Join us October 28, 2024, at the renowned Wildcat Golf Club in Houston, TX, for a brand new WJTA member social event! The golf tournament is a new concept for WJTA to help provide a fun, relaxed environment where members can strengthen existing connections and build new ones with colleagues in the industry. Proceeds will benefit the WJTA Student Scholarship Fund and assist the WJTA’s mission to promote industry safety and recognition of the industrial cleaning trade. Team registration and a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for WJTA members. For more information, or to learn how you can get involved, contact Peter Wright or visit the event page at www.wjta.org.
Message from the President: Set It and Forget It!
By Jimmy Peck, WJTA President/MPW GM of Industrial Services
In case you haven’t heard, there’s a labor shortage. Not just for industrial services but for everybody! It’s impacting every single industry at every level. So, what are companies doing to bridge the gap between the number of people they need to operate effectively and the number of people available in the workforce?
Simply put, they’re automating. Essentially, creating new employees. According to Deloitte—a multinational professional services network—achieving desired business results in today’s world requires a high-performance blend of humans with machines, automation with artificial intelligence, and business analytics with data science.
For example, automation of coding activities required for billing and clinical documentation nearly doubled from 15% in 2020 to 27% in 2022. And more than 50% of banking and financial organization CEOs are embracing process automation to simplify operations. Similarly, a study by McKinsey shows the use of automation in non-
industrial companies overall has grown by more than 50% since 2016.
The same study showed that just the use of robotics alone has increased 40% since 2016 in industrial environments. Today, there are trends out there that are mirroring this in the industrial cleaning space. Our suppliers are brewing some fantastic technologies! In fact, one member supplier developed a heat exchanger cleaning tool that combines AI software and sensors to automatically position high pressure nozzles to perform the cleaning process.
Here at MPW we developed a robotic blast booth for Toyota to clean metal parts. And we’re developing an XY system with servo motors that automatically cleans a filtration baffle, which manually would have to be cleaned with a short-barrel waterjet gun in a confined space. This new device will keep technicians out of harm’s way while being extremely reliable and consistent.
continued on page 4
Jet News is published by the WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA) and is a benefit of membership in the Association.
All these “set it and forget it” robotics (that was Ronco founder Ron Popeil’s favorite saying, if you remember) started with a need to remove people from the danger zone. In 2024, many sophisticated asset owners are requiring it, leading-edge contractors are demanding it, and advanced suppliers are working diligently to meet those demands. There are conscientious asset owners (customers) who are saying enough is enough and insisting on automation and robotics. It’s time, they say, for a change. Anything less is unacceptable.
From a contractor’s perspective, if it’s being required of you now and you don’t have an autonomous mindset, it’s too late. If it’s not yet being required, it’s strongly suggested that you get out ahead of it and begin investing, because it will soon be the norm. The technology bar is being raised at exponential speed, which is yet another reason to join the WJTA and help raise the tide for everybody.
The current labor shortage is just one of the factors that’s driving technology advancement. The shortage is forcing companies to automate in order to bridge the gap between the people they need and the people who are available. Ironically, the use of robotic technology will actually create more of a demand for human workers, but this new demand will be for operators, programmers, researchers and generally more technical positions.
So, automation is really a headcount transition from manual blasters to technology-based operators who can
Chairman of the Board
Kerry Siggins
Email: kerry.siggins @stoneagetools.com
Phone: (970) 259-2869
President
Jimmy Peck
Email: jpeck
@mpwservices.com
Mobile: (740) 808-0460
Office: (740) 927-8790
Vice President
David Beckum
Email: d.beckum
@augustaindustrial.com
Phone: (706) 798-8437
take advantage of career advancement and opportunities. And ultimately, it helps us solve some of the labor shortage issues.
Without a doubt, industrial cleaning of the future will look far different than industrial cleaning today. The future will not just be hands-free waterjetting; it will be robotic autonomous waterjetting. There will be a human being who is setting up and programming a robot to perform a task or tasks that would require dozens or hundreds of people to do today. The future is now; let’s all be ready for it!
Sincerely,
Jimmy Peck, President Office: (740)927-8790
Mobile: (740)808-0460
MPW Industrial Services, Hebron, Ohio
For more information:
Peter Wright
WJTA Association Manager Office: (314)241-1445
Email: WrightP@wjta.org
P.S. Don’t forget to register for the WJTA’s inaugural golf tournament scheduled on Monday, October 28th at Wildcat Golf Club in Houston, Texas. It’s going to be spectacular! You won’t want to miss it and if you haven’t already, sign up to be a sponsor. To learn more, visit www.wjta.org. ■
WJTA Administration
Treasurer
Drew Waltenbaugh
Email: drew.waltenbaugh @nlbusa.com
Phone: (248) 624-5555 Ext. 10167
Secretary
James W. Ashmead
Email: james.w.ashmead @usa.dupont.com
Phone: (302) 695-1173
Association Managers
Mark S. Birenbaum, Ph.D.
LeAnn Hampton
Peter Wright
2023-2025 Directors
Richard Bass
Email: richard.bass @kuraray.com
Phone: (281) 221-4668
Hans Borgt
Email: hgborgt @dow.com
Phone: [31](61)4772124
Jerry Carter
Email: jerryc@spirstar.com
Phone: (281) 664-7800
Bradley Coble
Email: bradley.coble @covestro.com
Phone: (281) 383-5971
Dee Green
Email: dgreen @usadebusk.com
Phone: (832) 205-1622
Bill Krupowicz
Email: bkrupowicz @waterblast.com
Phone: (832) 590-1347
Bill Shaw
Email: bill.shaw@enais.com
Phone: (281) 478-5800
Ext. 211
In Memoriam – Richard Kevin “Catfish” Jackson
Richard Kevin Jackson of Savannah, GA, passed away on April 4, 2024.
He was the founder, president and chief executive officer of EnviroVac Holdings, LLC, a provider of industrial cleaning and environmental services in the southeast. Jackson founded the company in May 1999 with four employees. His leadership and passion have become benchmarks for his tenure at the helm of the company that now has over 800 employees. Jackson was a strong proponent for employee safety, and his goal was to ensure that every employee was properly trained, safe, and went home to their families at the end of the workday.
Jackson was born on June 2, 1961. He graduated from Carterville High School, Carterville, GA, and attended the University of Georgia where he was a three-year letterman on the University of Georgia football team and was a co-captain in his senior season and a defensive tackle on the 1980 team that beat Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl to claim the national crown. Jackson enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, golfing and loved sharing his many passions with friends and family.
360.866.1337 dtiinside.com info@dtiinside.com
Locally, he served on several boards, received numerous awards over the years, and was a friend and benefactor to many charities.
He is survived by Libby, his wife and soulmate of over 40 years, his children and their spouses, Elizabeth and Tyler Sumner, Kev and Kate Jackson, Mary Margaret and Thomas Cone and eight precious grandchildren, Jackson, Baker, Field, Trip, Sara Collins, Will, Luke, and #8, along with several nieces and nephews.
For more information visit https://www.legacy. com/us/obituaries/atlanta/name/kevin-jacksonobituary?id=54816163. ■
Safety Corner – Equip Your Fleet Vehicles to Elevate Employee Safety
By Luis Garcia, President, Gulf Coast Region, Würth Industry
When your place of work has wheels, you never know what your day will bring. Weather, traffic, and mechanical failures present daily challenges and add stress.
You can overcome some of this stress, strengthen your company’s safety culture, and help your workers manage emergencies by providing your fleet vehicles with a few easy-to-find supplies. If your organization utilizes box trucks, cargo vans, vacuum trucks, courier vehicles, flat beds, or dump trucks, make sure they’re equipped with these vital safety items, as well as check their stock and usability during routine maintenance.
1. First Aid Kit: Important for any vehicle, a first aid kit is crucial for a work vehicle. Be sure it contains all the essentials for emergencies on the road, such as bandages, antiseptics, dressing pads, tape, and scissors. Some fleets may also consider a portable automated external defibrillator (AED).
