Job Safety Analysis: Irrigation System Repair

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Review work order and site plans Striking utilities due to incomplete information Review as built drawings; confirm valve and pipe layout; identify water, gas, and electrical lines
Call for utility locates Underground utilities, electrical shock, gas line strikes Request utility marks before excavation; do not dig until all utilities are located
Inspect PPE and tools Broken handles, dull cutting tools, missing PPE Replace damaged tools; ensure PVC cutters, shovels, and hand tools are in good condition
Inspect work area Holes, uneven ground, traffic exposure, irrigation spray activation Walk site; identify trip hazards; turn irrigation zone off before starting work
Excavate repair area Back strain, tool kickback, striking hidden objects Use proper digging technique; dig slowly; maintain stable footing; use hand tools near pipes
Expose broken pipe or component Sharp edges, mud and water hazards Wear gloves; control water flow; pump out water if needed; avoid slippery mud conditions
Shut off water supply Pressurized water release, slipping Locate and operate isolation valve; verify water is fully off before cutting pipe
Cut damaged pipe or remove fittings PVC fragments, sharp edges Wear safety glasses; use controlled cutting motions; cut away from body
Install new pipe or fittings Chemical exposure from glue or primer Use PVC primer and glue in ventilated area; avoid skin contact; wipe spills promptly
Repair or replace valves or heads Electrical exposure from valve wires Test solenoid wires with multimeter; turn controller off; avoid contact with wet electrical components
Backfill trench Trip hazards, soil collapse Compact soil in layers; keep public out of area; avoid overfilling against pavement edges
Flush irrigation zone High pressure spray, debris in lines Stand clear of sprinkler heads; open valves slowly; check for leaks
Test and adjust system Unexpected sprinkler activation Alert crew; verify controller settings; adjust spray patterns and pressure
Clean up site Loose tools, uneven soil, debris Restore turf or sod; collect all tools; remove soil piles; rake area smooth
Document repairs Missing records, repeated failures Record parts used, valve numbers, and zone inspected for future troubleshooting

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Safety glasses

  • Work gloves

  • Steel toe or sturdy work boots

  • High visibility vest when working near roads or parking lots

  • Long pants

  • Knee pads (optional)

  • Hearing protection if using power tools

  • Dust mask if digging in dry soil

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: Parks and Grounds Maintenance

* 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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Job Safety Analysis
Department: __________________________________
Job/Task:   Irrigation System Repair
Location: __________________________________
Date: ____ /____ /____
Supervisor: __________________________________
Crew: __________________________________
Step Potential Hazard Control
Review work order and site plans Striking utilities due to incomplete information Review as built drawings; confirm valve and pipe layout; identify water, gas, and electrical lines
Call for utility locates Underground utilities, electrical shock, gas line strikes Request utility marks before excavation; do not dig until all utilities are located
Inspect PPE and tools Broken handles, dull cutting tools, missing PPE Replace damaged tools; ensure PVC cutters, shovels, and hand tools are in good condition
Inspect work area Holes, uneven ground, traffic exposure, irrigation spray activation Walk site; identify trip hazards; turn irrigation zone off before starting work
Excavate repair area Back strain, tool kickback, striking hidden objects Use proper digging technique; dig slowly; maintain stable footing; use hand tools near pipes
Expose broken pipe or component Sharp edges, mud and water hazards Wear gloves; control water flow; pump out water if needed; avoid slippery mud conditions
Shut off water supply Pressurized water release, slipping Locate and operate isolation valve; verify water is fully off before cutting pipe
Cut damaged pipe or remove fittings PVC fragments, sharp edges Wear safety glasses; use controlled cutting motions; cut away from body
Install new pipe or fittings Chemical exposure from glue or primer Use PVC primer and glue in ventilated area; avoid skin contact; wipe spills promptly
Repair or replace valves or heads Electrical exposure from valve wires Test solenoid wires with multimeter; turn controller off; avoid contact with wet electrical components
Backfill trench Trip hazards, soil collapse Compact soil in layers; keep public out of area; avoid overfilling against pavement edges
Flush irrigation zone High pressure spray, debris in lines Stand clear of sprinkler heads; open valves slowly; check for leaks
Test and adjust system Unexpected sprinkler activation Alert crew; verify controller settings; adjust spray patterns and pressure
Clean up site Loose tools, uneven soil, debris Restore turf or sod; collect all tools; remove soil piles; rake area smooth
Document repairs Missing records, repeated failures Record parts used, valve numbers, and zone inspected for future troubleshooting
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment


Supervisor signature: __________________________________
Employee initials: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________