-1445. ■

www.wjta.org

June/July 2021

GRIZZLY SERIES

EASY -KL EE N

Industrial Vacuum Equipment Recommended Practices – Getting Started

he following text is excerpted from the WJTA’s Recommended Practices for the Use of Industrial Vacuum Equipment, Third Edition.

TRAINING All training for qualified operators should be provided by the employer and must cover the following:

Training Requirements

New Edition Coming July 2021

QUALIFIED OPERATORS

A revised third edition of the Recommended Practices for the Use of Industrial Vacuum Equipment is currently in production and is expected to be published in July 2021. The new edition includes several revisions and clarifications and will be published in a full-color format to match the new orange book.

In order to operate a vacuum truck the operator must be properly trained by a qualified individual. Operators must demonstrate the required knowledge and skills needed to properly perform all operations of a vacuum truck. Personnel shall demonstrate knowledge and skill in the proper operation of equipment through practical applications prior to performing any work. Qualified trainers may supervise the training of new operators. Operators should gain supervised experience prior to performing unsupervised work.

Personal Protective Equipment – All required personal protective equipment must be clearly identified to operators. It must be explained when and how to properly use protective clothing or other devices. The minimum required PPE for vacuum operations includes hard hat, safety glasses, appropriate safety toe boots, appropriate gloves and hearing protection. Double hearing protection is required for anyone within 20 feet of an operating air mover, sewer cleaning combo or hydro-excavator or if the noise level exceeds 105 dBa measured at a distance of 20 feet from the unit. Hazard Communication – All hazards and precautions of the required work must be identified. Operators must complete OSHA, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), or other applicable mandated training prior to operating a vacuum truck. Equipment Operation – Training should include proper operation of the truck including any loading and offloading procedures and all component operations. Potential problems and corrective measures should be explained to the operators. Equipment Maintenance – Required and scheduled maintenance schedules/procedures should be thoroughly explained and/ or demonstrated to truck operators. Training should include all maintenance, whether it is to be performed by the operator or a qualified mechanic, including winterization (if required). Operating Pressures/Vacuum – Training should describe all specific operating parameters as identified by the manufacturer required to operate a vacuum truck and any consequences of deviation. continued on page 30

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June/July 2021

Revisions to WJTA Blue Book

n May 2021, the WJTA Board of Directors approved revisions to the WJTA Recommended Practices for the Use of Industrial Vacuum Equipment. The revisions are not as extensive as the recently updated best practices for waterjetting but include several changes. It is recommended that a medical alert card for vacuum suction incidents be carried by operators. In the event of an injury, the suggested wording on the card would offer information to healthcare providers on the potential nature of the injury and treatment considerations. The vacuum tanks meet the OSHA definition of a confined space, necessitating specific entry procedures. A new example of confined space entry procedures is included to provide additional information.

The revised manual has added recommended hand signals for starting and shutting down the vacuum unit, similar to the hand signals recommended for waterjetting operators in the WJTA Orange Book. Additional updates include several revisions to the best practice methods for loading and off-loading flammable and combustible liquids, a brief treatment of automated/ robotic vacuum tools, and several new definitions added to the glossary. The updated Recommended Practices for the Use of Industrial Vacuum Equipment is expected to be published in July 2021. ■

WJTA Asks for Your Incident Reports Submit reports on past or present incidents and near misses anonymously with the quick web form on WJTA’s website at ow.ly/HHdgL or click “Incident Reporting Form” under the “Resources” menu at wjta.org. You can also email reports to wjta@wjta.org. Any potentially identifying information will be removed from the reports prior to

publication in the Jet News and website posting. Workplace safety requires constant vigilance, and even situations that seem basic to industry veterans can provide important instruction for new workers and field personnel. Submissions could include incidents/ near misses from the field, or even

reports from equipment manufacturers, distributors, and rental companies about inappropriate modifications or applications of equipment, creating hazardous situations. For more information on this initiative, contact Peter Wright by phone: (314) 241-1445 or email: wjta@wjta.org.

Industrial Vacuum Equipment Recommended Practices – Getting Started from page 28 Control Devices – Training should cover all control devices located on a vacuum truck. It should be explained how to properly use all control devices and why it is important to keep them in good working order. Hoses – Training should cover all hoses used on vacuum trucks. Operators should perform proper connection of hoses, identify worn and unsafe hoses, and how to properly use tools when working with hoses. Permits/Paperwork – Operators should receive training on all required permits and company specific paperwork for operating and maintaining vacuum trucks, such as, pre-trip inspections, work order forms, etc.

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Refresher Training – All training should be redone/ refreshed on an annual basis, at minimum, or more frequently if required. See the Recommended Practices for the Use of Industrial Vacuum Equipment for complete information. The Vacuum Equipment Recommended Practices includes a section covering hydroexcavation, updates to the pre-job inspection checklist, and additional recommendations and updated information regarding flammables and combustibles and grounding and bonding. Other topics: injury potential, seeking medical attention, damage, explosion, types of trucks, getting started, pre-job preparations, working safely, job completion, loading/off-loading, equipment maintenance, and regulations and certifications. Order online at www.wjta.org or call (314) 241-1445. ■

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June/July 2021

Transportation Trends in the Waterjetting Industry Part 2 By Jonathan Frye, Transportation & Safety Supervisor, MPW Industrial Services

ith 30 years of regulatory experience in transportation compliance, Jonathan Frye is a former chief of transportation compliance for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Morehouse College, a Law degree from Capital University and a Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology from Tiffin University. He has also testified in over 300 administrative hearings related to transportation safety.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently extended the adverse driving conditions exception by up to two hours.

This is the second of a two-part series. Sleeper Berth Provision

HOURS OF SERVICE On June 1, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published the Hours of Service (HOS) final rule that revises the HOS regulations in 49 CFR Part 395, which prescribe driving limits for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The new regulations became effective September 29, 2020, and included four changes:

The sleeper berth provision allows drivers to split their 10-hour off-duty period in different ways (e.g., 7/3, 8/2, 7.5/2.5), provided one off-duty period (whether in or out of the sleeper berth) is at least two hours long, and the other involves at least seven consecutive hours spent in the sleeper berth. The periods must add up to 10 hours, and when used together, neither period counts against the maximum 14-hour driving window.

Short-Haul Exception

FMCSA CLEARINGHOUSE

The short-haul exception maximum allowable workday changed from 12 to 14 hours, and the distance the driver may operate was extended from a 100 air-mile radius to a 150 air-mile radius.

More than 56,000 drug and alcohol violations were recorded last year in a database intended to track truck drivers’ compliance history and prevent them from jobhopping in the event of a failed drug test.

Adverse Driving Conditions Exception

The number of driver violations reported rose by roughly 10,000 over the final two months of 2020, the first full year of operation for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. According to governmental reports, just 1,203 of the total driver violations were alcohol related. Of those, most were for drivers who tested with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater.

The adverse driving conditions exception extended the duty day by up to two hours when adverse driving conditions are encountered. This is in addition to the extra two hours of driving time already allowed. This change applies for both property (14-hour driving window) and passenger (15-hour on-duty limit) motor carriers. 30-Minute Break Requirement The 30-minute break requirement can now be satisfied by an on-duty, not driving break (in addition to an offduty break). The requirement for property-carrying drivers is applicable in situations where a driver has driven for a period of eight hours without at least a 30-minute interruption. Page 32

The leading number of drug test failures – 29,500 – was for marijuana, according to the FMCSA’s report, which summarized violations recorded since Jan. 6, 2020, when the clearinghouse officially went into effect.

www.wjta.org

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June/July 2021

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MAGAZINE

OSHA Issues Notice of Informal Hearing to Discuss Updates to HCS

he U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a notice of an informal hearing on the agency’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The hearing will be held virtually beginning on September 21, 2021. OSHA is proposing to modify the HCS to maintain conformity with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) (revision 7), align certain provisions with Canada and other U.S. agencies, and address issues that have developed since implementation of the 2012 standard. The HCS, first finalized in 1983, provides a standardized approach to workplace hazard communications associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals. The standard was updated in 2012 to align with revision 3 of the GHS to

provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information. OSHA expects the proposed updates to the HCS will increase worker protections and reduce the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries by further improving the information on labels and safety data sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals. The agency has preliminarily determined that the proposed modifications would enhance the effectiveness of the standard by improving dissemination of hazard information so that employees are more appropriately apprised of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. For more information, visit www.osha.gov/hazcom/ rulemaking. ■

Transportation Trends in the Waterjetting Industry Part 2 from page 32 There were more than 7,940 failed tests for cocaine use and 4,953 for amphetamines. Also included in the total were about 1,120 tests described as reasonable suspicion of attempts to cheat on a drug test. During 2020, there were 136,806 full queries on the Clearinghouse, 1.4 million pre-employment queries and 2.7 million limited queries, according to the report. Besides making pre-employment checks, employers are required by regulation to make checks on the database annually to ensure none of their employees have any drug violations. DID YOU KNOW? 1. The pandemic caused the total number of roadside CMV inspections to drop by 21% in FY 2020, to 2.7 million (from 3.4 million in FY 2019).

2. Failing to use a seat belt while operating a CMV was the third-most-cited driver violation during FY 2020 roadside inspections. 3. The most frequently cited acute violation during DOT compliance audits in FY 2020 was “allowing driver to drive with suspended/revoked CDL.” 4. A new Census Bureau analysis tells us the face of trucking is changing. Among drivers under the age of 35, more are women, Hispanic, and have more education than their older counterparts. At the same time, less than 10% of trucking firms are owned by women, though female-owned firms reported higher average revenues. 5. There is enough concrete in the Hoover Dam (4.5 million cubic yards) to build a two-lane road from Seattle to Miami or a four-foot-wide sidewalk around the Earth at the equator. ■

Comments Solicited on Improvements to Waterjet Industry Best Practices and Industrial Vacuum Equipment Recommended Practices Comments are solicited regarding improvements to the WJTA publications, Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment and Recommended Practices for the Use of Industrial Vacuum Equipment. Page 34

While both publications are reviewed periodically at the WJTA conferences and throughout the year, your comments and suggestions for improving the publications are invited and welcome anytime.

www.wjta.org

Please specify which publication you are commenting on. Email your comments and suggestions to wjta@wjta.org.