2. Fire Extinguisher: An OSHA requirement for commercial trucks, buses, and tractors, fire extinguishers might make the difference in saving a vehicle or even your life. Regular inspections should be carried out to ensure they’re in working condition.
3. Spare Tire and Repair Kit: Did you know that tire issues make up over 50% of roadside breakdowns? For severe punctures and blowouts, a spare tire and portable jack are great for experienced drivers who can manage the repair. An air compressor for refilling tires is also handy, as is a tire gauge, even for vehicles that also have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
4. Emergency Triangles and Kits: These are essential to perform a safe emergency stop on a highway or shoulder. Three reflective red warning triangles placed in the right locations, at the proper distance from a stopped vehicle, will let other drivers know to use caution and proceed carefully.
Emergency triangles are typically available in comprehensive highway safety emergency kits, which may include other safety items such as reflectors and roadside flares.
5. Hi-Vis Clothing: Drivers exiting the vehicle after a breakdown or accident are at high risk from passing cars. A hi-vis jacket or vest makes drivers more visible to other motorists, especially during storms or low-light conditions.
6. Inclement Weather Supplies: Winter weather won’t be around for several months, but that shouldn’t prevent you from thinking ahead. Your drivers will appreciate it.
• Blanket
• Insulated clothes: jacket, hat, gloves
• Snow shovel
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Traction mats or kitty litter for tire traction
7. The Basics: Don’t neglect the obvious! A breakdown potentially means a long wait for a tow truck or other assistance, so anything that lessens the inconvenience or makes it more comfortable is useful, such as nonperishable food and a case of water. A spare phone charger and vehicle adapter or an external power bank is handy to ensure that a driver can contact help.
Turnover rates for drivers are high, so addressing health and safety concerns can have a positive impact on worker satisfaction and retention. If you have any questions about how you can equip your fleet vehicles with the right supplies, please give the technical support reps at Würth Industry a call at 800-922-8553. They’ll give you the information you need to make the right choices to keep everyone safe on the job. ■
Leadership Essentials – Why Leaders Need to Protect Their Time
By Kerry Siggins, CEO, StoneAge Tools, and Chairman of the WJTA Board
Leaders
need to value their time. Why? In the dynamic world of leadership, the saying “time is money” becomes an even more important reality: time is opportunity. And if you’re overloaded with emails, meetings, and frequent distractions like me, you may be at a loss on how to protect your time.
The Leader’s Time Conundrum
Leadership often shoves leaders into the paradox of availability: the more accessible you are, the less available you actually become for the things that truly matter. A study by McKinsey revealed that senior executives spend more than 28% of their working hours reading and answering emails. That’s nearly a third of their workweek, not strategizing, innovating, or leading, but wading through an inbox! I’ve found that working from home a day or two a week helps me with the availability paradox. I strive to be an accessible leader and my door is mostly open when I am in the office, but I also need time to think deeply, work on strategy, and stay up to speed on the latest advancements in business and innovation. Working from home allows me to do this – as long as I don’t fill my day with meetings.
Then there’s the myth of multitasking – the revered skill in the modern job description. Yet, neuroscience debunks this myth, particularly for leaders. Research indicates that task-switching can reduce productivity by up to 40%. For leaders whose decisions carry significant weight, the cost of diminished focus is not just in hours lost but in opportunities missed and errors made. As it turns out, our brains like focusing on one thing at a time. I’ve made a concerted effort to reduce multitasking and found I’m more present and productive. And I enjoy my work more!
Leaders also need to make time for deep work. Cal Newport’s “Deep Work” concept – the ability to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks – is critical for leaders who want to be successful. At StoneAge, our strategy is born in deep work and where we find innovative solutions to complex problems. Do you know what a killer of deep work is? Too many meetings. In fact, a Harvard Business School survey found that 65% of senior managers confessed that meetings keep them from completing their own work. The meeting issue is challenging to solve, and I would be remiss to say that
we’ve figured out the problem of “too many meetings” at StoneAge. That being said, leaders must become the architects of their time, carving out blocks for uninterrupted thought and creativity.
The Ripple Effect of Leadership Focus
Leaders set the tempo and tone of their organizations. A leader buried in administrative tasks and endless meetings signals that this is what valued work looks like. On the contrary, a leader who prioritizes strategic thinking, team development, and high-impact projects inspires their team to emulate these practices. It’s not just about protecting your time; it’s about modeling how to use time effectively for your entire organization.
Strategies for Time Protection
So, how do you go about protecting your time? Here are a few strategies I employ:
1. Audit Your Time: Keep a log for a week to see where your time is going. Identify time-drains and strategize how to eliminate or delegate them. A time log will help you understand how you are currently spending your time and where you can make changes to be more efficient.
2. Time-Blocking: Dedicate specific blocks of time for emails, meetings, and deep work. Guard these blocks fiercely, as you would a meeting with your most important customer. Time-blocking will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
3. Learn to Say No: Every “yes” to a new commitment is a “no” to something else, potentially more critical. Evaluate opportunities through the lens of your strategic priorities, which will help you prioritize your time and focus on what is most important. Remember, no is a complete sentence.
4. Leverage Technology: Technology can help you save time and be more productive, so use tools that automate repetitive tasks and manage your schedule efficiently. But beware, technology should be a servant, not your master.
5. Cultivate a Culture of Respect for Time: Encourage your team to adopt similar practices. Make it known that you value deep work and strategic thinking over mere busyness. Role modeling
continued on page 12
Leadership Essentials – Why Leaders Need to Protect Their Time
time protection will create a culture that values time and productivity, not busyness.
Protecting time isn’t just about finding more hours in the day; it’s about ensuring you spend your hours on the work that truly matters. It’s about leading by example and setting a culture that values depth over breadth and quality over quantity.
If you found these tips helpful, please consider buying my new book, The Ownership Mindset: A Handbook for Transforming Your Life and Leadership. You can find it on Amazon or my website: www.kerrysiggins. com.
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 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 to grow both personally and professionally. She is also the chairman of the WJTA board. For more information, contact Kerry Siggins at kerry. siggins@stoneagetools.com. To read her blog, visit kerrysiggins.com/blog. ■
Burton Hydro-Vac specializes in industrial cleaning in environments ranging from refineries, chemical plants, mines and quarries.
Those familiar with Texas geography might know that driving about as far west as you can will bring you to the town of El Paso. Venture around in the city and you’ll eventually find a company by the name of Burton Hydro-Vac Services. Talk to the down-toearth, hardworking employees and they might tell you a story about how some products and a partnership with a company in east Texas transformed their day-to-day operations.
With DrillJet Tube Cleaning Nozzles, Burton Hydro-Vac reduced the time it takes to clean a tube bundle for inspection, saving customers money by decreasing costly downtime.
purchased their first Jetstream waterblasting pump. Jetstream’s product line and service offering brought to light an intriguing opportunity for an ongoing relationship between Burton Hydro-Vac and the manufacturer, especially when it came to the pipe and tube cleaning side of the business.
Burton Hydro-Vac, a company of 50 employees, owns 17 vacuum trucks and 5 Jetstream waterblasting units. The company specializes in industrial cleaning in environments ranging from refineries, chemical plants, mines and quarries. They serve customers all over Texas, Utah and the surrounding states. The team keeps quite busy and at the end of the day, there is always more work that could be done. That’s why when they ran into a Jetstream team member at the 2016 WJTA show in New Orleans, they were intrigued by what he had to say. Interested in the potential results and proven benefits Jetstream discussed with them, the Burton Hydro-Vac team
Trouble with tube cleaning
Burton Hydro-Vac has increased their speed and reduced operational costs for tube cleaning jobs with a switch to DrillJet Tube Cleaning Nozzles.
A few years later, the Burton Hydro-Vac crew was still happy with their Jetstream pumps but running into some challenges with their tube cleaning jobs. On site working on an El Paso client’s evaporator that kept plugging up, the Burton Hydro-Vac team began drilling with a set of tube cleaning nozzles they had purchased from a different manufacturer. While they were working fairly well for the job, the problem was that after just 8 to 10 hours the nozzles would snap and curl, causing significant delays and additional cost, cutting into the company’s profit margin. That’s when Chuck Burton, owner of Burton Hydro-Vac, decided to place a call to his Jetstream sales representative.
