New guide to revised pressure cleaner safety standards

New Australian pressure cleaner safety standards have been released, with Australian Pump creating a free guide to the changes.

The company was aiming to raise awareness about the new requirements, given that pressure cleaner operators need to be aware of whether their machine falls in an A class or B class safety category.

The big difference between an A and B class machine is that B class operators need to be certified and revalidated every two years. Certification requires training by the approved RTO, which can be both expensive and difficult to organise.

Australian Pump has recognised that some operators would rather convert the water blaster to an A class compliance to simplify OH&S requirements on-site. It has developed a pump ‘change-out program’ to convert B class machines to Class A without losing major capability.

The change-out program enables B class engine drive machines in the 20 HP plus range to be fitted with powerful 4000 psi 20 Lpm ‘Big Berty’ Bertolini pumps that qualify as A class units.

Aussie Pump’s Mal Patel has reported a wide range of professional pressure cleaner users swapping pumps over to bring them into compliance.

“We have had roof restorers, brick cleaners, plumbers, local government bodies and even big contractors and miners changing pumps over to bring their machines into A class. The idea of having to comply with the standards for B class machines gives them a headache,” he said.

“The heart of any pressure cleaner is the piston pump. By changing out any brand of B class pump for an A class Bertolini means we can help people with compliance and at the same time give them a great product as well. There are special discounts out for the changeover program.”

A schedule of pumps and their changeover details is available together with detailed instructions on how to fit the new ‘Big Berty’ pump. Australian Pump also has authorised distributors all around the country who are fired up to carry out this ‘surgery’ on all brands of machines.

Image caption: Australian Pump's Mal Patel.