June/July 2021

Leadership Essentials – Being Transparent By Kerry Siggins, CEO, StoneAge Tools, and Vice President, WJTA Board of Directors

e all know that trust is the key to any successful relationship. There are many ways to build trust but I believe one of the most impactful ways is to be transparent. If you aren’t transparent, it will be much more challenging to create the kind of long-lasting relationships you desire. While transparency is essential in all relationships, it’s the cornerstone of businesses that want to create a culture of happiness, engagement, high performance, and mutual respect. Employees in any organization have a deep desire to know what’s going on and why. They want to give input and be heard. They don’t want to be scared of the future and scared of change. But the only way to reduce fear and motivate them to be their best is to be transparent. What is transparency in business? One business dictionary defines it as a “lack of hidden agendas or conditions, accompanied by the availability of full information required for collaboration, cooperation, and collective decision making.” Simple enough concept to understand, but how do you do it? Here are some ways to be more transparent as a leader, manager, and company: Have a True Open Door Policy It’s easy to say you have an open door but if you don’t have anyone walking into your office to ask hard questions, give you feedback, discuss strategy, or share concerns, your open-door policy isn’t working. It’s difficult for employees to bring up issues, so you must do everything you can to make them feel comfortable doing so. Never get defensive, listen closely, ask questions, take action, follow up, and always say THANK YOU!!!! If your employees aren’t proactively coming to you, invite them in to talk. Ask easy questions at first. Say things like, “I get the feeling that there are a lot of people who aren’t speaking up about some of the issues we have here. I need some insight so I can make things better. Can you tell me what you see?” You will probably get a softened truth as the person feels you out, but this is how you start to build better relationships with your employees. If you handle yourself appropriately, take action, and be consistent, you will begin to see people taking advantage of your open-door policy and your organization becoming more transparent. June/July 2021

Get Out of Your Office Don’t expect everyone to come to your office; take your open-door policy to them. Walk around the facility and talk to employees…even those who report to other managers. Ask questions about their work, the issues they face, what they need to do their jobs better. Give them updates on what’s going on in your department. Share a customer story. Tell them about an issue you are dealing with and ask for their opinions. Even better, ask people to go for a walk. There is something magical about walking meetings and it’s a great way to share and learn information without the pressure of sitting in a cramped office, loud cubicle or cold conference room. Talk (Truthfully) to Your Employees Often At StoneAge, I hold regular Town Hall meetings to encourage questions and give my employees deeper organizational insight. A different department is scheduled each month. Every person within that department submits anonymous questions ahead of time and I answer them candidly during the meeting. Nothing is off-limits. We also hold monthly company meetings where we share all significant issues and wins. If a mistake is made, we publically talk about it. If we aren’t performing, we talk about it. We share financial information, give strategic updates, talk about changes we are going through and initiatives we are planning. We are clear when something is confidential and must be kept that way; we show our employees that we trust them to use good judgment with the information provided. And we always answer questions from the floor. Seek Organizational Feedback There are lots of informal ways to get feedback from across the organization. All managers should be working with their teams to understand what’s going right and what’s going wrong. Whether it be one-on-one or in team meetings, you should always be asking for organizational feedback. I also recommend doing a formal, anonymous survey of employees. We recently did one at StoneAge and it was beneficial. Sure, some of the feedback was painful, but we could put together an action plan that addressed the issues brought up, and our employees were incredibly grateful we asked their opinions. Be Honest About Why People Leave There is nothing that clouds transparency faster than misleading your employees about why someone is leaving the company. I have learned this lesson the hard way. There

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Atlas Industrial Outsourcing, LLC, Honors Fallen Employee George Odom

tlas Industrial Outsourcing recently honored one of their employees by dedicating their newly accredited (NCCER and WJTA) training center in his memory. George Odom, 58, passed away on April 17, 2020, from complications that arose from a car accident. George was one of the first technicians to hire on when Atlas was formed, and he served the George Odom’s memorial photo in company as a Level the training center classroom. 3 Technician for over two years. George was known for his charismatic mood, his dependability and his unique articulation. Atlas was founded on the core values of safety, strong work ethic, professionalism, and honesty. George Odom was the very embodiment of all of those values.

Atlas CEO Brandyn Ulmer and Alyce Lipscomb (George’s wife).

“We hated to have to, but we were glad that we could. We miss George and hope that his memory lives on through our technicians,” said Brandyn Ulmer, Atlas CEO. To see the George Odom story on WALA Fox 10, on your smart phone scan the QR code below:

Atlas was able to enlist the help of the Mobile Mayor’s office, Project THRIVE, and Local News WALA Fox 10 to surprise George’s family not only with a ribbon cutting ceremony, but the presentation of a check to help the family with the funeral expenses.

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et News accepts original industry-related articles. All submissions are subject to editorial review prior to acceptance. Once accepted, articles become the property of Jet News and cannot be reproduced elsewhere without permission. Preparing the Manuscript Articles should be approximately 1,000-1,500 words long and submitted via email as a Word document. Illustrations, photographs, graphics and charts are encouraged to complement the article. All accompanying materials should be labeled to provide appropriate originator credit. Suggested captions are required. Send submissions to wjta@wjta.org, attention: George A. Savanick, Ph.D.

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What to Submit:  Case studies detailing implementation of a new product or technique  Articles about new and innovative applications and equipment  Articles related to total quality management, management trends, marketing, state and federal legislative and regulatory issues, and safety issues  Articles specific to any specialty area  Career and student focused features Jet News also welcomes letters to the editor.

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June/July 2021

In Memoriam – Fabián Van Villanueva

ndustry veteran Fabián Van Villanueva, 56, passed away on March 29, 2021, following a battle with COVID-19. He succumbed to the virus due to Bilateral Covid Pneumonia. Fabián was born on September 18, 1964, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Fabián enjoyed spending time with all his family and friends. He also enjoyed going to the Texans and Astros games, Las Vegas and taking cross country road trips with Rosie and Izzy. His passion was fishing. It was his happy place, where he felt at peace and could relieve any stress, he may have had.

to know, from time zones, shipping information and part numbers. He left huge shoes to fill at work and no doubt, it will take more than one man to replace him. As Fabián would say, not many people had the knowledge he had for waterjetting and high pressure water pumps. He invested time to acquire the knowledge so he could always be better than he was the day before. He competed with himself to always be better. He was preceded in death by his father, Juan Villanueva Jr., brother, Johnny Villanueva III, Grandparents, Juan Villanueva Sr and Francis Villanueva, Uncle John Perez, fatherin-law, Armando Bermudez Sr. and brother-in-law, Joe Anthony Bermudez.

Fabián was a man of many talents and trades. He would often say, “If I stay at a job, it’s because I like it, Fabián Van Villanueva it’s not because that’s all I can do.” His Fabián is survived by his mother, Lucia current employer was APS. He loved his Reyes and Mom, Berta Perez, his loving job. He spoke often of how he would have liked to have wife, Rose, and two daughters, Victoria and Izzabella implemented new changes to the software to make it less Villanueva, granddaughter Mila, brothers, Benny, Joe, complicated. But ultimately, he would always do whatever Robert and Richard Villanueva, sisters, Rachel Jaso and it took to make his customers happy and make sure their Patricia Ochoa, sister-in-laws, Anna Bermudez-Price, Diana parts were shipped to them, all over the world. Fabián was Bermudez-Gallegos, brother-in-laws, Steven Bermudez and so knowledgeable and could tell you any details you needed Armando Bermudez Jr. and numerous nieces and nephews. ■

Leadership Essentials – Being Transparent from page 35 is a fine balance between protecting the privacy of a terminated or quitting employee and telling your employees the truth. Honesty is always the best policy. Assume they will find out the truth anyway. Plus, if you don’t tell the truth, they will make up their own stories about what happened…stories that are most likely far worse than what really went down. It may be hard for some employees to hear the truth but at least they know you are honest and you reduce the chance that they will live in fear of “I am next.” Show Vulnerability The only way to be transparent is to be vulnerable. Humans need to connect on a deeper level to build solid, high-functioning relationships. June/July 2021

It’s hard to connect with someone who you know very little about. I’m not saying you need to disclose your deepest, darkest fears but be willing to share some of yourself and always admit when you don’t have the answer or when you screw up. The better people know you, the more transparent you will be perceived to be.

endeavor as employees who feel like they are in the loop and can voice their opinions are much more likely to be engaged, happy, and productive.