After listening to what Burton had to say, Jetstream sent information on their DrillJet™ Tube Cleaning Nozzle. He ordered a few right off the bat and immediately noticed a difference.
“We went from 10 hours maximum runtime with our previous nozzles to 50 hours with the DrillJets,” Burton said. “Combined with the fact that our drilling increased by almost triple the speed, it’s safe to say Jetstream has a pretty happy customer.”
continued on page 16
• Available with your company’s color and logo.
An East Texas Nozzle Travels West from page 14
The difference made by new nozzles
On that El Paso evaporator unit, rather than going through 15-20 nozzles each 18-hour shift, Burton HydroVac could buy three DrillJets and be set for the week. Burton estimates by switching to DrillJets, they saved a minimum of $5,700 per job, a 75% cost reduction compared to completing the same project with their original set of tube cleaning nozzles.
One success doesn’t always mean it’s repeatable, so the Burton Hydro-Vac team brought a DrillJet to a water recovery unit cleaning job to see what it could do. The normal benchmark for this job was going through about three per shift, so when a 13-millimeter DrillJet nozzle lasted the entire 40-hour week, Burton Hydro-Vac knew they’d never go back.
Benefits flow to the customer
When it comes to Burton Hydro-Vac’s customers, speed — while important — is not the only thing they’re concerned with. Heat exchangers go through a cleanliness inspection after cleaning and if they fail, it creates additional downtime and expense for the operation. With DrillJets, Burton Hydro-Vac immediately drove both speed and efficiency to new heights.
“With our older nozzles, we were doing two or three passes to get a bundle clean enough for inspection,” Burton said. “One pass with a DrillJet and we already have a cleaner tube in a fraction of the time, saving our customers money and allowing us to get their equipment back into service more quickly.”
Successful inspections and time savings mean that Burton Hydro-Vac can take on more jobs — in some cases, taking them right out of the hands of the competition — than they might have in the past. An oil refinery in Texas offered them their first opportunity to do so. When a large oil company took over the site, they naturally brought in an industrial cleaning company they had used in the past for blasting and getting tubes ready for inspection in addition to the Burton team that was already on site. At six to seven passes for each tube, the competitive company could not keep up with Burton Hydro-Vac’s rate of just one. The customer noticed too and gave Burton and his team the rest of the work. Before long, Burton Hydro-Vac was taking up too much space with clean bundles that the oil refinery couldn’t take back fast enough — a good problem to have according to both customer and contractor alike.
Additional advantages
Time, efficiency and competitive advantages are not the only things Burton Hydro-Vac gains with DrillJet and their partnership with Jetstream. Customer loyalty, fuel savings and heightened safety also come to mind for their team. However, perhaps most importantly, the service and support they receive from Jetstream has made a world of difference.
“Jetstream is not just another manufacturer,” Burton said. “After the sale, the Jetstream team doesn’t disappear, but actually serves as a true partner to our business and constantly offer their expertise and support to ensure we have the products and knowledge we need to best serve our own customers.”
continued on page 18
Jetstream’s DrillJet Tube Cleaning Nozzle features a compact design to navigate and clean tubes, with configuration options for standard cleaning and polishing or for blasting through tough build-ups and blockages.
The DrillJet Tube Cleaning Nozzle offers durability and efficiency for small-diameter tube cleaning applications with a wide selection of flow rates and sizes.
INCREASE HOSE PERFOMANCE & OPTIMIZE UPTIME.
Parflex new PFX waterblast hoses feature working pressures up to 55ksi and low volumetric expansion. The compact design promotes easy handling to reduce operator fatigue. They also help prevent failures by incorporating a Colorgard™ sheath under the jacket to give operators easy visualization of core tube erosion for more efficient product inspections and reduced unscheduled downtime.
PFX sizes available:
PFX38-05 8mm 55ksi
PFX38-05TJ 8mm 55ksi
PFX30-05 8mm 43ksi
PFX30-05TJ 8mm 43ksi
PFX25-05-TJ 8mm 36ksi
To learn more about increasing hose performance and optimizing uptime and safety, please visit us at parker.com/parflex
An East Texas Nozzle Travels West from page 16
A Prosperous Partnership
An El Paso based company drove all the way to New Orleans to meet a manufacturer from the other side of the state. Chuck Burton from Burton Hydro-Vac services is grateful they did.
Write for Jet News
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What to Submit:
• New product/service announcements and photos
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Jet News also welcomes letters to the editor. For more information contact LeAnn Hampton. Call (314)241-1445 or email HamptonL@wjta.org
“Burton Hydro-Vac may be the ‘little guy,’ but that doesn’t mean we take our work lightly,” Burton said. “At the end of the day, we are continually looking for ways to improve our business and ability to serve our customers. That is exactly
what the DrillJet and our partnership with Jetstream allows for.”
For more information, visit www.waterblast.com ■
Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment
The text below is excerpted from the WJTA’s Industry Best Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment, Second Edition, Section 6.0 –Operational And Training Requirements. Refer to the Industry Best Practices for complete details.
6.0 Operational And Training Requirements
6.1 Qualified Operators – Only personnel who have undergone a proper training program, and who have demonstrated the required knowledge and skill, and gained the experience to perform all likely assigned tasks shall operate high pressure waterjet equipment.
6.2 Training – Before being assigned to their first high pressure waterjet job, employees shall receive proper training. This training shall include, at a minimum, coverage of all items listed in these Industry Best Practices. A proper training program will be formally organized and aimed at imparting information and instructions to improve the students’ performance and ensure the required level of knowledge and skill. It should include specific objectives and be approved by the employer.
6.3 Cutting Action – The cutting action of a high pressure waterjet and the potential hazard it poses to the human body shall be demonstrated through the use of audiovisual aids or actual use of equipment (by cutting through a concrete block, a piece of meat, a piece of lumber, etc.).
6.4 Personal Protective Equipment – The minimum personal protective equipment shall be explained. Instructions shall be given as to when and how specific clothing and other types of protective devices shall be worn according to the type of work performed, locations, etc.
6.5 System Operation – The operation of high pressure waterjet systems shall be explained by pointing out potential problems and proper corrective actions.
6.6 Operating Pressure – It shall be made clear not to operate equipment above the manufacturer’s recommended working pressure of the lowest rated component.
6.7 Control Devices – The operation of all control devices shall be explained and demonstrated. The importance of not tampering with any control devices, as well as the importance of keeping them in proper working order, shall be stressed.
6.8 Equipment Maintenance – The importance of the proper and timely care and maintenance of high pressure waterjet equipment shall be presented. Instructions shall be provided on the procedures to follow in maintaining equipment and when the equipment must be returned for care by more qualified employees.
Stress that equipment shall not be repaired, or connections tightened, when the unit is in operation or the pump is running.
6.9 Hose – The proper method of identifying and connecting hoses, including avoiding kinks, tying off on vertical runs, protecting hoses from excessive wear, identifying worn or unsafe hoses, and proper tools to use on couplings and fittings, shall be explained.
Stress that fittings and couplings on hoses should not be tightened or tampered with while the hose is pressurized and that whip checks shall be used across hose connections.
6.10 Stance – The proper stance for sound footing and how to use the various devices for lancing, shotgunning, and moleing shall be demonstrated. The trainee, under close supervision, shall be trained to use the various devices while the unit is slowly pressurized until it is operating at its normal working capacity. It shall be stressed that waterjetting off a ladder is never acceptable.
6.11 Proficiency – Proficiency should be evidenced through written evaluation, documented training, on-the-job skills training, or any other dependable means of validating and recording knowledge and skill.
continued on page 24
Figure 8. Demonstrating appropriate stance.
Safe Operation of Industrial Vacuum Equipment – Recommended Practices
Following is an excerpt from the WJTA’s Recommended Practices for the Use of Industrial Vacuum Equipment, Fourth Edition, Section 4.0 – Getting Started. See the complete Vacuum Recommended Practices manual for detailed safety recommendations.
