If you’re responsible for operations involving high-pressure water, you already know the risks. Water jetting injuries happen fast, often without visible damage at first. But the consequences can be debilitating and life-altering, even fatal. This is the reality for operators in industries like civil construction, drain cleaning, hydro excavation, and industrial services. And it’s why KOR supplies TST Pro-Operator personal protective equipment (PPE), which is certified safety gear engineered for the conditions that operators experience.
Hidden Risks of High-Pressure Jetting
Injury from high-pressure water jets can penetrate beneath the skin, causing internal damage that may not be immediately visible. Infections, nerve damage, or permanent disability are possible outcomes when operators aren’t equipped with the right protection.
Despite this, many sites continue to use general-purpose PPE not designed for pressure high risk operations. The result is unsafe exposure and non-compliance with safety standards.
According to the AS/NZS 4233.1:2013 standard and Safe Work Australia (Guide for managing risks from high pressure water jetting, 2020), certified PPE is required for any high-pressure water jetting activity. Generic coveralls don’t meet the safety requirements, so if your team is operating without PPE made for these conditions, you’re taking unnecessary and avoidable risks.
TST Pro-Operator PPE is Made for High Pressure
Until recently, there was no purpose made certified protective clothing on the market that could provide adequate defence against water jetting injuries or high-pressure hydraulic fluid exposure up to 500 bar (7500 psi), let alone meet high-visibility requirements. TST Pro-Operator PPE is engineered specifically for these conditions, up to 500 bar. Certified to European Regulations (EU), and developed in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards, it sets a new benchmark in high-pressure safety PPE.
Unlike generic workwear, each item in the TST Pro-Operator range uses striped fabric to visibly differentiate the protected zones. Clothing labels are also used to help operators understand their level and areas of protection. The materials themselves are built for longevity and effectiveness. For example, the 2-layer laminated outer fabric of the jackets resist both water and dirt, keeping the operator lighter, drier, and more mobile in challenging conditions. The fabric is also easy to clean to minimise downtime between shifts.
Central to this range is Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fibre, being 15 times stronger than steel on a weight for weight basis. This innovation allows for exceptional protection without the added bulk traditionally associated with high-pressure PPE.
Each item is designed with thoughtful, task-driven detail:
- Jackets feature hoods for head protection, internal pockets, ID sleeves, and waterproof zippers with overlapping flaps. The waist is adjustable, and it is lined for additional comfort.
- Trousers come with an elastic waistband for fit, reinforced knees plus pockets for knee pads, a waterproof leg pocket, knife pocket, and zippers at the cuffs to accommodate boots.
- Protective Gloves: Nitrile-dipped for grip and waterproofing, with a comfortable nylon liner. Note: they do not protect against high pressure hydraulic fluid.
- Boots: CE-certified, vulcanised rubber with steel toe caps and underfoot protection. Adjustable shaft strap and optional spikes offer added safety in slippery conditions.
- Overalls offer full-body protection and feature an elastic waist, zipped leg pockets including waterproof phone storage, and adjustable hood.
- Helmet system: Includes visor, hearing protection (SNR 32dB), and optional Bluetooth communication capability. The visor is adjustable and replaceable. This system is CE certified across safety, hearing, and eye protection standards.
Further protection includes:
- Aprons distribute weight through a shoulder strap for comfort, while arm protectors provide full circumference coverage from wrist to upper arm with elastic cuffs for comfort.
- Vests are ideal for warm environments, offering 360° high-visibility protection and a dedicated phone pocket.
Every item in the range is made to withstand harsh environments and to make operators safer and more efficient. When paired with KOR’s nationally accredited high-pressure water jetting training, teams are better prepared to handle every job.
Protection Only Works When It’s Used Correctly
Even the highest quality PPE can be rendered ineffective without proper operator training. That’s why KOR offer a complete safety solution, offering certified PPE with nationally accredited training.
In partnership with Trainright (RTO 45777), KOR Academy delivers competency-based courses aligned to the AS/NZS 4233.1 standard and Safe Work Australia guidelines.
- MSMSS00018 – Operate a High Pressure Water Jetting System
- Covers pre-starts, correct PPE use, operating procedures, and risk management
- Blended delivery with online and practical components
- Customisable for onsite delivery across multiple sectors
FAQs of Safety Managers
Many clients we speak with share similar concerns before committing to PPE upgrades.
- “We already have PPE in place.” Unless your current gear is certified for water jetting at pressures up to 500 bar, it likely falls short of compliance and protection benchmarks.
- “TST looks expensive compared to basic options.” TST Pro-Operator items are reasonably priced and reduce long term replacement costs compared to disposable short-life unrated clothing/protection. The cost of a single serious injury, incident investigation, or regulatory breach is far greater.
- “Will my crew actually wear it?” Yes. TST gear is designed with operator feedback at its core. It’s light, breathable, and non-restrictive, reducing fatigue over long shifts.
- “Training our team sounds like a time drain. KOR makes it simple by offering flexible training options that can be delivered on-site or in blended formats. Our training complements PPE implementation to reduce friction and ensure compliance from day one.
Equip Your Crew With Certified Confidence
When you invest in certified PPE and accredited training, you’re building a culture of safety, reducing downtime, and protecting your team from injuries. We are the distributor of TST Pro-Operator PPE in Australia and New Zealand, with access to sizing, support, and training integration.
Whether you’re managing a municipal jetting fleet, an industrial services crew, or a shutdown project team, we’re here to help you keep operations running. Contact us today to request more information, PPE advice, or a training quote. Or learn more about the TST Pro-Operator range, including why leading contractors and councils choose TST for certified protection.