To build a high-performing organization, transparency is essential. It takes time to build trust so take it slow and be authentic. Be honest about your efforts to be more transparent. Ask your employees for feedback and to commit to be more transparent themselves. Be forthright with information, keep your promises, and always tell the truth. It’s a worthy

vision, worldwide sales, and employee ownership culture. Her passion lies in organizational and leadership development, and she enjoys helping StoneAge employees and those in our industry grow both personally and professionally. She is also the WJTA vice president. For more information, contact Kerry Siggins at kerry.siggins@ stoneagetools.com. To read her blog, visit kerrysiggins.com/blog. ■

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Kerry Siggins is the CEO of StoneAge, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high pressure waterblasting and sewer cleaning tools and equipment based in Durango, CO. She has been key in building StoneAge’s strategic

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Meet the Candidates for the WJTA Board of Directors DAVID F. BECKUM SR. graduated from Augusta State University in 1998 and began working with Augusta Industrial Services (AIS). Mr. Beckum started “on the end of the hose” learning the business from the ground up. He became proficient with many of the aspects of working in industrial facilities and municipalities. He then transitioned into the nuclear division of AIS and was subsequently promoted into the AIS safety department where he worked his way up to the safety manager position. Using his field experience and safety knowledge he began sales and project management. In 2003, Mr. Beckum became the operations manager responsible for managing the fleet and field operations. Between 2012 and 2014, he and the two original owners of AIS worked to develop a business succession plan and formed an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Mr. Beckum became vice president and was appointed to the board of directors. Since the formation of the ESOP, he has worked closely with the CFO, director of operations, safety manager and sales manager developing business strategy, the AIS “We Own It!” culture, regional growth, and product development. He is currently in the role of president and CEO and serves on the board of directors with the retiring owners. Mr. Beckum also serves on the Georgia Onsite Wastewater Association (GOWA) board of directors, the WJTA High Pressure Safety Committee, the Government Affairs Committee for the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, and he has previously served as the president of the Augusta Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). In his commitment to safety, Mr. Beckum completed the coursework to become an authorized OSHA outreach trainer and completed courses for the Industrial Safety and Health Certificate Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Through the WJTA and the HASC, he has become a Verified Trainer and AIS has become a Verified Training Site for hydroblasting operators. Mission/Vision: My vision for the WJTA is to continue building on the Verified Training platform. I believe the industry will benefit from the creation of a Verified Training program for the vacuum, sewer cleaning, and hydro-excavation side of the industry. With programs that cover the majority of the industry, I will work to promote the WJTA training programs to smaller independent contractors. Throughout my career leading a small business, I have leaned on the WJTA for training, research, and industry relationships. My mission is to promote my Page 38

experience with the WJTA to other small businesses. It is important for independent contractors from smaller markets to know they can have a seat at the table in an organization that shapes our industry. Nominated by: Nominated by Bernie Jones, Director of Operations, Augusta Industrial Services, Inc. MICHAEL K. BRUMFIELD began his career as a shop mechanic for CH Heist Corp. working on positive displacement pumps in February of 1988, progressing to a crew operator at Mobay, and water‐ blasting tank cars by summer of 1990. From 1990‐1994 he served in the United States Marine Corps as a bulk fuel specialist serving in Operation Desert Storm and Operation “Restore Hope” in Mogadishu, Somalia until “End of Active Service” in 1994. From 1994 to 2004, he held positions that included division manager, operations manager, field supervisor, safety coordinator, and safety manager for CH Heist which was purchased by Veolia. Mr. Brumfield was the accounts manager for three different refineries and petrochemical plants in the Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas, area and Sulphur/Lake Charles, Louisiana, area from 2004 to 2008. In 2008 he achieved the level of regional waterjetting manager covering southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana for United States Industrial Services until going back to Veolia in 2011. Mr. Brumfield maintained the position of regional waterjetting manager for Veolia and United States Environmental Services until 2015. In 2015, Mr. Brumfield joined Peinemann Equipment USA, Inc. as an application and support specialist, and in 2016 assumed the position of manager – U.S. and Canada – until 2019. From 2020 until the present, he serves as an independent contractor for Peinemann Equipment USA for sales and marketing. Mission/Vision: My goal for being a member of the WJTA board of directors is to further education and inspire more conversation to elevate the water blaster from being viewed as an unskilled laborer to a craft that obviously requires a very specific skillset. I want to bring awareness to the many risks at all levels of this field. I also want to bring the modern tools and techniques that are available on the market to the forefront of our industry. Through this membership, I aspire to influence the industry by using my

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June/July 2021

Meet the Candidates for the WJTA Board of Directors from page 38 experience acquired over the last 27 years with automation and robotics to achieve a safer and, eventually, a handsfree industry that reveres the “common” hydro blaster with a higher regard. I feel like it is a very exciting time in the industry as I have seen the progression of very few robotics and little automation when I first started, to where we are now with many “hands free” tools, and the future possibilities with 100% automation. Nominated by: Drew Waltenbaugh, CEO and President, NLB Corporation. JERRY CARTER is vice president of sales and chief commercial officer of SPIR STAR Ltd., Houston, Texas. Mr. Carter has 24 years of experience in high pressure thermoplastic hose development and sales with a strong knowledge of high pressure water blasting applications. In his career with SPIR STAR, he has been involved with many aspects of the high pressure water blasting industry including new product development, providing training in the safe care and use of high pressure hose, as well as consultations regarding high pressure hose with various companies and safety councils. Mr. Carter was a member of the 2011 WJTAIMCA committee established to evaluate and contribute to the color coding of high pressure hose that was later implemented for safe working pressure identification, and more recently he was part of the 2019 WJTA High Pressure Safety Committee. Mission/Vision: As high pressure thermoplastic hose is a key component to the majority of high pressure water blasting applications I believe that my experience and focus on the safety of high pressure hose development and use would be beneficial in furthering an overall safe culture within our industry. I would like to work to further the knowledge and safe practices of those directly involved in the use of high pressure components through training using multiple outlets and collaboration of the primary manufacturers of high pressure components. I would also like to work towards expanding the reach of the WJTA into other industries where the guidelines and practices in place could be used and beneficial. Nominated by: Joe Derzapf, President and CEO, SPIR STAR Ltd.

June/July 2021

BRADLEY COBLE is a hydroblasting specialist with Covestro LLC, Baytown, Texas. Mr. Coble “officially” began his career in 1995 as an entry level technician in Port Arthur, Texas. Over the next 25 years, he developed his career in many aspects of the industry including entry, mid, and senior level management roles. During the time spent in each of those roles, Mr. Coble developed significant skill in the Lean/Six Sigma principles, understanding how to incorporate efficiencies into his industrial cleaning craft and working with various teams to drive out execution defects. He has also served in behavior-based safety roles culminating in a core team position for the launch of The Loss Prevention System (LPS)™, assisting in the training and development of over 2,000 industrial cleaning professionals. Mr. Coble led a team in the transition to a hands-off pressure environment and worked with specialty engineering firms to develop mechanized solutions for difficult high pressure water cleaning activities. Before moving into the hydroblasting specialist role, Mr. Coble spent time on the OEM side of the industry working with asset owners to identify difficult automated and efficiency solutions for their process equipment. In addition to the multiple vantage points Mr. Coble has had in the industrial cleaning arena, he has served in multiple speaking engagements with the WJTA, Houston Business Roundtable (HBR), Industrial Cleaning Association of China (ICAC), and the Contractor Owner Safety Team (COST). Mission/Vision: My mission is to utilize my experience as a contractor, manufacturer, and asset owner to further advance industrial cleaning into the true specialty craft that it is. My vision is to be a part of an organization that is focused on the development of the men and women in the industrial cleaning industry. My goal is to work with like-minded professionals that diligently move the industry to a mechanized or autonomous use of high pressure cleaning equipment in all aspects and facilities for asset owners. I believe that the continued development in personnel bench strength and next level technology is going to be instrumental in the survival of this unique cleaning industry. Nominated by: Mike Taylor, Director of Global Sales – Waterblast Division, StoneAge, Inc.

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Meet the Candidates for the WJTA Board of Directors from page 39 XAVIER CONTRERAS has been with Gardner Denver, Inc., for over 20 years and has more than 15 years of experience in the industrial cleaning business developing, selling and promoting high pressure waterjetting equipment. Over the years, he has designed high pressure waterjetting units to satisfy customer specifications and maximize pump package efficiency for optimal performance. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mr. Contreras has translated his experience into international sales and is one of the best subject matter experts in packaging high pressure systems. Mr. Contreras earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston. Mission/Vision: To leverage the connections I’ve made in Latin America over the past 10 years to build knowledge and awareness of the WJTA, promote standard practices and increase international membership in effort to elevate the level of expertise and safety across our industry around the world. Nominated by: Jose Rubin, Sales Director, Gardner Denver, Inc. DEE GREEN is the vice president of operations at USA DeBusk LLC. After graduating from the University of Houston with a degree in marketing and distribution from the College of Technology, Mr. Green began his career in industrial cleaning in 1992. He and his wife have been married for 18 years and live in Houston, Texas, with their 14-year-old son. Mr. Green has been involved with the WJTA for a couple of decades. After working in the field for a few years, he was promoted to various positions in both operations and sales. In the spring of 1999, Mr. Green and a friend started their own industrial cleaning company called DeBusk Industrial Services Company. They were fortunate enough to start, grow and sell their industrial cleaning companies on multiple occasions. All but two years of his working career have been spent in the industrial cleaning business. Mr. Green has been an owner operator for a large portion of his life.