4.0 Getting Started
4.1 Do’s and Don’ts
Manufacturers cannot possibly know, evaluate, and advise the service trade of all conceivable ways in which operation or service might be done or the possible hazardous consequences of each operation. Anyone who uses operational procedures, service procedures, or tools, whether recommended by manufacturer or not, should first be thoroughly satisfied that the chosen method will not jeopardize personal or product safety.
The owner/operator/user is responsible for the safe use and application of this equipment and proper waste disposal. Transportation and disposal of waste may be subject to local, state, or federal laws.
Safety is the primary concern in all operations and is everybody’s responsibility. The operators of any equipment should always be aware and alert to any potentially unsafe condition due to its size, weight, center of gravity, operating capabilities, or maneuverability. If a question or concern in this regard exists, the matter should be discussed with the supervisor before operating the machine. Constantly evaluate the safety concerns as you go. Shortcuts that bypass safety devices for the sake of production jeopardize everyone’s safety and should not be done. Doing a job well is doing it in a safe, efficient, timely, and economical manner. Safety of the operator and other personnel
involved is the primary concern and overrides everything else. Safe operation requires well maintained equipment. Constantly monitor the condition of your equipment, not only before operating it but, also during and after the end of operations.
4.2 General Safety Precautions
1. Do not alter system components. System components should be used only as intended.
2. Wear appropriate protective equipment, such as a hard hat, safety glasses, visor and/ or goggles, ear protection, rain suit, chemical resistant suit, safety-toe shoes or boots with non skid soles and chemical resistant gloves. Correct personal protectiveequipment (PPE) requirements may vary based on the scope of work being performed.
3. Work area should be clear and clean for good visibility and footing.
4. Only trained personnel should operate, perform maintenance, or repair the unit. If a malfunction occurs, immediately stop and follow repair procedures.
5. Clean the inside of the vacuum tank and cyclone and baghouse compartment (if present) thoroughly between jobs to prevent cross contamination.
6. Exercise extra caution when operating the unit inside a building. Operating in confined areas can create additional risks to the unit, operators, and building occupants.Engine exhaust gas can reach deadly levels. Heat buildup from the engine and blower discharge can overheat people and
equipment. Vacuum pump exhaust gases may also create a hazard.
7. All operations should be staffed with sufficient personnel to safely execute the work.
8. Perform a visual inspection of the cab to ensure warning tags have not been attached, indicating a possible problem with the equipment. If warning tags are present, equipment should not be operated until repaired.
9. Ensure long hair is tied back and do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can catch on controls or other parts of the machine. Wearing finger rings is not recommended.
10. Ensure that all protective guards and covers are in place.
11. Keep the machine free of foreign materials especially on the walkways and steps. Loose items such as lunch boxes, hoses, adaptors, and tools should be secured in an appropriate place. The operator compartment should be kept clean.
12. Keep windows clean for good visibility.
13. Know hand signals and who is to give them. Accept signals from only one person with the exception of the STOP signal, which should be accepted from anyone.
For complete details, refer to the WJTA’s Vacuum Equipment Recommended Practices. The manual also includes a section covering hydroexcavation, updates to the prejob inspection checklist, and additional recommendations and updated continued on page 24
from page 20
6.12 Refresher Training - Operator retraining should take place at minimum every three (3) years. Retraining should be more frequent if a waterjet operator or team member is involved in an incident, deficiencies are noted in performance, or if the operator/team member requests training.
6.13 Additional Training – Additional regulatory or customer-mandated training may be required.
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. ■
Safe Operation of Industrial Vacuum Equipment from page 22
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/ offloading, equipment maintenance, and regulations and certifications.
Copies of the manual are available for purchase through the WJTA online store at www.wjta.org or by calling (314)241-1445. ■
The Art of Paying Attention
By Anthony Tagliaferro, EHS Manager, MPW Industrial Services
Complacency is basically being unaware of dangers or deficiencies because we are self-satisfied. Maybe we rely on and are comfortable with others, missing ownership or interest. Could be a false comfortable feeling leaving us unaware, so we skip completing a rigorous hazard assessment. Maybe we are overly confident, in ourselves or others, allowing our guard to drop.
It can happen to anyone, and it can lead to mistakes, injuries, and incidents. It can happen at any time – if you think and can prove “We are safe!” after putting in the effort to make work safe, you (and others) can still get complacent. We must find and stay aware of hazards to control them – through elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative or other control methods.
Make work safe. We work before and during jobs to create a safe environment, but sometimes we relax – we aren’t “worried” or focused, not paying enough attention to what could hurt or kill me or someone around me. Safe employees focus on environment, equipment, and conditions (including other workers) and are aware of hazards, and then they make the actual work/task safe to perform.
Complacent workers, on the other hand, can be seen going through the motions without thought or awareness. This increases risk for everyone. Therefore, complacency is a hazard to control for everyone, no matter age, experience, record, etc. We must stay ahead of complacency to reduce risk.
This high-pressure waterjetting community is just as susceptible to complacency as other industries. Our industry is full of experience and historical knowledge that can lead to familiarity which, in turn, leads to dangerous comfort levels with the inherent risks of waterjetting – and pressure washing.
Technicians in the industry work around and introduce hazards that fall into the ‘what can hurt me, what can kill me’ category. This means we must implement strategies that prevent complacency.
• Vigilance is a counterweight to complacency – focus on and encourage this principle.
• Make being engaged and calling out concerns early part of your work environment, culture and climate…communicate and show that discipline and professionalism matter.
• Make concentration a habit. Use the timing of breaks, rest and nutrition to fuel concentration; add small focus challenges during work to enhance vigilance.
• Control or limit distractions (e.g., can’t check a phone if it is out of reach) to discourage loss of focus on the task at hand.
• Make slight changes to daily schedules, eliminating monotony…basically, get off auto-pilot.
• Talk about complacency routinely – review job/task steps together, use examples from work, and point out complacency threats.
• Treat complacency like a hazard, something that could hurt or kill someone – if needed, add it to the job safety analysis to raise awareness.
• Don’t ignore the signs, in yourself or in others –react when you see or make “easy” mistakes, lose motivation, are easily distracted, fall short on goals or times, take shortcuts, or see quality decline.
• Point shortfalls out, routinely – sometimes we need someone else to highlight shortfalls or hazards…so, make it a positive, necessary habit.
What does winning look like?
If technicians participate in the JSA/JHA (Job Safety Analysis/Job Hazard Analysis) process and routinely talk about work hazards (“What could hurt or kill me?”) during the job, the team is fighting complacency.
If someone finishes a 40K project and you see them pressure washing equipment at 3K with the same adherence to the safe work principles set forth in the Orange Book, you are winning.
If crewmates use STOP WORK Authority without fear and have a routine that includes positive “check-ins” for each other’s work and attitude, complacency is being countered.
In closing, we can probably all use a reminder about attitude. Attitudes shape work. Consider shaping attitudes that honor vigilance and curiosity as much or more than routines and strict obedience to habit. Talk about humility and respect when teammates are cocky or dismissive of hazards. Work safe. ■
Department of Labor Announces Final Rule Updating the Hazard Communication Standard to Better Protect Workers, First Responders
The Department of Labor has announced a final rule from its Occupational Safety and Health Administration that will update the current Hazard Communication Standard to better protect workers by improving the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets and allow workers and first responders to react more quickly in an emergency. The updates take effect on July 19, 2024.
Aligned primarily with the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, the updated standard will require labels on small packaging to be more comprehensive and readable and makes changes to help ensure trade secrets no longer prevent workers and first responders from receiving critical hazard information on safety data sheets.
Workers will also benefit from other changes in the updated standard, including a clearer hazard classification process to provide more complete and accurate hazard
information on labels and safety data sheets; updated physical hazard classes to better inform users on safe handling of explosives, aerosols and chemicals under pressure; and updated precautionary statements on how to safely handle, store and dispose of hazardous chemicals.
The final rule also addresses issues that arose since the implementation of the 2012 standard and improves alignment with other federal agencies and Canada.
