| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the work area | Exposure to bystanders, drift onto vehicles, wind carrying chemicals off target, uneven terrain | Mark off work area, post signs as needed, avoid high wind conditions, verify that people, pets, and crew remain clear |
| Review herbicide label and SDS | Misuse of chemical, incorrect mixing ratio, unexpected reactions | Read product label fully, review SDS sheet, follow all mixing and application instructions precisely |
| Inspect equipment | Leaking sprayer, clogged nozzles, damaged seals or hoses | Check sprayer tank, lines, pump, and nozzles; repair or replace worn components; verify proper pressure settings |
| Don proper PPE | Skin contact, eye splash, inhalation of mist | Wear all required PPE before handling or mixing any herbicide |
| Mix herbicide solution | Chemical splash, overexposure, accidental mixing errors | Mix outdoors or in well ventilated area, use measuring tools, pour concentrate slowly, keep face away from tank opening, use apron for splash protection |
| Transport herbicide to site | Spills, contamination in vehicle, secondary exposure | Secure containers upright, place absorbent or tray under containers, keep chemicals separate from tools or crew gear |
| Apply herbicide | Drift, skin contact, inhalation, overspray onto unintended vegetation | Spray at low pressure, keep nozzle close to target, spray with wind at your back or stop during gusts, maintain controlled walking pace |
| Monitor crew location | Wandering crew entering the spray zone | Assign a lookout, communicate clearly, stop spraying if anyone approaches the application area |
| Handle spills or splashes | Skin or eye exposure, contaminated soil or equipment | Follow label specific spill procedures, wash affected skin immediately, flush eyes with clean water for recommended duration, use absorbent for ground spills |
| Store unused product and equipment | Cross contamination, accidental exposure, improper storage | Rinse sprayer if required, store chemicals in locked and labeled cabinet, keep away from heat sources and incompatible materials |
| Clean hands and PPE | Residue remaining on skin or gear | Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, wash reusable PPE as directed, dispose of contaminated items properly |
Chemical resistant gloves
Safety glasses or face shield
Long sleeves and long pants
Chemical resistant boots
High visibility vest when near roads
Respirator if required by product label
Waterproof apron when mixing concentrates
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Chainsaw, Forestry, and Vegetation Management
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the work area | Exposure to bystanders, drift onto vehicles, wind carrying chemicals off target, uneven terrain | Mark off work area, post signs as needed, avoid high wind conditions, verify that people, pets, and crew remain clear |
| Review herbicide label and SDS | Misuse of chemical, incorrect mixing ratio, unexpected reactions | Read product label fully, review SDS sheet, follow all mixing and application instructions precisely |
| Inspect equipment | Leaking sprayer, clogged nozzles, damaged seals or hoses | Check sprayer tank, lines, pump, and nozzles; repair or replace worn components; verify proper pressure settings |
| Don proper PPE | Skin contact, eye splash, inhalation of mist | Wear all required PPE before handling or mixing any herbicide |
| Mix herbicide solution | Chemical splash, overexposure, accidental mixing errors | Mix outdoors or in well ventilated area, use measuring tools, pour concentrate slowly, keep face away from tank opening, use apron for splash protection |
| Transport herbicide to site | Spills, contamination in vehicle, secondary exposure | Secure containers upright, place absorbent or tray under containers, keep chemicals separate from tools or crew gear |
| Apply herbicide | Drift, skin contact, inhalation, overspray onto unintended vegetation | Spray at low pressure, keep nozzle close to target, spray with wind at your back or stop during gusts, maintain controlled walking pace |
| Monitor crew location | Wandering crew entering the spray zone | Assign a lookout, communicate clearly, stop spraying if anyone approaches the application area |
| Handle spills or splashes | Skin or eye exposure, contaminated soil or equipment | Follow label specific spill procedures, wash affected skin immediately, flush eyes with clean water for recommended duration, use absorbent for ground spills |
| Store unused product and equipment | Cross contamination, accidental exposure, improper storage | Rinse sprayer if required, store chemicals in locked and labeled cabinet, keep away from heat sources and incompatible materials |
| Clean hands and PPE | Residue remaining on skin or gear | Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, wash reusable PPE as directed, dispose of contaminated items properly |
Chemical resistant gloves
Safety glasses or face shield
Long sleeves and long pants
Chemical resistant boots
High visibility vest when near roads
Respirator if required by product label
Waterproof apron when mixing concentrates