| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Review utility maps, locate requests, and site conditions | Inaccurate information, missed utilities, traffic hazards | Verify locate tickets and maps, review previous records, assess roadway and site conditions before work begins |
| Position vehicle and establish work zone | Struck by traffic, poor visibility, unstable parking area | Park safely off roadway when possible, activate warning lights, deploy cones and signs according to MUTCD guidelines |
| Inspect locating equipment | Equipment malfunction, damaged cables, dead batteries | Check transmitter, receiver, cables, and batteries before use, replace damaged components |
| Connect locating equipment to utility | Electrical shock, incorrect connections, trip hazards | Follow manufacturer instructions, use insulated leads when needed, keep cables organized |
| Scan and locate underground utilities | Misidentification of utility, distraction from surroundings | Sweep area methodically, verify signals carefully, maintain awareness of nearby traffic and equipment |
| Mark utility locations | Slips, trips, exposure to traffic | Use marking paint or flags safely, avoid stepping into live lanes unnecessarily, maintain clear communication with crew |
| Verify locate accuracy near excavation zones | Utility strikes, inaccurate depth estimates | Use multiple locating methods when necessary, recommend potholing or hydro excavation for confirmation |
| Work around energized or active utilities | Electrical hazards, gas leaks, pressurized systems | Maintain safe distances, never damage or expose utilities without authorization, stop work if conditions appear unsafe |
| Move between locate points | Slips, falls, struck by vehicles | Watch footing on uneven terrain, remain alert around traffic, secure equipment during transport |
| Document locate results | Incomplete records, communication errors | Record utility type, approximate location, and any uncertainties clearly |
| Remove traffic control and restore site | Worker exposure to traffic, leftover hazards | Retrieve cones and signs safely, remove temporary markings if required by policy |
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Miscellaneous Operations
* 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Review utility maps, locate requests, and site conditions | Inaccurate information, missed utilities, traffic hazards | Verify locate tickets and maps, review previous records, assess roadway and site conditions before work begins |
| Position vehicle and establish work zone | Struck by traffic, poor visibility, unstable parking area | Park safely off roadway when possible, activate warning lights, deploy cones and signs according to MUTCD guidelines |
| Inspect locating equipment | Equipment malfunction, damaged cables, dead batteries | Check transmitter, receiver, cables, and batteries before use, replace damaged components |
| Connect locating equipment to utility | Electrical shock, incorrect connections, trip hazards | Follow manufacturer instructions, use insulated leads when needed, keep cables organized |
| Scan and locate underground utilities | Misidentification of utility, distraction from surroundings | Sweep area methodically, verify signals carefully, maintain awareness of nearby traffic and equipment |
| Mark utility locations | Slips, trips, exposure to traffic | Use marking paint or flags safely, avoid stepping into live lanes unnecessarily, maintain clear communication with crew |
| Verify locate accuracy near excavation zones | Utility strikes, inaccurate depth estimates | Use multiple locating methods when necessary, recommend potholing or hydro excavation for confirmation |
| Work around energized or active utilities | Electrical hazards, gas leaks, pressurized systems | Maintain safe distances, never damage or expose utilities without authorization, stop work if conditions appear unsafe |
| Move between locate points | Slips, falls, struck by vehicles | Watch footing on uneven terrain, remain alert around traffic, secure equipment during transport |
| Document locate results | Incomplete records, communication errors | Record utility type, approximate location, and any uncertainties clearly |
| Remove traffic control and restore site | Worker exposure to traffic, leftover hazards | Retrieve cones and signs safely, remove temporary markings if required by policy |