Established in 1983, the Hazard Communication Standard provides a standardized approach to workplace hazard communications associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals. OSHA updated the standard in 2012 to align with the third revision of the GHS to provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information.
For more information, visit www.osha.gov ■
Some Key Changes to the Hazard Communication Standard
• Updating definitions and classifications including revising classification criteria for certain chemical products such as aerosols, desensitized explosives and flammable gases, and creating a new hazard category – “Chemicals Under Pressure”
• Requiring that hazard classifications consider the “reasonably anticipated uses” of a chemical
• Updating the labeling requirements for “Small containers” (100 mL or less in volume) to no longer require complete hazard information if the immediate outer package contains it, with additional provisions for the labeling of “very small containers” (3 mL or less)
• Changes to how chemical manufacturers can claim concentration ranges as trade secrets
The final rule is effective July 19, 2024, with an implementation timeline of 18 months for manufacturers of substances and 36 months for manufactures of mixtures from that date.
ASSP Publishes First Standard on Heat Stress in Construction
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has published the first national voluntary consensus standard addressing heat stress for workers in construction and demolition operations. Hundreds of thousands of workers frequently face outdoor hazards such as high heat and humidity.
“This new industry consensus standard is an important development because there is no federal regulation focused on heat stress,” said ASSP President Jim Thornton, CSP, CIH, FASSP, FAIHA. “Employers need expert guidance on how to manage heat-related risks. They must have the tools and resources to identify and help prevent work hazards before an incident occurs.”
ANSI/ASSP A10.50-2024, Heat Stress Management in Construction and Demolition Operations, offers guidance on protecting workers; explains how to acclimate workers to high heat conditions; and provides requirements for training employees and supervisors. The standard contains checklists and flowcharts designed to help companies develop clear and effective heat stress management programs that bridge the regulatory gap.
“There are thousands of heat-related illnesses on job sites every year, and workers have died from exposure to excessive heat,” said John Johnson, CSP, chair of the ANSI/ASSP A10 standards committee. “This new standard outlines industry best practices and proven solutions to protect workers who commonly do strenuous jobs in challenging conditions.”
The A10.50 standard identifies engineering and administrative controls a company can implement to ensure that workers get proper rest, water breaks and shade while still meeting business needs. Recommendations such as medical monitoring and using a buddy system can reduce
risks and help prevent heat-related illnesses in many work environments.
While the scope of the standard focuses on construction and demolitions, the guidance can be adapted to protect workers performing other outdoor jobs such as tree trimming, farming, road maintenance and pipeline painting.
The impacts of heat stress can range from mild symptoms such as heat rash and heat cramps to severe conditions including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 400 work-related deaths have been caused by environmental heat exposure since 2011. The standard includes a detailed emergency response plan if a worker has a severe reaction to excessive heat.
The A10.50 subcommittee that wrote the standard consisted of 30 safety and health experts from businesses, trade unions, consulting firms, universities and government agencies. The inclusive process took three years.
Voluntary consensus standards provide the latest expert guidance and fill gaps where federal standards don’t exist. Companies rely on them to drive improvement, injury prevention and sustainability. With government regulations being slow to change and often out of date, federal compliance is not sufficient to protect workers.
ASSP leads the development of voluntary consensus standards for the workplace. In its last fiscal year, ASSP created, reaffirmed or revised 15 standards, technical reports and guidance documents, engaging 1,400 safety experts who represented 500 organizations.
Visit www.assp.org for more information. ■
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.
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.
Safety First, Last, and Always
Contributed by TST Sweden AB
Working with high-pressure water is known to be a high-risk job. Just a small slip-up or tiny mistake could have disastrous consequences and result in lifealtering injuries. But by knowing the risks, you can reduce or even eliminate them, meaning that making risk assessments a daily habit could very well be the difference between life and death.
SVB is a Swedish company that provides industrial and environmental remediation services and concrete and surface treatment work for corporate customers in the industrial, construction, and real estate sectors. They are aware of the risks when working with high water pressure and are constantly working on bettering the safety of their operators.
“Before we start any job we do an evaluation together with the team. Here we look at where the job is taking place, how many operators are needed, and any potential dangers with the job. Then we work out how to eliminate them,” says Viktor Lövstedt, business area manager for industrial cleaning at SVB.
Like every worksite, every high-pressure water job is different and so is the risk it poses. To protect operators, passersby, machines, and the environment there’s a need to plan. To make a sufficient risk assessment, it is a good idea that the operator performing the tasks assesses with the one who knows the local risks the best, the client.
“Once our operators arrive at a new worksite, they do a risk assessment with the client where local risks and risks with our work in their environment are identified. It could be anything from the risk of falling objects and collapse to chemicals and hazardous gases. The clients know the location best and the operators know the risk of
the job itself and together they will get a great overview of potential risks. Then we look that we have the right skills, the right operator for the job, that we possess sufficient work permits and adequate protective clothing and equipment,” says Viktor Lövstedt.
A big part of keeping the operator safe is making sure they’re wearing appropriate protective clothing. TST Sweden has a wide range of protective clothing for pressures up to 3,000 bar / 43,500 psi. Their revolutionary comfort and compliance combined with the fact that products are CE certified, tested and of the highest quality, have made them SVB’s and many others' first choice. TST Sweden and their distributors are more than happy to help with the right PPE.
“When determining the necessary protective clothing for a specific job, the first step is to assess the required water pressure, flow, and nozzles, and select the appropriate level of protection thereafter. Then you look at what areas of the body require protection. Will they be hot or cold during the work shift? If the operator works in a warm environment, it’s a good idea to have protective clothing with ventilation as an option. Another thing to take into consideration is what type of positions the operator will work in – will they have to move, climb, and crawl or will they be stationary? If operators are comfortable, they’re a lot more likely to be wearing their protective clothing. Meaning that they’re also a lot safer,” says Peder Lindström, market and sales director at TST Sweden.
Once you have made sure the operator is properly protected it could be, depending on the worksite, relevant to also protect both machinery and passersby. In a lot of workplaces, there are often electronics and machinery
continued on page 30
A safe workplace is achieved through knowledge, planning and the right protection.
With TST Sweden’s protective curtains, several operators can work at the same time in a smaller workspace.
sensitive to water that cannot be moved. Protection for these is usually built with, for example, plywood or metal. But an easier, smoother option is to use TST’s protective curtains. They help to block and shield off the work site, making the work area smaller and protecting both people, machinery, and the environment by hindering stones, concrete, and dirty water from flying everywhere. Beyond physical protection, the protective curtains contribute to a quieter work environment and help contain hazardous air and contaminated water, making the work site safer in more than one way.
Another thing that is important to protect, and where the requirements for the industry to act are increasing, is the environment.
TST Sweden offers products for collecting contaminated water. Their Safety Funnel is used during the cleaning of heat exchangers, and soon the company will launch the Safety Pipe Cap for pipe cleaning.
No matter how many precautions you take, accidents can still happen, but if you’re properly prepared the outcome can be less severe. Make sure to know what procedures to follow if disaster strikes. Take notice of the evacuation plan and routines on your current work location, and whether to directly contact emergency services or the facility’s control room if an accident were to happen. And remember to always put safety first. ■
The Safety Funnel offers a safer, time-saving and more environmentally friendly way of cleaning heat exchangers.
Water pressure, flow and type of nozzles are just some of the factors that affect the type of PPE the operator should wear.
Warthog
Warthog is partnering with Germany based Duebre, as the exclusive distributor of Duebre static nozzles for North America. This collaboration combinesWarthog’s commitment to quality and innovation with Duebre’s cutting-edge static nozzle technology. As a result of this partnership, customers in North America can now access
Duebre through Warthog. With this distribution agreement, Warthog aims to meet the growing demand for highperformance static nozzles in the North American market.
“We are excited to be the official distributor of Duebre static nozzles for North America,” said Jason Flemming, global senior sales manager at Warthog. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to offering top-tier products to our customers. Duebre’s static nozzles are a perfect addition to our product portfolio, providing cutting-edge solutions for various industries.”