Mission/Vision: My career spans nearly 30 years in the industrial cleaning industry, and I’ve witnessed the many technology and safety improvements in the utilization of water blasting. One of my desires is to see these improvements continue, particularly with progress in safety applications and automation. I’ve seen the end users become more involved with the WJTA, but I also believe there is some additional room for growth and more interaction. I want to help bridge the gap between end users of high pressure water and the service providers. Ultimately, my hopes would be continued promotion of the use of high pressure water throughout the industry in a safe, constructive and economical manner. Nominated by: Pat DeBusk, Vice President, USA DeBusk, LLC TERRY GROMES JR., Terydon, Inc., has an accomplished career of 13 years in the development of award-winning and nationally acclaimed automated robotic solutions for high-pressure water cleaning. He has acquired advanced machinist and design skills and has assisted in the manufacturing and development of computerized waterjetting products. With an educated background and previous work experience in technology-driven industries, he has been focusing on recent advancements from other technical fields and applying them to enhance productivity as well as safety within the waterjetting industry. Mr. Gromes has combined his critical thinking and intense mechanical background to morph the finesse characteristics of electric, mechanical, and computerized solutions to the challenging environments of industrial cleaning – gaining recognition of these tech-driven solutions on national news sources such as Fox Business, PBS, Yahoo! Finance, Inverse, and more. These efforts have enabled the company to develop elite safety equipment; as a result, Terydon has been recognized as the recipient of the 2017 WJTA-IMCA Safety Award and the 2019 Bureau of Worker’s Compensation Safety Innovation Award. Throughout his career, Mr. Gromes has been invited as an international keynote speaker and topic expert on the importance of safety as well as the benefits of integrating new technology into industrial cleaning applications. For his developments specific to waterjetting technologies, he has been assigned seven patents and has 13 pending patents. continued on page 41

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June/July 2021

Meet the Candidates for the WJTA Board of Directors from page 40 Mission/Vision: Our objective at Terydon is to empower end-users with the safest and most efficient cleaning solutions available – to work smarter, not harder. Our approach has evolved the waterjetting industry to embrace technology previously unforeseen to industrial cleaning, notably the integration of electronics and computer software applications into hands-free tooling. On the board of directors, I will provide the same unique and technology-driven perspective to complement the existing foundation on which the WJTA is built. I aim to bring energy and enthusiasm into the WJTA to ensure that the waterjetting industry continues to progress forward down its evolutionary path. Optimistic of the industry's future, I intend to accelerate the waterjetting practice as a positive and appealing experience to the upcoming generations that will inherit the forthcoming realm of industrial cleaning. Nominated by: Bill O’Briant, Business Development Manager, Terydon, Inc. BILL KRUPOWICZ is a vice president of Federal Signal’s Environmental Solutions Group. He is the general manager of Jetstream of Houston, LLP, and the vice president for their Mark Rite Lines Equipment and Highmark Traffic Services Divisions. Mr. Krupowicz has been with Federal Signal for 21 years. His industry experiences span the functions of engineering, materials management, finance, marketing, global sales, and general management. Over the past 37 years, Mr. Krupowicz has worked in the aerospace, construction equipment, papermaking equipment, and environmental solutions industries with such companies as Boeing, Caterpillar, Beloit Corporation, and Federal Signal. He holds a BS degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Illinois. Mr. Krupowicz lives in Montgomery, Texas, with his wife Dawn. They have 3 daughters, a son, a grandson and two granddaughters. Mission/Vision: The WJTA should remain our industry’s benchmark source for the safe and effective delivery of water power to accomplish a broad range of applications. I believe this includes training and certification programs, safety initiatives, expanding our market reach, and interindustry collaborations. I have truly enjoyed my couple of terms on the WJTA Board of Directors, and I welcome the opportunity to continue serving all of our membership towards the goal of safe and effective growth of our industry. June/July 2021

Nominated by: Sam Norris, Managing Director, Asia Waterjet Equipment PAYTON L. LOCKEY is a founder and managing member of Vacuum Truck Rentals (VTR) and Vacuum Truck Sales and Service (VTSS), both headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Lockey has worked in the environmental industry for over 25 years. He began his career as an environmental geologist with PPM Consultants where he pioneered new methods for vacuum remediation and in situ cleanup of subsurface contamination, establishing PPM as a regional leader in vacuum remediation technology. This work led him to start Vacuum Truck Rentals in the year 2000. VTR has grown into a premier rental provider in the industrial market with 16 locations. Mr. Lockey has a bachelor’s degree in geology from Millsaps College and lives in Madison, Mississippi, with his wife Amanda, daughter Lacy and son Payton Alexander. He is a life member of the MS Trucking Association Century Club and a two-time chairman of the board for the MS Trucking Association Foundation. He has served on many civic and charity boards in central Mississippi but is most proud of his time as chairman of the Amanda W. Lockey Foundation. The Foundation supports pancreatic cancer research and has funded two clinical trials to date. Mission/Vision: The WJTA has made great strides in expanding educational and safety practices to its members. My vision/mission is to expand this objective. There is so much potential for this organization to increase membership by increasing the scope of its offerings and education materials. Nominated by: Bill Gaff, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Vacuum Truck Rentals, LLC BILL MCCLISTER began his career in industrial cleaning in 1981 with a small contractor that offered both waterjetting and industrial vacuuming services. He knew nothing about either service line. Over the years the small contractor grew to be an industry giant. Thirtyseven years later, Mr. McClister retired as vice president

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Meet the Candidates for the WJTA Board of Directors from page 41 of equipment and technology. Today, he is considered by many to be a subject matter expert for both service lines. Mr. McClister became a WJTA member in 1989 and has been an active member within the association. Mission/Vision: My mission and vision for the WJTA is simple. The WJTA must continue to set industry best practices and training for the safe operation of waterjetting and industrial vacuuming equipment. Nominated by: Jimmy Peck, General Manager, MPW Industrial Services, Inc. JIMMY PECK joined MPW Industrial Services in the role of management trainee in 2003, learning the business of industrial cleaning through hands-on, in-the-field experience for two years. Mr. Peck has held many different positions from branch manager, district manager, general counsel, and president of environmental services. In 2006, he originated MPW’s legal department before being promoted in 2008 to his current role – general manager for the Industrial Cleaning Group. Prior to joining MPW, Mr. Peck worked for the Ohio Attorney General’s office in the Charitable Law Section. He graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in business and from the Michael E. Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University with a J.D. Mr. Peck received his license to practice law in 2004. He is an active member of numerous legal and industrial groups, including the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) and the Columbus Bar Association (CBA). Just as the first purpose and objective listed on WJTA.org is to enhance safety, the first core value listed in MPW’s mission statement is safety. In the industrial cleaning industry, safety is paramount, and the enduring goal is zero safety-hazard incidents. A superior safety and training and observation program, as well as increasing development and usage of automated technologies that remove personnel from harm’s way are crucial methods that allow significant strides toward this goal every day. Mission/Vision: The waterjet industry has come a long way since its creation in 1983. Technologies continuously make us faster, more powerful and more efficient. But most importantly, they make us safer. In reality, companies that provide industrial services cannot progress – financially or otherwise – without advancing their safety processes and cultures. WJTA routinely advances safety culture within Page 42

the industry with its publication of Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment in addition to activities and information aimed at promoting the interests of the industrial cleaning industry. Continuing to utilize innovation, automation and communication will allow WJTA to further advance its already decorated history. Nominated by: Monte Black, CEO, MPW Industrial Services, Inc. RICK PITMAN, CSP, is senior vice president – EHST of HydroChemPSC, Deer Park, Texas. He began his career with HydroChem in 1995 as a hydroblasting technician, has served in multiple positions, eventually progressing to his current role of senior vice president in 2017. During his 25-year career, Mr. Pitman has been actively involved in the WJTA and in the hydroblasting community. He was a key contributor to implementing the hose color coding system adopted in 2012, as well as working with supply chain partners, NAHAD and the WJTA in adopting waterjet hose life limits and improved testing and certification for protective shrouds. Mr. Pitman has presented hose testing data, incident lessons learned and Orange Book updates at previous WJTA annual meetings and has served on the High Pressure Waterjetting Safety Committee since 2010. In 2020, he was honored to be named as a Master Trainer for the WJTA Training and Certification course and is currently working to expand the use of this course and helping create the next level of training focusing on waterjet automation. Mission/Vision: My vision for WJTA is to continue to advocate on behalf of WJTA as the leading national voice for the waterjet and vacuum industries. I believe we can continue to broaden our outreach and provide support to organizations and workers across the country in areas of education, equipment and best practices. Nominated by: Gary Noto, Vice Chairman, HydroChemPSC

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June/July 2021

Meet the Candidates for the WJTA Board of Directors from page 42 FRANK G. ROMITO, currently serves as the Specialty Equipment Technician specific to hydro-blasting practices, equipment, and training for C&K Industrial Services, Inc. With a background of pump service, accessory configuration, fabrication, instruction, and field-testing, he has aided the organization’s hydro-blast division in many markets, primarily power generation. As a WJTA Verified Trainer, Mr. Romito and his colleagues have established a fully remote system compliant with the WJTA’s requirements in multiple regions to process employees, subcontractors, and industry partners towards certification for safe hydro-blasting practices. Mr. Romito began as a fleet technician for his father’s hydro-blast rental branch and equipment dealership, Blast Technology, Inc. During his time at BTI, Mr. Romito developed a relationship with a local precision machine shop. Parttime employment as a machinist’s assistant allowed Mr. Romito to acquire measuring, turning, facing, milling, and equipment set-up skills. He then attended Ohio Technical College under the Master Welding Technology Program. Graduating with honors, he holds two indefinite ASME certifications and two indefinite AWS certifications. Fabrication skills that he gained allowed for the expansion of BTI’s capabilities, specifically with hydro-static testing clientele in the oil and gas industry. Joining StoneAge, Inc., as a member of the Ohio branch, Mr. Romito fell heavily into direct contractor training and on-site job support with a focus on strategic technical sales. Acting as the branch’s traveling automation technician, he gained invaluable exposure to differences in industrial services worldwide. Corresponding directly with highly experienced engineers allowed the organization to develop various systems such as the Domed Bundle Positioner. The system was a crusade to eliminate manual hydro-blasting within the ethanol industry’s most hazardous confined space and proved successful after rigorous trials made possible by various industrial cleaning contractors. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout at 17, Mr. Romito actively practices the Scout motto: Be Prepared. Job configuration, personnel training, and detailed load-out are routine for the company's projects. Mission/Vision: I will ensure that training and knowledge are provided effectively to bring transparent and unified practices to the industrial service sector. The men and women on the front lines within our industry deserve nothing less than the ability to deliver their skills safely and efficiently. The aforementioned will keep individuals proficient in the industrial cleaning craft.

