Essentials Webinar: HPWJ Exemption
20-Mar-2025
About this event
After years of dedicated advocacy and extensive research, qldwater is pleased to announce a significant achievement for the water industry in Queensland. The Office of Industrial Relations (Queensland’s safety regulator) has granted an exemption for Queensland Water Service Providers regarding the use of High-Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ) for sewer cleaning. This exemption is valid until 2030 and applies to:
- Local governments that own water or sewerage infrastructure and are registered as Water Service Providers under chapter 2, part 3 of the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.
- Distributor-retailers as defined in the South-East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) Act 2009.
- Entities contracted to perform high-pressure water jetting on behalf of a registered Water Service Provider or distributor-retailer.
To ensure compliance with this exemption, water service providers must implement and adopt a Safe Work Method in line with the regulator's approval. This webinar will explore the research that supported the exemption and outline the safety requirements moving forward.
Agenda
- David Wiskar, qldwater – An overview of the HPWJ exemption, the background of the project, and the key requirements set by the safety regulator.
- Paul Weeks, Urban Utilities – Insights into managing asbestos risks across operational works, including specific actions taken in this project.
- Hygienist, WSP – Presentation of research findings on:
- Asbestos presence and absence testing in wastewater flows.
- On-site research conducted while HPWJ is undertaken in the network.
- Asbestos movement in biosolids at treatment plants.
- Representative, Veolia – Development of the HPWJ Safe Work Method Statement and its implementation across the industry.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is essential for water industry professionals, including local government representatives, distributor-retailers, safety managers, operational staff, and contractors involved in sewer cleaning using HPWJ.
Why Attend?
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the HPWJ exemption and its regulatory requirements.
- Learn from industry experts about research findings and risk management strategies.
- Understand the practical steps required to implement the Safe Work Method Statement.
- Engage in discussions with leading professionals on best practices and compliance strategies.
Join us as we discuss this landmark achievement and outline the next steps for the industry to ensure safety and compliance while continuing essential sewer cleaning operations.