Warthog will offer a comprehensive range of Duebre static nozzles, ensuring that customers have access to the latest advancements in nozzle technology. The partnership aims to enhance the efficiency and performance of operations across industries that rely on precision-based solutions.
For more information, visit www.warthog-nozzles.com. ■
Tube Tech Mark 7 Rover Patented Convection Section Cleaning System
Tube Tech’s next-generation Mark 7 fired heater rover system is capable of remotely eradicating more than 90% of convection section fouling. Developed in-house at Tube Tech’s R&D facility in Rayleigh, UK, the Mark 7 rover can automatically crawl over intermediate tube support plates and across tubes, requiring fewer access points and enhancing its ability to access hard-to-reach areas. This defining feature enables the system to clean more in less time.
The new system features lidar technology for distance sensing and detects blockages or obstructions. Live HD footage provides technicians with real-time feedback from within the convection bank providing an accurate representation of its condition and any areas of concern. Images and videos can also be used for reporting and analysis.
Commenting on the development of the technology, Derek Sumsion, R&D manager, said, “We have been developing the Mark 7 rover to be the safest, most effective and intelligent system on the market capable of restoring convection section efficiency to design standards. Becoming part of the IGS portfolio of solutions has provided us with access to a broader spectrum of advance technologies and expertise, which has made the development of this system possible.”
The Mark 7 rover restores fired heater convection sections back to original design thermal efficiency regardless of the level or type of fouling, dramatically reducing CO2 emissions.
Scott Donson, VP – International Business Development and Technical Operations at Tube Tech, commented, “The launch of the Mark 7 rover indicates a significant stepchange in heat transfer efficiency solutions and provides facilities with a much safer, effective, smarter, and sustainable fouling removal service.”
For more information, visit www.tubetech.com. ■
Duebre Static Nozzles
Tube Tech Mark 7 Rover
Aquajet Extender Provides Efficiency-Boosting Flexibility to Aqua Cutter 750V
Once attached to the robot, the Extender can work within height differences of about 4 feet (1.2 meters).
Aquajet’s new Extender accessory is a flexible addition to the Aqua Cutter 750V that easily adapts to surfaces with height variations in overhead, below-grade or constrained-space applications. The Extender comes with a hydraulic hose package that allows easy mounting on the robot, with no need for additional hydraulics or other equipment.
“The Extender sets a new standard for precision and adaptability in hydrodemolition,” said Roger Simonsson, Aquajet managing director. “Projects sometimes require concrete removal in tricky spots or angles. We designed this tool to offer optimal versatility and flexibility for those unique jobs.”
Contractors can quickly and easily attach the Extender to the Aqua Cutter’s tower to perform hydrodemolition on areas such as sloped roofs or roofs with varying heights.
Contractors can quickly and easily attach the Extender to the Aqua Cutter’s tower to perform hydrodemolition on areas such as sloped roofs or roofs with varying heights up to 4 feet (1.2 meters).
Additionally, the Extender shines in below-grade applications such as ditches or canals where the concrete surface requiring removal lies up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) below grade level. The Extender can easily be mounted and removed based on the needs of the job.
The Extender additionally shines in below-grade applications such as ditches or canals where the concrete surface requiring removal lies up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) below grade level.
With its full side shift capability, the Extender also enhances side operations between beams on structures like bridges and parking garages, extending up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) to either side. The extended capability for sideways applications requires the smaller protection cover over the power head. This function is especially beneficial in confined or tight spaces.
Visit www.aquajet.se for more information. ■
The Extender comes with a hydraulic hose package that allows easy mounting on the robot, with no need for additional hydraulics or other equipment.
Jetstream Boosts Pipe Cleaning Productivity with J-Force™ Waterblasting Tool
Jetstream of Houston, LLP, has introduced a new 40,000-psi model of its 4-inch J-Force™ pipe cleaning tool. Designed for durability, this selfpowered rotating nozzle uses seven jets to clean and clear scale, hard carbon and polymer, sludge or other blockages in industrial pipes with 90-degree bends. The newest addition nearly doubles the cleaning power of the manufacturer’s 22,000-psi models and is ideal for tackling tough blockages. This new J-Force model joins a suite of size options that boost productivity and profitability while minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.
Jetstream’s J-Force features front, side, and rear jets that provide thrust to navigate the tool through the pipes as well as clean and clear blockages.
This signature tool operates with minimal maintenance thanks to Jetstream’s patented cartridge-style high-pressure seal design. This technology features permanently lubricated seal bearings to eliminate the need for oil and goes hand in hand with Jetstream’s eddy-current magnetic braking system. The 40,000 psi J-Force includes a replaceable wear ring to protect the body, and operators can replace seals quickly in the field with common hand tools. Combined, these innovations equip the J-Force to maximize uptime in the field by efficiently clearing blockages and providing a long wear life.
considering that most models can be rebuilt in the field in less than five minutes. Jetstream’s patented seal cartridge technology streamlines the rebuild process.
The J-Force features front, side, and rear jets that provide thrust to navigate the tool through the pipes as well as clean and clear blockages. The tool is compatible with industry-standard inlet connections. The newest model, a second version of the 4-inch J-Force, can operate from 23,000-40,000 psi (1,500-3,000 bar), which delivers a powerful punch in removing buildup for a 360-degree clean. Additionally, Jetstream offers four size options to clean tubes as small as 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) and as large as 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) at up to 22,000 psi.
“Our philosophy at Jetstream has always been to maximize customers’ uptime by developing durable, reliable, and easy-to-use and maintain products,” Koster added. “By allowing our customers to focus on the job over maintaining the tools, our J-Force family delivers exactly that.”
“Our customers often say inefficiency is their biggest cost, so we went to work on creating this 40,000-psi model of our popular J-Force tool,” said Jordan Koster, product and marketing manager for Jetstream. “The design and function of the J-Force reduces downtime and enables our customers to complete their jobs in half the time, and now we offer that efficiency for jobs that require higher operating pressures.”
The tool’s high performance also lies in the simplicity of its compact design. Whereas competing products have upwards of 20 or more parts, each J-Force has just 12 parts plus the nozzle inserts. Fewer parts mean a greatly reduced risk of costly repairs and less maintenance, especially
For more information call 800-231-8192 or email sales@waterblast.com or visit www.waterblast.com. ■
Jetstream introduces the newest version of the 4-inch J-Force, which can operate from 23,000-40,000 psi for a tougher clean.
Federal Trade Commission Finalizes Non-Compete Rule
Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) followed through on its promise to ban noncompete agreements. The final rule, published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2024, bans the use of noncompetes for most workers, including those non-compete clauses that were entered into before the final rule was released. The rule will take effect on September 4, 2024.
Highlights of the rule include:
• Non-compete clauses will be banned for all U.S. workers.
• Employers will not be able to enforce existing non-compete clauses, except in limited circumstances for senior executives.
• Employers cannot represent that workers are subject to a noncompete clause.
Mergers & Acquisitions Activity Watch
June 14, 2024
Environmental 360 Solutions, an environmental management company, has aquired Enviro Industries Inc. and Sani-Orleans Inc. (together Enviro-Global, a provider of industrial cleaning, septic, and liquid waste services in the Province of Quebec).
May 24, 2024
Pro-Vac, a provider of subsurface infrastructure services with operations in Colorado, Texas, Washington and Virginia, announced that it has acquired Kinetic, a provider of subsurface hydro excavation, industrial cleaning and locating services headquartered in Milliken, Colorado.
May 21, 2024
Momentum Environmental, LLC, a provider of waste processing, industrial cleaning, emergency response, and field services headquartered in Bath, New York, announced the acquisition of T&R Environmental, a provider of environmental services based in upstate New York.
May 20, 2024
Superior Environmental Solutions, a provider of industrial and environmental services throughout the Midwest and Southeast, announced the acquisition of Arrowhead Environmental Services, a provider of industrial and environmental services based in Windsor, Viriginia. See article, page 35.
May 9, 2024
EnviroServe, Inc., a national provider of environmental and waste management services, announced its acquisition of CG Environmental, a provider of environmental and industrial services headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.