BILL SHAW, CSHO, SMS, vice president of employee development at Evergreen North America, transitioned to that post after serving 11 years as vice president of health and safety and leading Evergreen North America’s companywide operations by establishing a safety management system that consists of EHS policies and standards, setting and tracking performance goals, and providing resources within the organization. Mr. Shaw holds a bachelor’s degree in management and received the Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO) designation from Texas A&M Engineering Extension and the OSHA Training Institute and received the Safety Management Specialist (SMS) designation by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Mr. Shaw serves as an OSHA special government employee (SGE) and has conducted numerous VPP audits for OSHA. He is the recipient of the prestigious Region VI John Miles OSHA VPP outreach award and the Everett Beaujon Spirit of VPP award. Mr. Shaw was previously employed by Valero Houston Refinery for nine years, where he served as senior safety specialist. In 2010, he was elected to the Houston Area Safety Council board of directors and served as chairman in 2017 and 2018. He also serves on the Texas Chemical Council HSE seminar committee and received the distinguished leader award. Mr. Shaw was recently invited to serve on the WJTA education committee, and he has been published in numerous trade magazines on safety and management. He enjoys the time he spends with his wife Susie of 41 years and his son and daughter. Mission/Vision: I would like to leverage my experience in the industrial cleaning business from the perspective of a former facility owner, contractor, and an association chairman, as well as serve as a representative for the members. My vision is to serve the industrial cleaning industry by providing resources for facility owners and service contractors and executing a premier annual conference and consistently promoting new and improved technology. I have exhibited my ability to do this via the partnership with the Houston Area Safety Council and WJTA in our goal of starting the hydroblasting certification, along with the WJTA board and WJTA Master Trainer Doug McGee. Nominated by: Kerry Siggins, CEO, StoneAge, Inc.

Nominated by: Scott W. Dean, Vice President, C&K Industrial Services, Inc. June/July 2021

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continued on page 44

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Meet the Candidates for the WJTA Board of Directors from page 43 STEVE B. TAPLIN, CEO/ Owner of Taplin Group, LLC. In 1952 Al and Margaret Taplin purchased a small, residential drain cleaning company in Kalamazoo and eventually expanded to include industrial and municipal cleaning. Steve Taplin entered the family business out of high school and began operating all types of equipment in the industrial and municipal service sectors of the company. In the mid-eighties, Mr. Taplin became more involved in sales and regulatory compliance. Throughout the 1990s Steve was involved in all levels of management with duties ranging from sales to estimating to executive management. In 2001, Mr. Taplin left the family businesses to start an environmental remediation company called Terra Contracting, LLC. In 2007, he bought the family businesses that specialized in industrial and municipal services. The acquisitions created one of the largest, most diverse, environmental contractors in the Midwest. During the period time between 2001 and 2007 Steve began to utilize a behavioral based safety program called ‘LPS’, which was quickly adopted by field staff of the industrial and municipal divisions. On December 31, 2012, Terra was sold to the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, the largest provider of navigational dredging services in the United States. By November of 2016 Steve bought the company back from

GLDD. Today Taplin Group, as it is now known, operates from 4 offices throughout Michigan and has developed its own behavioral based safety/loss prevention program named ‘ELKS’ – Eliminate Loss through Knowledge and Stewardship. The program has continued the success experienced since 2003 with active involvement with the field staff. Monthly ‘Family Calls’, that include all office and field staff, create open lines of communication and give everyone the opportunity to share concerns and accolades. Mission/Vision: I believe the WJTA should continue and enhance its promotion of safety in our industry. Empowering field staff to make qualified and educated decisions to maintain a safe working environment is paramount. I believe that a component that is commonly passed by in highly technical occupations is the need for leadership…true leadership. The tendency to promote the most technically capable into management roles without the accompanying leadership training can be disastrous. Ultimately, a solid technical person can be lost due to the lack of leadership cultivation and a position that needed to be filled left empty. I believe the ideals of servant leadership are principal in our industry. My vision for the WJTA would be the incorporation of focused leadership training into the training curriculum currently offered. Nominated by: Mike Taplin, Taplin Group, LLC

See Election Procedures, page 55 WJTA Hydrodemolition Committee Update

JTA’s Hydrodemolition Committee is a growing group of association members providing a more focused forum to collaborate on issues related to concrete applications of high pressure waterjets.

their technical guideline - Guide for the Preparation of Concrete Surfaces for Repair Using Hydrodemolition Methods. The ICRI committee is targeting a Fall 2021 date to revise their guidelines.

One of the committee’s primary near-term objectives is to provide input on the International Concrete Research Institute (ICRI) revision of

Two working groups within the committee have also been formed to focus on specific projects: defining a list of external variables that affect

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hydrodemolition and collecting information to provide an introduction to hydrodemolition. To learn more about how you can become involved in WJTA’s Hydrodemolition Committee, contact Peter Wright at wrightp@wjta.org. ■

June/July 2021

Conjet Partners with Reprotex to Provide Wastewater Recycling

onjet AB, manufacturer of Automated Concrete Removal (ACRTM) technology has entered into a global sales agreement with Reprotex GmbH. Reprotex, headquartered in Austria, develops and manufactures mobile wastewater treatment plants. Reprotex’s plants are used around the world for containing, treating, and recycling wastewater that is produced in all types of high pressure (HP) water applications, including hydrodemolition, tank cleaning, ship repair and de-coating, pavement demarcation, and many other industrial cleaning operations. With the growing demand for hydrodemolition and other HP water applications, it is important to ensure that operations are performed in a sustainable manner. This includes the need to capture and treat wastewater before discharging it into the environment. With this innovative system, the wastewater can also be recycled and reused, further decreasing environmental impact and operating costs for contractors. The Reprotex Mobile Filtration Device (“MFD_R200”) uses multiple internal filtration processes to remove particulates down to <1 micron,

The Reprotex MFD plant is containerized which provides protection from the elements as well as greater mobility.

June/July 2021

allowing treated water to be recirculated into the HP pump. An integrated digital sensor continuously monitors the pH-value of treated water and triggers automatic neutralization using CO2, if necessary, to ensure compliance with water discharge legislation. In cases where chemical pollutants are present, the MFD can be combined with additional wastewater treatment technologies (e.g., oil-separator, active carbon, ionexchanger). Robert Kreicberg, Conjet’s chief executive officer, stated, “We are very excited to partner with Reprotex to further enhance the sustainability and profitability of our customers’ operations. For the past 35 years, Conjet has focused exclusively on designing and manufacturing cuttingedge hydrodemolition robots. As demand for our ACR robots grows we have recognized that our customers also have an increasing desire to optimize their water usage, whether as a result of legal requirements, to maximize profitability, or just

Reprotex has designed the MFD to be highly automated, allowing for quick setup, user-friendly operation and remote monitoring/troubleshooting.

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to practice good environmental stewardship. With Conjet and Reprotex, our customers can utilize a ‘closed water circuit’ – where water will circulate from the pump to the ACR robot, to the MFD unit, and back to the pump for continued usage.” Martin Watzka, the chief financial officer of Reprotex, commented, “The partnership of our two companies merges two innovative technologies into a new and unrivaled application: hydrodemolition in a closed water circuit. Safe, cost efficient and sustainable. And a perfect match for our clients as well as the environment!” For more information about rentals and sales of Reprotex’s products in the U.S. and Canada, contact Rick Larsson by phone: +1 (443) 926-3827 or email: rick.larsson@conjet.com. ■

The MFD incorporates cutting-edge water treatment technology to enable “plug and play” operation.

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Nozzle Developments at enz®

The 360° Grenade Bomb nozzle

he new enz 360° Grenade-bomb is a standard nozzle equipped with two offset nozzle insert rings, which can be fitted with round and flat jets. Combining these two technologies allows near-360-degree cleaning. It is possible to equip it with 12 to 18 inserts, depending on the water capacity. The different jet angles ensure optimum coordination between the traction and cleaning effects. The ®

high efficiency is achieved using a sophisticated water guidance system. The nozzle is available in sizes from 1 inch to 1¼ inches. Its area of application is in pipes from 120 to 400 mm (5-inch to 16-inch). This nozzle is excellent for removing debris, gravel, and soft deposits. In addition, it is used for pre-cleaning with chain scrapers or milling inserts. For the 30.038 pipe cleaning nozzle, enz is replacing the protective countersink with a ceramic screw-in nozzle. As a result, this nozzle will be able to maneuver even better through tight pipe bends and less likely to get caught on hot-plate welds. The UR17 is the newest addition to the enz line of UR nozzles. The enz UR nozzles are used for radial cleaning of smaller pipes and lines,

for example in heat exchangers. In the process, the enz water-brake ensures a constant rotational speed. Pipes can be cleaned at up to 1,500 bar (22,000 psi). The jets, aligned at 90° or 45°, remove even the toughest deposits. Like all nozzles in the UR family, the UR17 is available in long and short versions. For more information, visit www. enz.com. ■

The UR17 22K KBR Nozzle

Aquajet Training Options Provide Customized Solutions

quajet offers on-demand training options to maximize productivity and safety on the jobsite. In addition to in-depth, hands-on training with each machine commission, Aquajet’s North American subsidiary provides continuing education options on-site or through its network of facilities across the U.S.

“The key to a safe, efficient hydrodemolition jobsite is thorough training,” said Roger Simonsson, Aquajet managing director. “Whether new to hydrodemolition or a long-time operator looking to keep their skills sharp, customers will find our sales partner in North America, Brokk Inc., offers a number of personalized training options to help maximize machine performance in any application.” Aquajet’s North American branch offers on-demand training options to maximize productivity and safety on the jobsite through its network of facilities.

