Cold cutting materials by water jetting

URN: COSVR86
Business Sectors (Suites): Associated Industrial Services Occupations (Construction)
Developed by: CITB
Approved: 2026

Overview

This standard is about abrasive water jet cold cutting including ferrous and non-ferrous metals and concrete  

This standard will involve interpreting information, adopting safe, healthy and environmentally responsible work practices, selecting and using materials, components, tools and equipment, minimising damage, and working safely within the allocated time, in accordance with organisational requirements which are equal to or exceed current statutory and legislative requirements

This standard is for people working in the occupational area of Associated Industrial Services and can be used by operatives, supervisors and managers


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

P1    Interpretation of information
interpret information relating to the work and resources to confirm its relevance for the following:
     •    drawings
     •    specifications
     •    site requirements
     •    schedules
     •    risk assessments
     •    method statements
     •    codes of practice
     •    manufacturers’ information

P2    Safe work practices
comply with relevant legislation and official guidance to carry out the work and maintain safe and healthy work practices relating to the following:
     •    methods of work
     •    safe use of health and safety control equipment
     •    safe use, storage and handling of tools and materials 
     •    safe use and maintenance of equipment
     •    specific risks to health

P3    Use of resources
check the compatibility, assembly, and working order of the following resources conforms with the specification for the methods of work:
     •    materials
     •    fixings
     •    tools and equipment

P4    Procedural practices to minimise the risk of damage
comply with organisational procedures to minimise the risk of damage to the work and the surrounding area by:
     •    protecting the work and the surrounding area   from damage
     •    maintaining a safe, clear and tidy work area 
     •    disposing of waste in accordance with current legislation

P5    Approach to the work
promote a safe, inclusive, and productive working environment whilst working independently and with others

P6    Meet the contract specification
comply with the contract information to cold cut materials by water jetting to the required specification by:
     •    demonstrating work skills to: 
            -    check 
            -    connect, secure and adjust 
            -    monitor and evaluate 
            -    start, stop and control
            -     cut
     •    using the correct tools for connecting hoses for water jet abrasive cold cutting equipment
     •    using the correct level of protective equipment for the task including PPE
     •    preparing and carrying out pre-start checks including test runs to working instructions relating to:
            -    erecting barriers and signs
            -    erecting sacrificial protection
            -    connecting hoses
            -    water jetting abrasive cold cutting equipment
            -    water supply
     •    operating water jetting equipment to cold cut materials using water with abrasives
     •    dismantling and decontaminating equipment on completion of work and making the work area safe by:
            -    removing barriers and signs
            -    removing sacrificial protection
            -    disconnecting hoses
            -    removing water jet cold cutting equipment
            -    disconnecting water supply
            -    removing waste 
     •    completing the work in accordance with organisational procedures, the programme of work and to meet the needs of others and the client


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

P1 Interpretation of information
K1    why organisational procedures have been developed and how they are implemented

K2    types of information, their source and how they are interpreted in relation to:
     •    drawings
     •    specifications
     •    site requirements
     •    schedules
     •    risk assessments
     •    method statements
     •    manufacturers’ information
     •    current legislation and codes of practice

K3 the importance of accurate information, and reporting and rectifying any concerns

K4    the range of tools and systems and digital equipment and how they are used

P2 Safe work practices
K5    information for relevant, current legislation, codes of practice and official guidance and how it is applied

K6    the types of fire extinguishers and how and when they are used in relation to water, CO2, foam, powder

K7    how emergencies should be responded to in accordance with organisational authorisation and personal skills in relation to: 
     •    fires, spillages, injuries
     •    emergencies relating to occupational activities
     •    identification of and reporting of asbestos containing materials

K8    the organisational security procedures for tools, equipment and personal belongings in relation to:
     •    operative
     •    site
     •    workplace
     •    vehicles
     •    company
     •    customer
     •    the general public

K9    how to identify, mitigate and report risks and hazards identified by the following: 
     •    methods of work
     •    risk assessment
     •    personal assessment
     •    statutory regulations
     •    official guidance
     •    Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

K10    the accident reporting procedures and who is responsible for making the report

K11    why, when and how health and safety control equipment identified by the principles of prevention should be used in relation to:
     •    collective protective measures
     •    personal protective equipment (PPE)
     •    respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
     •    local exhaust ventilation (LEV) 

K12    how to comply with environmentally responsible work practices to meet current legislation and official guidance

K13    the organisational procedures when dealing with potential accidents, health hazards and the environmental impact on site, and whilst working:
     •    below ground level
     •    in confined spaces
     •    at height
     •    with tools and equipment
     •    with materials and substances
     •    when moving and storing materials by manual handling and mechanical lifting

P3 Use of resources
K14    why the characteristics, quality, uses, limitations and defects associated with the resources are important and how defects should be reported

K15    how to check the compatibility of the components, assembly, and that the working order conforms with the specification for:
     •    materials
     •    fixings
     •    tools and equipment

K16    how the resources should be used and how any problems associated with the resources are reported in relation to:
     •    water 
     •    fuel 
     •    power  
     •    abrasives 
     •    lubricants 
     •    coolants 
     •    protective materials
     •    sacrificial plates 
     •    equipment barriers 
     •    guards 
     •    pump units 
     •    hose assemblies  
     •    lances 
     •    control valves 
     •    nozzles
     •    safety equipment
     •    water filters
     •    automated or semi-automated systems and water jet abrasive cold cutting equipment

P4 Procedural practices to minimise the risk of damage
K17    implications of pressure drop, back pressure and reaction force associated with the method and procedure when water jetting

K18    how to protect work and the environment from damage and the purpose of protection from: 
     •    general workplace activities 
     •    other occupations 

K19    why and how the disposal of waste must be carried out safely in accordance with the following:
     •    environmental responsibilities
     •    organisational procedures
     •    manufacturers’ information
     •    statutory regulations
     •    official guidance
K20    why it is important to maintain a safe, clear and tidy work area

P5 Approach to the work
K21    the importance of teamwork and communication

K22    the importance of mental health awareness and wellbeing 

K23    the importance of applying fairness, inclusion and respect when dealing with others

K24    the types of progress charts, timetables and estimated times and the organisational procedures for reporting circumstances which will affect the work programme

P6 Meet the contract specification
K25    how to carry out pre-checks, set up and shut down equipment

K26    how to secure temporary protection

K27    how to operate and dismantle water jet abrasive cold cutting equipment

K28    how to prepare and cold cut ferrous and non-ferrous metals and concrete by water jetting

K29    how to monitor and assess performance of: 
     •    pump unit 
     •    hoses 
     •    lances 
     •    nozzles 
     •    control valves
     •    abrasive consumption
     •    speed of cut

K30    how to monitor and evaluate changes in surfaces and structures

K31    the importance of recognising the limits of your own authority

K32    how to recognise and determine when additional skills and knowledge are required and report accordingly

K33    how to identify and follow the quality requirements as stated in work instructions

K34    how to work with, around and in close proximity to plant and machinery

K35    how to work at height using access equipment

K36    how and why operative care of the automated or semi-automated water jet abrasive cold cutting equipment is carried out


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

4

Indicative Review Date

2031

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

CITB

Original URN

COSVR86

Relevant Occupations

Industrial Cleaning Process Occupations

SOC Code


Keywords

Water-jetting; Ferrous cutting; Non ferrous cutting; Cold cutting; Abrasive cutting; Concrete cutting