May 2, 2024
UDOR S.p.A, a manufacturer of diaphragm and plunger pumps, announced that it has become a majority shareholder in Hughes Pumps Ltd., a manufacturer of high and ultra high pressure pumps headquartered in the United Kingdom. See article, page 36.
Entities covered under the new rule include private, for-profit and forprofit entities of a not-for-profit entity. Additionally, the rule requires that businesses notify workers who are captured under current non-compete agreements that the non-compete agreements will no longer be in effect nor enforceable. Businesses must provide this written notice before September 4, 2024.
For additional details and other information, visit www.ftc.gov. ■
May 2, 2024
Hydromax, a provider of hydro excavation services in South Texas, has acquired Pro-Vac, a provider of subsurface infrastructure services in Colorado, Texas, Washington, and Virginia.
May 1, 2024
H.I.G. Capital, a global alternative investment firm, announced that one of its affiliates has completed the acquisition of USA DeBusk. See article, page 35.
April 22, 2024
Peroni Pompe S.p.A. Group, a Milan, Italy-based manufacturer of reciprocating pumps for applications in the oil and gas, energy transition, process and heavy-duty industries, announced the acquisition of Jetech International LLC, of ultra-high pressure pumping solutions for waterblasting, industrial and subsea applications headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. See article, page 37.
March 25, 2024
Clean Harbors announced the completion of its acquisition of HEPACO, an environmental provider of field and emergency response services in the Eastern United States.
March 18, 2024
Groome Industrial Service Group, a nationwide provider of specialty maintenance services, announced the acquisition of W-S Companies, Inc., a provider of industrial and mechanical services headquartered in Council Bluffs, Iowa
February 29, 2024
Shamrock Environmental, a provider of environmental services and a CenterOak Partners portfolio company, announced the acquisition of JG Environmental, a provider of waste solidification, waste management, waste transportation, and industrial services headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
H.I.G. Capital Completes Acquisition of USA DeBusk
H.I.G. Capital, a leading global alternative investment firm, has announced that one of its affiliates has completed the acquisition of USA DeBusk, LLC, a leading national provider of mission-critical industrial cleaning and infrastructure maintenance services. USA DeBusk’s executive team, led by CEO Andrew DeBusk, will continue to lead the company and remain significant shareholders.
Founded in 2012, USA DeBusk provides a comprehensive suite of industrial cleaning and infrastructure maintenance services to a diverse, bluechip customer base across a broad range of end markets, including chemicals, renewable fuels, refining, and power generation. Headquartered in Deer Park, TX, USA DeBusk operates from a network of 39 offices across the United States and employs over 2,500 full-time employees.
Andrew DeBusk, CEO of USA DeBusk, said, “We are excited to partner with H.I.G. to leverage their significant resources and experience to expand our capabilities and offering and continue providing high-quality, innovative
solutions which deliver significant value to our customers. In partnership with H.I.G., USA DeBusk will be wellpositioned to continue executing our growth strategy and vision for the Company, including deepening our presence in attractive geographies, expanding our service offering, and pursuing add-on acquisitions, while maintaining the entrepreneurial culture and dedication to our customers and employees that have defined USA DeBusk since 2012.”
Matt Gullen, managing director at H.I.G., added, “We are very excited to partner with Andrew and the USA DeBusk team. There are tremendous opportunities ahead for the company given its long track record of providing high-quality, reliable service and mission-critical solutions to customers, all made possible by its national scale, proprietary equipment, highly skilled workforce, and bestin-class leadership team. The company has established itself as a leader in the industry, and we look forward to working with USA DeBusk to build upon their success and support continued growth initiatives.” ■
Superior Environmental Solutions Acquires Arrowhead Environmental Services
Superior EnvironmentalSolutions (“SES”) has acquired Arrowhead Environmental Services (“Arrowhead”). The combination broadens SES’s geographic reach into the Southern Mid-Atlantic market, where Arrowhead is based, and expands SES’s position as a leading provider of environmental and industrial services in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States.
With approximately 50 employees and 75 active customers throughout the Central Virginia area, Arrowhead represents one of SES’s largest acquisitions to date.
Since its founding in 1999, SES has grown to be the premier provider of industrial and environmental services throughout the Midwest and Southeast. With over 700 employees operating from over 40 facilities located in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, California, Tennessee, and North Carolina, SES offers a range of environmental and industrial capabilities, such as emergency response, hydro blasting and vacuum truck services, to more than 1,000 active, blue chip and regional customers in end markets including agriculture, food processing, metals, utilities, automotive, refining and chemicals.
Michael D. Luter, president and founder of Arrowhead, said, “I am very excited about the combination of Arrowhead with SES and am confident it will serve the
best interests of our valued employees and customers. In aligning with SES, we are partnering with a company with a strong culture of excellence and a private equity sponsor in Palladium, who brings decades of experience investing in founder-owned businesses.”
“We are excited to announce our new partnership with Arrowhead,” said John Stevens, chief executive officer of SES. “Arrowhead is a well-established business with a strong reputation in the Central Virginia market. This acquisition will significantly enhance our capabilities and expand our geographic reach within the specialized industrial and environmental services sector. Additionally, this strategic transaction allows SES to integrate Arrowhead’s exceptional customer base, experienced management team, and dedicated employees, all of whom we are pleased to welcome to the SES team.”
Scott Kirschner, principal at Palladium Equity Partners, commented: “We believe Arrowhead represents a strong add-on business for SES as well as a scaled entrance into the greater Virginia marketplace which SES has been targeting for some time. We look forward to continuing to partner with the SES and Arrowhead teams as they advance the company’s organic and inorganic growth as a leader in environmental and industrial services.” ■
UDOR S.p.A. Becomes Majority Shareholder of Hughes Pumps LLC
UDOR S.p.A., a leading manufacturer of diaphragm pumps and plunger pumps, has become the majority shareholder of Hughes Pumps Ltd.
UDOR believes in the importance of this industrial project as Hughes represents the ideal completion of its product range that now covers a large series of pumps from 1 to 500 hp, with pressure from 20 to 2,800 bar.
UDOR S.p.A., founded in 1966, today sells its pumps in over 90 countries worldwide and has its own distributing branches in the USA, China, Brazil and Argentina. This particular acquisition confirms UDOR’s vision and
ambition to reinforce its leading position in the highpressure pump market.
Since 1970 Hughes Pumps Ltd. has manufactured high and ultra-high pressure pumps and has a complete range of high technology and quality products. Hughes Pumps will strongly benefit from UDOR’s sales organization and presence and both brands will gain power in the market.
Phil Cranford, current managing director of Hughes Pumps Ltd., will continue in his position and will work with the UDOR team to find all potential synergies and obtain new growth for Hughes products. ■
WJTA Welcomes New Members
Corporate
Arthur Products Company
Richard Rauckhorst
Judy Coffman
1140 Industrial Parkway Medina, Ohio 44256
Phone: (330)725-4905
Website: www.arthurproducts.com
Comuniv S.A. DE C.V.
Sergio Arvizu Zepeda
Prolongacion Carranza 2102
Col. Loma del Gallo
Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas 89460
Mexico
Phone: (933)155-3375
Website: www.comuniv.com.mx
Grupo Pantera
Carlos Paiva
Marco Basilio
Carlos Paiva Venero
Av. Huarochiri 305 Urb. Covima La Molina Lima 15012
Peru
Phone: (51)995022471
Website: http://www.grupopantera.pe
John Anthony Bowden
24700 Floral St
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48336
Email: johnabowden@yahoo.com
Malden Baasch
5617 Schaaf Rd
Cleveland, Ohio 44131
Email: mbaasch@ckindustrial.com
Innovative Surface Prep
Randy Leboeuf
Larry Flannigan
Brady Deroche
203 Trinity Lane Gray, Louisiana 70359
Phone: (985)876-4457
Website: www.isprllc.com
Ortec
Bernard St-Charles
Cameron Mogk
Patrice Henrichon
857 Rue de St-Romuald Levis, Quebec G6W 5M6
Canada
Phone: (418)839-5500
Website: http://ca.ortec-group.com
Sato Canada Inc.