Training by a specialized Aquajet technician accompanies the sale of every machine and is tailored to fit the customer’s application and experience level. This comprehensive, on-site education provides individuals or small groups with tips and information pertaining to safe, productive operation of the new equipment. This initial training caters to each operator’s skill level and covers basic and advanced operating modes, safety for the machine and around high-pressure equipment, maneuvering the machine, reading blasting results and making proper adjustments, and equipment maintenance. Upon successful completion, the trainee will be a licensed Aquajet operator. Additional training opportunities offer customers a customizable, in-depth curriculum designed to help optimize operations and efficiency. Known as the Aquajet Academy, this multi-day program goes beyond safe operation to focus on six key areas: products, the concrete removal process, streamlining work, safety and technique, service and train the trainer. Academy graduates serve as a resource for their operations with their in-depth knowledge of the hydrodemolition method and equipment and how to leverage it for a competitive advantage. Again, the curriculum can be customized to the customer’s needs continued on page 47

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June/July 2021

Vacuum Truck Rentals Now an Authorized Service and Warranty Center for GapVax

acuum Truck Rentals, LLC (VTR) is pleased to announce its partnership with GapVax, Inc. as an authorized warranty and service center. Each of VTR’s 16 locations will provide service, repair and warranty work for GapVax equipment. GapVax is a leading manufacturer of customized industrial vacuum, hydroexcavation, and municipal equipment.

The company began in 1977 following a massive flood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania when Gary Poborsky purchased a used 1,000 gallon septic pumper to help the community clean up and recover. Later, the company began manufacturing its own equipment and has grown to include a 250,000 square foot manufacturing facility with multiple locations.

VTR began business in 2000, quickly becoming an industry leader while growing its fleet to more than 800 pieces of equipment and 16 locations nationwide. VTR focuses on relationship-driven business model centered around the customer experience. To learn more, visit www. vactruckrental.com. ■

USA DeBusk LLC Announces an Exclusive Alliance with CleanerBlastTM Systems

SA DeBusk LLC (USAD) has entered into a strategic exclusive alliance with CleanerBlastTM Systems (CBS). USAD and CBS will expand the existing technology and discover untapped industrial cleaning solutions centered around wet abrasive blasting technologies that are safer, cost reducing, and sustainable solutions for tank farms, refineries, power plants, utilities, petrochemical plants, chemical plants and other facilities.

USAD acquired CBS’s existing operational fleet of wet abrasive blasting equipment. USAD will be expanding the current wet abrasive blasting division strategically throughout the United States to efficiently service all regions. In addition, key personnel from CBS will work side-by-side with USAD’s sales and service forces going forward in providing expert training, in-field support, and further advancements through R&D. For more information, visit www.usadebusk.com or www.cleanerblast.com. ■

Aquajet Training Options Provide Customized Solutions from page 46 and it can be held on-site or at one of the U.S. facilities in Monroe, Washington; St. Joseph, Missouri; or Stanhope, New Jersey. “While safety is always a top priority, Aquajet’s goal is to provide much more than that with our extensive training options,” Simonsson said. “We connect customers with hydrodemolition experts who not only show them how to safely operate the machine, but also open their eyes to

new techniques or applications to optimize their operation. Providing continued training options that go beyond simple operation is important to helping our customers find longterm hydrodemolition success.” For more information on Aquajet’s North American training options, contact Brokk Inc. at 1-800-621-7856 or info@brokkinc.com. ■

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media for news and updates Follow WJTA on Twitter (and thanks for retweeting!), Facebook and LinkedIn and visit www.wjta.org for valuable information and resources.

June/July 2021

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Thompson Industrial Services Opens Cincinnati Location

hompson Industrial Services has opened a new Cincinnati, Ohio, location at 10250 Chester Road. The new location will serve as a hub for Thompson to provide vacuum, hydroexcavation, hydroblasting, and other critical services to industrial facilities throughout southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. The Cincinnati regional Thompson office comprises over 7,300 square feet of space, newly refurbished to include a state-of-the-art training center in which technicians will hone their skills and experts will share their knowledge to make our services more effective, safer, and more efficient to minimize client’s downtime. The resurfaced two-acre grounds of the service location will house a fleet of advanced equipment, including two vacuum trucks, five service trucks, 325-hp hydroblast pumps capable of up to 10,000 psi, 4,000-psi pressure washers, and a hydroblasting automation trailer featuring Thompson’s most up-to-date remotely controlled robotic equipment. With a well-established presence in Kentucky working with major utilities, Thompson Industrial Services is very optimistic about expanding its life cycle offerings to industrial facilities in the Tristate area and beyond. From

its new Cincinnati office, conveniently located along I-75, Thompson teams can bring safe excavation, hydrocutting, and wet and dry vacuum equipment to the sites of clients that are looking for better ways to complete notoriously hazardous, time-consuming, and expensive tasks. Through automation, fully customizable equipment, and an incredibly deep knowledge/experience base, Thompson Industrial Services reduces downtime for facilities while providing superior chemical cleaning, water blasting, and other critical services. Thompson Industrial Services also offers highly specialized services, including SCR catalyst cleaning, HRSG offline cleaning, and dry ice blasting for cleaning projects that cannot include moisture or abrasives. Through hydro and pneumatic vacuum excavation services, Thompson teams quickly dig in sensitive areas, uncovering delicate utility and telecom lines without causing damage. Thompson can also engineer custom solutions or provide on-site support. To learn more, visit www.thompsonindustrialservices. com. ■

Bill O'Briant: The New Face at Terydon Inc.

ill O'Briant, former senior sales manager at Hammelmann, has joined Terydon Inc. as business development manager in the United States Gulf Coast. Bill is a long-time expert in the industry who shares a parallel mindset with the Terydon team of providing top-notch products and energetic customer service. Bill’s focused responsibilities at Terydon include: •

Business Development – In-person presence throughout the Gulf Coast, providing in-stock items for same day service and overall client satisfaction

Bill has acquired a unique set of skills due to his intense resume of employment in the big three: contractor, pump manufacturer, and accessory manufacturer – resulting in 25 years of experience.

Bill O'Briant

•

Training & Support – providing certified training and on-site support in order to ensure success on the job

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Consultation – applying decades of experience for unique and customized solutions.

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When contacted for a comment, Terry Gromes Sr., president of Terydon said, “We are thrilled to have Bill on board, as he brings a fresh dynamic to our already lively team. Bill's active presence in Houston and the surrounding region will provide instant service to our growing line of smart products.” Terydon, the pioneer of Wireless Smart Technology, is excited to have Bill as a valuable member in the Gulf Coast to support and develop the company’s geographical expansion. Congratulate Bill on his new position or for industry-related support at billobriant@terydon.com. ■

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June/July 2021

Vacuum Truck Rentals Welcomes Jeff Mueller as Corporate Parts Director

eff Mueller has joined Vac Truck Rentals, LLC, as corporate parts director. He oversees the parts operations throughout the company’s 16 nationwide locations. Mueller, a native of Texas, began his career as a millwright in the industrial machine business before taking a maintenance superintendent position. He later entered the heavy equipment and rental business as a vice president at Environmental Rental Service before joining another

organization as its vice president of rental operations as the company progressed into the rental business from its original operations as a manufacturer. He has also served in a senior general manager role and has opened multiple equipment branches. Mueller is a certified fire fighter and is a former fire chief of a volunteer fire department. In his spare time, he enjoys participating in cooking and fundraising events using his 1894 chuck wagon. ■ Jeff Mueller

StoneAge Inc. Announces New Director of Engineering, Kelley Crush efforts to engineer advanced tools, equipment, and automated solutions for the industrial cleaning industry.

Kelley Crush

elley Crush has joined StoneAge Inc. as its Director of Engineering. Crush joins StoneAge with over a decade of experience in industrial engineering, manufacturing, and leadership. As director of engineering, Crush will oversee the company’s

“StoneAge is committed to creating new products, services, and technologies that improve safety and productivity for our customers worldwide,” said Kerry Siggins, CEO of StoneAge. “Kelley’s alignment with our Own-It mindset and long-standing passion for engineering innovation made him the obvious choice for our company. We’re thrilled to have him onboard!” “StoneAge has an incredibly talented team with an impressive legacy of customer-focused innovation,” Crush shared. “Their investment towards technology and culture is clearly reflected in their success over the years and I’m looking forward to working with such a driven group.”

Previously, Crush was engineering manager and product development lead at Stolle Machinery, a global manufacturer of high-speed automated capital equipment for the can making industry. Prior, Crush served in mechanical engineering roles at Atlas Machine and Supply, a leading provider of industrial air compressors and machinery, and Samtec, a global manufacturer of electronic interconnect solutions. A dual graduate from the University of Louisville, Crush holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering, as well as an MBA in Entrepreneurship. Crush also holds various certifications, including the DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturability and Assembly) Engineering Edge Certification. Crush is currently working remotely from Denver, CO, but looks forward to transitioning his family to Durango in the near future. ■

Mark Your Calendar for the 2021 WJTA Conference and Expo October 26-28

www.wjtaexpo.com

June/July 2021

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Conco Achieves Zero Recordable Incidents for Two Consecutive Years and Names Timothy Meyer Safety Director

onco Services LLC, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, has achieved a Total Recordable Incident Rate of zero, two years in a row. In addition to this hard-earned success, Timothy Meyer of Lake Charles, LA, has been named Conco's safety director. Meyer has over 30 years of industry experience and currently oversees Conco's domestic industrial division. In his 11 years at Conco, all industrial projects have been completed safely and without any OSHA recordables, and he was promoted to vice president over industrial markets in 2016. Since Meyer's move to leadership, Conco has been nominated for Houston Business Roundtable's Safety

Excellence Award four times, has been named a Small Environmental Finalist two times, and received the Silver Award for Small Environmental in 2019. In 2020, Meyer brought on Tyler Traweek, CAPM, as HSE manager to lead the safety department and further instill a safety culture at Conco where every employee lives safety. Traweek has over 12 years of safety experience, holds an MBA and MS in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University, and served in the Louisiana Army National Guard. CEO Edward Saxon Sr. says, "Conco remains committed to

continue our goal of being an industry leader in safety. We strive tirelessly to maintain an accessible, inviting, safe, and professional environment for the safety and well-being of every employee at Conco. Commitment to the safety of our employees has never been stronger. Our employees put their trust in the leadership of Conco, and we will never stop working to earn it. We will continue to implement and develop new training programs and instill a personal situational awareness perspective." For more information, visit www. conco.net. ■

Klenco Singapore Celebrating 50 Years Klenco’s extensive, but still cleaning focused, range of product offerings serve three broad areas:

stablished in 1971 marketing a small selection of commercial cleaning machines and chemicals in Singapore, Klenco Pte Ltd has grown to be a leading independent distributor of institutional, industrial and municipal cleaning machines, tools and consumables in South East Asia. It also produces its own range of professional housekeeping and industrial cleaning chemicals. Klenco is continually sourcing globally for the latest cleaning innovations and technologies to provide effective solutions at compelling value propositions to meet modern day cleaning challenges. Today, Klenco’s many products are widely used across ASEAN, North East Asia, the Indian subcontinent and are also sold in the Middle East, Australia and Europe.

