WJA Founded
The Association of High Pressure Water Jetting Contractors, later to become the Water Jetting Association, is inaugurated, with Mike Donaldson voted in as its first president.
History
Leading the water jetting industry since 1980. Explore the milestones that have shaped global safety standards and operational excellence.
Our history
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Built on a Foundation of Safety
The Water Jetting Association was born out of a critical necessity in the early 1980s. As high-pressure water jetting became an essential industrial tool, the lack of standardised safety protocols posed significant risks to operators.
What started as a small collective of concerned UK contractors has evolved into the world's premier trade association for the water jetting industry. Our mission has remained steadfast for over four decades: to promote safety, technical excellence, and professional standards through education, accreditation, and rigorous codes of practice.
40+ Years
Industry Experience
200+ Members
Global Network
Standardising Safety Since Day 1
Milestones
Our History, Decade by Decade
Explore the defining moments that have shaped the Water Jetting Association, one decade at a time.
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First Training Course
The first water jetting training courses are delivered at the premises of the British Hydromechanics Research Association at Cranfield, Bedfordshire.
Short Code of Practice
A preliminary short code of practice titled Health and Safety: Use of High Pressure Water Jetting Equipment is published and goes on sale for £1.25, including postage and packaging.
High Pressure Contractors
The Association of High Pressure Water Jetting Contractors publishes its first logo, designed by a schoolgirl from Whitley Bay who won a design competition launched by the association.
First AGM
The first AGM is held at the Post House Hotel in Coventry
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First Code of Practice
Publication of the first full high pressure water jetting code of practice.
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Blue Code of Practice
The code of practice is redesigned with a blue cover – leading it to be known as the WJA Blue Code of practice for the safe use of high pressure and ultra-high pressure water jetting equipment.
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Change of Name
At their AGM, members agree to change the name of the Association of High Pressure Water Jetting Contractors to the Water Jetting Association.
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Drain & Sewer Code of Practice
The WJA publishes its first code of practice for the safe use of water jetting equipment in drains and sewers.
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New Director
David Kennedy becomes the director of the WJA, a post he will hold until his death, after a short illness, on 1st October 2022
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Red Code of Practice
The WJA code of practice for water jetting in drains and sewers is given a red cover for the first time, leading it to be known as the WJA Red Code.
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WJA Algorithm
Ground breaking medical research, commissioned by the WJA, is published explaining the unique and serious nature of fluid injection injuries associated with water jetting.
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WJA Joins EWJI
The WJA joins the European Water Jetting Institute.
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Non UK Training Providers
Non-UK training providers and instructors can apply to deliver WJA training courses for the first time.
New Director
Leanne Smith is named as Director of the WJA.
Certificate of Incorporation
Certificate of Incorporation for the Water Jetting Association as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
ABBE Level 2 Course
The first operatives complete the WJA’s new ABBE-accredited Level 2 Water Jetting Technician course, the first competency qualification for water jetting.
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WJA Goes Digital
The WJA goes digital - The WJA App is launched as part of the association’s drive to digitise member services.
Purple Code of Practice
The WJA code of practice for the safe use of hot and cold pressure washing equipment is launched with a purple cover, leading to it being known as the Purple Code.
Carbon Offset
The WJA joins a carbon offset and rewilding programme to plant a tree for each of its members, and pledges to continue doing so every year
First WJA Trade Show
The first WJA trade show takes place at StoneX Stadium, London
Blue Chip Membership
A new Blue Chip membership category is created for organisations that regularly commission water jetting to be carried out.
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New Drainage Courses
New WJA drainage courses are approved and accredited by City & Guilds.
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WJA First Aid
The WJA First Aid for Water Jetting course is approved and accredited by City & Guilds.
New Format
New format WJA training presentations for all WJA courses are finalised.
The Black Code
The three WJA codes of practice become one – incorporated into a single code with a black cover, prompting it to be called the WJA Black Code.
In memoriam
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David's Legacy
Innovator, water jetting champion, and determined collaborator. Also, one of the most considerate leaders in his industry. David Kennedy, who served as director of the WJA from 2010 to 2022 is remembered by the association and its members.
Former WJA President John Jones said: “David was, arguably, the biggest champion the WJA has ever had. He genuinely had the greater good of the association at heart in everything he did and said.
“He has also played a huge role in making the WJA the strong, respected, and forward-thinking members organisation for the water jetting industry in the UK that it is today. He will be greatly missed.”
