| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess storm damage and scene hazards | Downed wires, unstable trees, sharp debris, flooding, hidden objects | Perform 360 degree site assessment; identify overhead hazards; avoid downed wires and call utility immediately; evaluate ground stability |
| Establish a safe work zone | Motorists entering area, limited sight distance, pedestrians | Set cones and signage according to MUTCD; close roadway if necessary; assign lookout to monitor traffic and scene access |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged chainsaw, dull blades, broken rakes, malfunctioning loaders | Check all hand tools and power equipment; verify chainsaw tension and lubrication; remove defective equipment from service |
| Don required PPE | Eye injuries, foot injuries, slips, flying debris | Wear required PPE before entering debris footprint; use chaps if operating chainsaw |
| Identify unstable debris | Limb tension, rolling logs, debris piles collapsing | Probe piles with tools; approach slowly; stand on stable ground; keep crew clear of unstable piles |
| Begin manual removal of small debris | Cuts, punctures, back strain, slips | Use gloves; bend knees when lifting; stack debris safely; avoid twisting; watch footing on wet or uneven ground |
| Use mechanical equipment for heavy debris | Equipment striking crew, blind spots, loader instability | Use a spotter; clearly mark exclusion zones; operate equipment slowly; avoid overloading; keep ground crew visible |
| Chainsaw operations (if required) | Kickback, falling limbs, chain contact, hidden nails or wires | Follow chainsaw JSA; cut small limbs first; watch for stored tension; clear drop zone; never cut above shoulder height |
| Remove debris obstructing drainage structures | Hidden voids, water flow hazards, slippery areas | Work from stable position; probe waterlogged areas with tools; avoid standing in fast flowing water |
| Load debris into truck or trailer | Rolling limbs, falling pieces, pinch points | Stack debris safely; maintain balanced load; keep hands clear of pinch zones; secure load to prevent shifting |
| Manage traffic around debris removal | Drivers confused, entering drop zone or backing area | Use flaggers if needed; maintain buffer zone; reposition cones as work progresses |
| Final site cleanup | Remaining sharp objects, loose branches, debris in roadway | Walk site thoroughly; rake up small pieces; verify drainage paths are clear; remove all hazards |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to live traffic during takedown | Remove devices in reverse order; keep lookout; maintain PPE until roadway is fully open |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when using power tools
Chainsaw chaps if using a chainsaw
Waterproof or insulated clothing depending on conditions
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.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess storm damage and scene hazards | Downed wires, unstable trees, sharp debris, flooding, hidden objects | Perform 360 degree site assessment; identify overhead hazards; avoid downed wires and call utility immediately; evaluate ground stability |
| Establish a safe work zone | Motorists entering area, limited sight distance, pedestrians | Set cones and signage according to MUTCD; close roadway if necessary; assign lookout to monitor traffic and scene access |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged chainsaw, dull blades, broken rakes, malfunctioning loaders | Check all hand tools and power equipment; verify chainsaw tension and lubrication; remove defective equipment from service |
| Don required PPE | Eye injuries, foot injuries, slips, flying debris | Wear required PPE before entering debris footprint; use chaps if operating chainsaw |
| Identify unstable debris | Limb tension, rolling logs, debris piles collapsing | Probe piles with tools; approach slowly; stand on stable ground; keep crew clear of unstable piles |
| Begin manual removal of small debris | Cuts, punctures, back strain, slips | Use gloves; bend knees when lifting; stack debris safely; avoid twisting; watch footing on wet or uneven ground |
| Use mechanical equipment for heavy debris | Equipment striking crew, blind spots, loader instability | Use a spotter; clearly mark exclusion zones; operate equipment slowly; avoid overloading; keep ground crew visible |
| Chainsaw operations (if required) | Kickback, falling limbs, chain contact, hidden nails or wires | Follow chainsaw JSA; cut small limbs first; watch for stored tension; clear drop zone; never cut above shoulder height |
| Remove debris obstructing drainage structures | Hidden voids, water flow hazards, slippery areas | Work from stable position; probe waterlogged areas with tools; avoid standing in fast flowing water |
| Load debris into truck or trailer | Rolling limbs, falling pieces, pinch points | Stack debris safely; maintain balanced load; keep hands clear of pinch zones; secure load to prevent shifting |
| Manage traffic around debris removal | Drivers confused, entering drop zone or backing area | Use flaggers if needed; maintain buffer zone; reposition cones as work progresses |
| Final site cleanup | Remaining sharp objects, loose branches, debris in roadway | Walk site thoroughly; rake up small pieces; verify drainage paths are clear; remove all hazards |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to live traffic during takedown | Remove devices in reverse order; keep lookout; maintain PPE until roadway is fully open |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when using power tools
Chainsaw chaps if using a chainsaw
Waterproof or insulated clothing depending on conditions