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Commercial Cleaning Products – professional and institutional cleaning chemicals, machines, tools and consumables, extending to primarily floorcare industrial equipment. The Jan-San sector so to speak.

•

City and Municipal Cleaning Equipment – road and pavement sweepers, drain and sewer cleaning trucks, multi-function carriers for vehicle tunnel cleaning, tree and hedge pruning, verge mowing and remote slope mowers etc.

Not last to be started, certainly not least and most relevant to WJTA, there is the waterjetting and industrial cleaning equipment business.

Initiated by Mr. Lionel Lau Klenco took up distribution of NLB waterjetting pumps and accessories in 1995. Being new to the world of industrial waterjetting, the first years were spent not only learning a new product line, but familiarizing with the application processes and overall practices of the industry. Understandably, commercial success was hard to come by in the beginning. continued on page 51

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June/July 2021

Own It: A Colorado Story studio is now considering an employee-ownership structure for their own company. It gives a deeper look into how employee-owners at StoneAge embody the OWN IT mindset to solve customer problems and propel business growth relentlessly.

toneAge was recently featured in a PBS documentary called the "Own It: A Colorado Story." The 26-minute film, produced by independent film studio gritHouse and sponsored by the Colorado Employee Ownership Office, brought the story of employee ownership to life, and the

"Filming this documentary was an insightful experience for us at gritHouse," said Justin Lewis, owner and director at gritHouse Films. "As we heard the many inspiring stories about the benefits of employee ownership, we began to discuss how we'd like to pursue employee ownership continued on page 52

Klenco Singapore Celebrating 50 Years from page 50 But with continued investment in dedicated human resources, training, inventory and, most importantly, building relationships with customers and demonstrating its perseverance, the company gained a foothold in the market within a few years. Having laid the foundations for Klenco’s waterjetting equipment business in Singapore, Lau moved on in the early 2000’s to head up subsidiary Klenco China’s overall business, also representing NLB there. The group has since divested its interests there several years ago. Taking over the reins for the waterjetting business in South East Asia, and elevating it up to the next level, was Mr. Lawrence Bay. Under his relentless leadership, the last 15 years has seen Klenco grow from strength to strength in every aspect in this sector. Customer networks have expanded and relationships deepened, most users in the region know of Klenco and the products offered, with many of them active customers; servicing of equipment sold, emphasized from the beginning, has progressed to where solutions are often locally customized for customers; in Malaysia, besides geographically central Kuala Lumpur where Klenco’s long standing subsidiary is located, a new service center was established in 2019 at the country’s southern Johor tip, to service a multi-decade, mega-billion dollar petrochemical complex being developed there; Klenco’s regional activity has also lead to the incorporation of dedicated waterjetting equipment sub-dealers in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam to better serve their respective markets. Building around NLB as the cornerstone product, Klenco has also expanded its range and successfully taken up official representation of leading manufacturers of waterjetting and associated equipment such as StoneAge June/July 2021

Customer training conducted by NLB Corp. at Klenco Singapore.

Waterblast Tools, Idrojet Bundle Extractors, KOKS Vacuum Trucks & Robotics, among others. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Klenco has received multiple accolades through the decades including 15 consecutive years Singapore’s Best 500 Small/Medium Enterprise awards, industry pioneering ISO 9001 Quality and ISO 14001 Environmental certifications for its chemical manufacturing operations, Green Label chemical product endorsements, multiple sales and service awards from various manufacturer principals and a Lifetime Achievement Award from ISSA, the U.S. based global commercial cleaning industry association. Though a comparatively new business segment, and a relative newcomer, Klenco is proud to also be a member of the waterjetting industry. ■

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AAG and CEDA Recognized by Canada’s Best Managed Companies

AG Tailored Cutting Solutions, Toronto, Ontario, and CEDA, Calgary, Alberta, are winners in the Canada’s Best Managed Companies 2021 award program. Now in its 28th year, the award program remains one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing Canadian-owned and managed companies for innovative, world-class business practices. AAG Tailored Cutting Solutions, a leading global manufacturer of CNC routers and waterjet cutting solutions, is a new award winner in 2021. AAG has been recognized for their adaptability during the COVID-19 crisis. The team united around the cause of helping their customers pivot towards producing essential goods such as PPE. They created an online community for sharing PPE designs, broadcast free

webinars educating customers on PPE production, and provided special discounts for customers producing PPE. This allowed AAG to keep their team employed, keep their customers running and support their communities. Luke Hansen-MacDonald, CEO and owner of AAG Tailored Cutting Solutions, said, “I have never been so proud to be part of the AAG family. Our team members and customers showed incredible tenacity and empathy over the last year. They proved the importance of local manufacturing. It is an honor to be recognized as one of this year’s Best Managed Companies. My team deserves 100% of the credit. They inspired me to never give up.” CEDA, named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the third

year in a row, specializes in providing industrial maintenance, turnaround, and environmental services to clients in the oil and gas, pipeline, power, pulp and paper, chemical, mining, municipal, and steel markets. “We are truly honored to be awarded the Best Managed designation in a year unlike any other,” said Kevin Fleury, CEDA’s president and chief executive officer. “It’s a testament to our people who continue to uphold CEDA’s core values and work tirelessly to serve our clients in the face of adversity. The Best Managed program has played a significant role in the retention and attraction of talent to our organization, which allows us to deliver best-in-class services to the markets we serve.” continued on page 53

Own It: A Colorado Story from page 51 within our company. At gritHouse, we value equity and employee ownership allows us to create a fair and equitable environment for everyone." "By producing this documentary, we wanted to share the stories of how employee ownership can look different from company to company," said Glenn Plagens, director of Business Support and Rural Prosperity at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). "The consistent theme in employee-owned companies is happy people, more engaged employeeowners, a higher quality of life and a positive company culture that people want to be a part of." StoneAge has been employee-owned since the late 1990s and formally transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP, in 2015. An ESOP is an employee benefit plan that gives workers ownership interest in the company. According to the National Center for Employee Ownership, companies set up a trust fund for employees and contribute either cash to buy company stock, contribute shares directly to the plan, or have the plan borrow money to buy shares. Contributions to the plan are tax-deductible. Employees pay no tax on the contributions until they receive the stock Page 52

when they leave or retire. They then either sell it on the market or back to the company. "StoneAge is proud to be employee-owned," said Kerry Siggins, CEO of StoneAge. "We are grateful to be able to share our story with the world. Being employeeowned sets us apart; our employees care deeply about our customers' success because it translates directly to their own success. Plus, this film showcases Durango, home of our headquarters and one of the most magical places on the planet." "It was awesome to be part of this video," says Bill Shires, a StoneAge employee for well over two decades. "StoneAge is an incredible place to work. The teamwork, camaraderie, and transparency are like no place else I've seen, and it's all made possible by the vision of John and Jerry, our two founders." You can watch this video on YouTube here: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=K6BOYMZ-rxQ For more information, contact Kerry Siggins, CEO of StoneAge at Kerry.Siggins@stoneagetools.com or at +1970-403-1434. ■

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June/July 2021

AAG and CEDA Recognized by Canada’s Best Managed Companies from page 52 “In what may be the most challenging year for Canadian businesses since the program’s inception, the 2021 Best Managed winners are a shining example of the importance of leadership, innovation, and resilience in the face of uncertainty,” said Kari Lockhart, National Co-Leader of the Canada's Best Managed Companies program and Partner, Deloitte Private. “These companies should not only be extremely proud of this designation, but for their organizational grit, continued adaptability, and unwavering

commitment to their people during a year when it was needed most.” Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. Program sponsors are Deloitte Private, CIBC, Canadian Business, Smith School of Business, and TMX Group. ■

WJTA Welcomes New Members Corporate Abtrex Industries, Inc. Kevin Couvillion Cathy Couvillion Gary Murphy 59640 Market Street South Bend, IN 46614 Phone: (574)234-7773 Website: www.abtrex.com

MacAllister Machinery Co., Inc. Anthony Marquez Michael Spaulding Mike Czartoszewski 6300 Southeastern Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46203 Phone: (844)822-7368 Website: www.macallisterhydrovac.com

Covestro Bradley Linn Coble 8500 West Bay Road Baytown, TX 77535 Phone: (281)383-5971 Website: www.covestro.com

PSI Pressure Systems Chris Spain Randy Boelen 1010 Market Street Baytown, TX 77520-6751 Phone: (581)420-5055 Website: www.psipressuresystems.com

DYNAFLOW, Inc. Chao-Tsung Hsiao Greg Loraine 10621-J Iron Bridge Road Jessup, MD 20794-9381 Phone: (301)604-3688 Website: www.dynaflow-inc.com