Darryl Addison
Box 29
Millet, Alberta T0C 1Z0
Canada
Phone: (587)340-9571
Website: http://www.satocanada.ca
Tom Baker
Individual
10571 Los Alamitos Boulevard
Los Alamitos, California 90720-2113
Email: tomb@anconmarine.com
Brooks Bradford, Jr.
Hydrokinetics, LLC
801 US Highway 146 N Texas City, Texas 77590
Email: brooks@hydrokinetics.com
Southeast Hydroblasting-Palmetto Industrial
John Pendzinski
Matt Kennedy
Rick Howard
80 Access Road
Gaston, South Carolina 29053
Phone: (803)926-5589
Website: www.palmettoindustrial.com
Trident Hydro Jetting Pte, Ltd.
Quek Tiong Chan
Tan Pit Chye
Andy Chua No. 11 Tuas West Avenue
Singapore 638436
Phone: [65](62)681752
Website: www.boilermaster.biz
Vacuum Truck Rentals, LLC
Payton Lockey
B.T. Steadman
Phil Maichle
408 Highway 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218
Phone: (601)933-4650
Website: www.vactruckrental.com
Donald Calhoun
408 Highway 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218
Email: dcalhoun@vactruckrental.com
Lenny Dicludio
2200 Pennylvania 837
Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania 15025
Email: lenny.diclaudio@synthomer.com
continued on page 37
Jetech Is Now Part of the Peroni Pompe Group
Jetech International LLC is now part of the Peroni Pompe S.p.A. Group. Founded in 1989 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jetech has long been a pioneer in ultra-high pressure pumping technology, reaching 50,000 psi / 3,500 bar for waterblasting, industrial, and subsea applications.
Established in 1895 in Milan, Italy, Peroni Pompe is renowned for its top-quality reciprocating pumps for critical applications in the oil and gas, energy transition, process, and heavy-duty industries.
The partnership strengthens Jetech’s and Peroni Pompe’s joint capabilities, ensuring that they meet their customers’ diverse high-pressure needs more effectively. Key benefits to customers include: an enhanced offering from Peroni Pompe leveraging Jetech’s ultra-high pressure and subsea pumping expertise, closer customer service to Peroni Pompe clients in the USA, thanks to Jetech’s manufacturing and local operations, and increased availability of Jetech’s products to international customers through Peroni Pompe’s global sales and service network. ■
WJTA Welcomes New Members from
Nic Dillard
USA DeBusk
1005 W 8th Street
Deer Park, Texas 77536
Email: ndillard@usadebusk.com
Blake Dixon
408 Highway 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218
Email: bdixon@vactruckrental.com
Mohamed Jassin Feroz P.O. Box 30706
Doha, Qatar 202350
Email: jassimferoz@gmail.com
Giari Fiorucci
Hammelmann Corporation
Carl-Zeiss-Str. 6-8
Oelde, North Rhine-Westphalia 59302 Germany
Email: giari.fiorucci@hammelmann.de
Ramon Glendon Nierva
GD Energy Products Waterjetting 3238 Pasadena Freeway Pasadena, Texas 77503
Email: ramon.nierva @gdenergyproducts.com
Floyd Mitchel Halbardier 408 Highway 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218
Email: mhalbardier@vactruckrental.com
Leo Hamel
408 Highway 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218
Email: lhamel@vactruckrental.com
John Emory Haren
4016 Southway St SW Canton, Ohio 44706
Email: jharen@ckindustrial.com
Venkata Sai Kumar
No 4, Venkatesa Nagar, Puzhuthivakkam Main Road Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600091
India
Email: venkata.kumar@arshydrojet.co.in
Biju Kunjumon
Office #20, Mirqab Complex, Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street
Doha, Qatar 202350
Email: biju.p.k@aoms.qa
Anthony Brian Lowry
408 Highway 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218 Email: blowry@vactruckrental.com
Jeff Mueller
408 Highway 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218
Email: jmueller@vactruckrental.com
Scott Offenberger IVS Hydro 15903 Emerson Ave Waverly, West Virginia 26184 Email: scott.offenberger@ivsgroup.com
Ori Or Laor Engineering Ltd. 4, Hanna Senesh St. Kiryat Tivon, Haifa 3603608
Building 106, Zone 91, Street 3086 Doha, Qatar 202350
Email: mrusli530@gmail.com
Matthew Slaughter
3600 N SR 59 Brazil, Indiana 47834
Email: mslaughter@ckindustrial.com
Chris Smith
Smith Industrial Service
2001 West I-65 Road North Mobile, Alabama 36618
Email: csmith@smithind.com
Eric Wilson
408 Highway 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218
Email: ewilson@vactruckrental.com
Michael Wodke
2871 Elm Point Industrial Drive Saint Charles, Missouri 63301
Email: michael.wodke @stcharlescitymo.gov
page 36
Index of Advertisers
WJTA Order Form for Publications/Products
Billing Address (if different from above): Address____________________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________________________
Shipping and Handling Charges are calculated on a per pound basis that is based on shipping by FedEx Express Saver within the United States or FedEx International Economy/FedEx Ground for international destinations. When ordering online at www.wjta.org the shipping is calculated automatically. If ordering by fax, phone or mail, contact the WJTA office for a shipping and handling total.
Manuals
Waterjet Equipment Industry Best Practices. English, Second Edition (2021) (formerly Recommended Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment) Published in a newly redesigned full-color format
copies ___ # of copies of Waterjet .............................................................................................................x
copies ___ # of copies of Waterjet .............................................................................................................x
or more copies ___ # of copies of Waterjet .............................................................................................................x
Vacuum Equipment Recommended Practices. English, Third Edition (2018)
Pocket Handbook - Hydroblaster Mini Orange Book. English, Second Edition (2021)
Pocket Handbook - Vacuum Operator Mini Blue Book. English, First Edition (2019)
copies ___/___ # of copies (Hydroblaster/Vacuum Operator)..................................................................x
or more copies ___/___ # of copies (Hydroblaster/Vacuum Operator)..................................................................x
Videos
Currently under revision, new editions available soon.
Waterjet Equipment Industry Best Practices Video on DVD (2018)
Vacuum Equipment Recommended Practices Video on DVD (2009)
Other
Contact the WJTA office for shipping and handling charges before processing your payment.
WAYS TO ORDER
Online: Go to www.wjta.org and click on "Online Store." Phone: Call (314)241-1445 and have your credit card information ready. Fax: Fill out the order form with your credit card information and fax to our 24-hour fax number at: (314)241-1449. Mail: Fill out the order form and mail with applicable payment to: WJTA, 906
INAUGURAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
REGISTRATION
Includes greens fees, cart, breakfast, food on course, lunch, reception
$1,500 per team of four (team sponsor must be a WJTA member in good standing)
TEAM #1
1. NAME EMAIL
2. NAME EMAIL
3. NAME EMAIL
4. NAME EMAIL
TEAM #2
1. NAME EMAIL
2. NAME EMAIL
3. NAME EMAIL
4. NAME EMAIL
SPONSORSHIPS
Sponsorships are limited to WJTA Corporate Members in good standing. Companies may select an Event Sponsorship and/or Function Sponsorship(s). Sponsorships must be submitted by September 28.
Event Sponsorships
Platinum Sponsorship – $7,500
Logo on banner and website. Two (2) team registrations.
Function Sponsorships
Hole Sponsorship – $400
Sign on hole with logo. Non-exclusive.
Gold Sponsorship – $3,000 Logo on banner and website. One (1) team sponsorship.
Cart Sponsorship – $750
Sign on all golf carts. Limit 4.
Silver Sponsorship – $1,000 Name on banner and website.
Cooking Sponsorship – $2,000
Serve food from designated location. Limit 4.
Reception Sponsorship – $5,000
Logo on cups, napkins.
Awards Sponsorship – $2,500
Logo, recognition at awards giveaway.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name Company Email Phone
Total Amount
Payment Invoice Credit Card (call 314-241-1445 to provide payment information)