Reliable Pumps Consultants, Inc. Cottrell Marshall Glen Reed 12951 South Freeway Houston, TX 77047 Phone: (713)640-2718 Website: www.reliablepumps.com Safetech Comercio de Equipamentos Ltda. Leonard Rudolf Veen Av. Presidente Vargas, 951 Indaiatuba, SP 13334-085 Brazil Phone: (+55) 19 3392-5626 Website: www.safetech-protection.com

Individual David Arthur Southeast Waterjet Services 7355 Commercial Circle Unit 8 Fort Pierce, Florida 34951 Phone: (772)777-5663 Eric Bieberich Fort Wayne Wire Die, Inc. 2424 American Way Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809-3005 Phone: (260)747-1681 Email: ebieberich@fwwd.com Mario Dovo Marine Metal Coatings, Inc. 2250 NW 114th Avenue Unit 1P Miami, Florida 33172 Email: madovo@gmail.com

June/July 2021

Justin Lee Jensen Miller Environmental Services 3343 N Highway 27 Sulphur, Louisiana 70663 Phone: (337)529-2094 Email: themillergroup.us Joshua Jones Harben Inc. 2010 Ronald Reagan Boulevard Cumming, Georgia 30041-6032 Phone: (470)334-1815 Email: joshua.jones@harben.com Benjamin Oneal Kent, Dr.Eng. 3443 Edenborn Avenue Apt 318 Metairie, Louisiana 70002 William Kersten Eagle Services 24227 West Riverside Drive Channahon, Illinois 60410 Email: bkersten@eagleservices.com

www.wjta.org

Dustin Kieber MPW Industrial Services 9711 Lancaster Road SE Hebron, Ohio 43025 Phone: (740)927-8790 Michael Mautz MPW Industrial Services 9711 Lancaster Road SE Hebron, Ohio 43025 Phone: (740)927-8790 Jason McGinn Superior Environmental Solutions 9996 Joseph James Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 Phone: (513)874-8355 Email: jason.mcginn@sesinc.com

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WJTA Welcomes New Members from page 53 Individual (continued) Anastasia Olson Extreme Coatings P.O. Box 1184 306 South 2nd Avenue Pasco, Washington 99301 Phone: (509)545-0570 Jim Ruddock N.T. Ruddock Co. 26123 Broadway Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44146 Phone: (440)439-4976 Email: jim@ntruddock.com Robb Spangler Robb Spangler MPW Industrial Services 9711 Lancaster Road SE Hebron, Ohio 43025 Phone: (740)927-8790

Anthony Tagliaferro MPW Industrial Services 9711 Lancaster Road SE Hebron, Ohio 43025 Gibbons Terwilliger Harben Inc. 2010 Ronald Reagan Boulevard Cumming, Georgia 30041-6032 Phone: (470)380-5303 Email: Gibbons.terwilliger@harben.com Richard Toftness, Dr.Eng. Tasterra Design and Consulting 4710 Bonnell Drive Loveland, Colorado 80537 Phone: (970)310-4994

Robert Wallace American Remediation and Environmental, Inc. P.O. Box 570 Saraland, Alabama 36571 Phone: (251)679-6900 Jonathan Wood StoneAge, Inc. 466 South Skylane Drive Durango, Colorado 81303-6002 Phone: (970)946-7212 Email: jonathanwood707@gmail.com

Index of Advertisers A.M. Gatti, Inc.................................................................. www.gattiam.com............................................ pg. 21 Aquajet............................................................................ www.aquajet.se................................................. pg. 4 BIC Magazine.................................................................. www.bicmagazine.com................................... pg. 33 CESCO Aqua Safe Suits................................................. www.aquasafesuits.com................................. pg. 17 Conjet.............................................................................. www.conjet.com.............................................. pg. 19 Diamond Technology Innovations (dtiTM)......................... www.waterjetdiamonds.com........................... pg. 29 Easy-Kleen Pressure Systems Ltd.................................. www.easykleen.com....................................... pg. 27 enz USA.......................................................................... www.enz.com.................................................... pg. 8 Hammelmann.................................................................. www.hammelmann.us....................................... pg. 2 Jetstream......................................................................... www.federalsignal.com/jetstream................... pg. 25 NLB Corporation.............................................................. www.nlbcorp.com.............................................. pg. 9 Parker Hannifin................................................................ www.parker.com/tube-cleaning....................... pg. 11 Peinemann...................................................................... www.peinemannequipment.com..................... pg. 15 SPIR STAR...................................................................... www.spirstar.com...................................... pgs. 5, 28 StoneAge, Inc.................................................................. www.stoneagetools.com..............pg. 13, back cover Terydon, Inc..................................................................... www.terydon.com..................................... pgs. 3, 31 Transfer Oil...................................................................... www.transferoil.com........................................ pg. 12 TST Sweden.................................................................... www.tst-sweden.com....................... pgs. 6-7, 14, 23

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www.wjta.org

June/July 2021

WJTA Board Election Procedures – Online Voting Available For 2021 Election

arch 31, 2021, was the deadline for receipt of nominations to the WJTA Board of Directors. Fifteen nominations were received. Eight (8) board member positions are open for election, each to serve a four-year term of office beginning on Monday, October 25, 2021. On July 29, 2021, a list of nominees, their photographs, and biographical sketches will be circulated by email to the eligible voting membership with a link to vote online via the WJTA website. In order to vote online, members must have an email address in their membership profile. The email address is also the user name.

Members will be able to login with their unique username and password to fill out a ballot, which will be initialed, signed, and submitted electronically through the website. Members may request a written ballot be mailed to them, which must be signed and returned to the WJTA office by mail, fax or email. If a member returns multiple ballots (be they written or electronic), only the first ballot received will be counted. Online ballots and printed ballots must be received by the WJTA office for tallying no later than September 14, 2021. In the event of a tie for a position on the Board, a runoff election between the tied candidates will be over a twoweek period following the initial election. The names of newly elected board members will be announced on the WJTA website and in Jet News. ■

Members may request a written ballot be mailed to them, which must be signed and returned to the WJTA office by mail, fax or email. WJTA 2021 Exhibit Space Filling Up - Reserve Your Space Today

he 2021 WJTA Conference & Expo will return to New Orleans October 26-28, offering the opportunity to connect in person with a focused, high level audience.

cancellation of the 2020 Expo and other trade/sales events, the October Conference/Expo is an outstanding way for companies to reach existing and potential customers.

Excitement is high for WJTA 2021 following attendance growth and enthusiasm at the 2019 Conference & Expo. With the unfortunate

Exhibits at the Conference & Expo will be open Wednesday, October 27, and Thursday, October 28.

Exhibit space is filling up fast. New and returning exhibitors are encouraged to finalize their plans as soon as possible. To learn more and reserve your space, contact Peter Wright at (314)241-1445 or wrightp@wjta.org.■

Candidates Sought for 2021 WJTA Awards

embers are invited to submit candidates for special awards presented by the WJTA, including the Distinguished Pioneer Award, the Service Award, the Technology Award, and the Safety Award. Awards honor a company, organization, or individual who has made a significant contribution to the industry through accomplishments that directly enhance waterjet technology and/or industrial vacuuming.

Wednesday, October 27, 2021, in conjunction with the 2021 WJTA Conference & Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Award recipients will be selected by the WJTA Board of Directors and honored at a presentation ceremony on

For more information, call 314-241-1445 or email wjta@ wjta.org. ■

June/July 2021

Submit nominees for awards online at www.wjta.org. A narrative and biographical sketch must be included to support each nominee submitted. Nominations will be accepted through September 2, 2021.

www.wjta.org

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“We used Sentinel

technology to clean four exchangers, over 20,000 tubes and the job went great. We have a good partnership with StoneAge and are excited about where we are going with this technology. ” Mark Blanchard Water Works

Automatedup toExchanger 30% Cleaning faster Schedule a virtual overview stoneagetools.com/sentinel

970-259-2869 • www.stoneagetools.com

2021 WJTA Conference & Expo Pre-conference: October 26 Conference & Expo: October 27-28 New Orleans

Face-to-face meetings with customers and colleagues and hands on equipment – Join us again for the premier event serving waterjet technology, industrial cleaning, industrial vacuum and much more. See the industry’s latest technology, strengthen your connections and enjoy the entertainment opportunities of New Orleans.

Advancing Safety and Technology in Industry October 26-28, 2021 New Orleans www.WJTAExpo.com +1-314-241-1445

Reserve Your Exhibit Space WJTA 2019 drew record crowds to New Orleans, and attendees and returning exhibitors are excited for this year’s event following the 2020 cancellation. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect in person with a focused, high level audience interested in the latest services, technology and safety. Make your plans now to exhibit at WJTA 2021.

Why Attend WJTA 2021? • • • • • •

Exhibits with Heavy Equipment and Hands-on Robotics Outdoor Live Demonstrations Onsite Hydroblast Operator and Trainer Certification New Boot Camp Educational Seminars Asset Owner Educational Track Industry Appreciation Networking Reception

Registration Opens for the 2021 WJTA Conference & Expo Register now for the 2021 WJTA Conference & Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The Conference & Expo will be held October 27-28 with a daylong Pre-Conference Short Course on October 26. Don’t miss the WJTA’s return to in-person events! This is an opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and see the latest automation and equipment on the market, as well as learn about best practices, training developments and much more. Register online at www.WJTAExpo.com or call +1-314-241-1445.

Visit www.WJTAExpo.com for updates or call +1-314-241-1445 for more information. Organized by WJTA, the leading not-for-profit association serving waterjetting and industrial cleaning technology. WJTA leads the industry by establishing best practices recommendations; publishing industry news, articles and case studies; and facilitating member-to-member collaboration.