Job Safety Analysis: Painting Pavement Markings

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work zone and traffic conditions Approaching vehicles, low visibility, crew stepping into open lanes Set up proper MUTCD compliant work zone; use cones, signs, and arrow boards; assign lookout or traffic control supervisor
Inspect paint truck, striper, or hand liner Leaking hose, clogged nozzles, malfunctioning pumps, low fuel Conduct full equipment inspection; verify spray assembly, bead dispenser, and pressure controls are functioning; repair defects
Don required PPE Eye injuries, inhalation of overspray, struck by hazard Wear full PPE including high visibility vest and safety glasses before entering roadway
Prepare pavement surface Loose gravel, dust, debris, trip hazards Blow or sweep debris from surface; ensure pavement is dry; keep crew inside work zone during cleaning
Mix and load paint Chemical exposure, splash hazards, inhalation of fumes Mix in ventilated area; wear gloves and face protection; secure lids; avoid overfilling tanks
Position equipment Traffic exposure, blind spots, backing hazards Use spotter while positioning paint truck or striper; ensure all backing alarms and beacons work; keep crew out of blind spots
Begin striping operation Overspray onto crew or vehicles, unexpected driver behavior, equipment malfunction Maintain slow and steady speed; communicate with operator and ground crew; keep workers clear of spray pattern
Apply reflective beads (if required) Eye exposure, slipping on beads, equipment clog Maintain bead drop rate according to manufacturer; keep ground crew away from bead path; monitor hopper output
Maintain communication Miscommunication leading to lane conflicts or uneven application Use radios or hand signals; maintain constant operator crew coordination; stop immediately if communication is lost
Handle traffic flow around operation Vehicles entering paint path, motorists confused about lane closures Use pilot vehicles if needed; position shadow vehicle to protect workers; adjust signage to direct motorists clearly
Drying and curing period Vehicles driving through wet paint, slips on fresh markings Keep work zone intact until paint is dry; place temporary cones around fresh markings; communicate drying time to crew
End of operation cleanup Contact with wet paint, spills, improper storage Clean equipment according to manufacturer instructions; store materials safely; dispose of contaminated rags and waste properly
Remove traffic control Workers exposed to live traffic during takedown Remove devices in reverse order of setup; keep lookout posted; verify lane is safe before reopening

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hard hat

  • Safety glasses or face shield

  • High visibility vest (Class 2 or Class 3 depending on roadway)

  • Steel toe boots

  • Cut resistant gloves

  • Respiratory protection if required by product or overspray conditions

  • Hearing protection when near loud equipment

  • Long pants and long sleeves

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

JSA Category: Roadway Maintenance 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.

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Job Safety Analysis
Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work zone and traffic conditions Approaching vehicles, low visibility, crew stepping into open lanes Set up proper MUTCD compliant work zone; use cones, signs, and arrow boards; assign lookout or traffic control supervisor
Inspect paint truck, striper, or hand liner Leaking hose, clogged nozzles, malfunctioning pumps, low fuel Conduct full equipment inspection; verify spray assembly, bead dispenser, and pressure controls are functioning; repair defects
Don required PPE Eye injuries, inhalation of overspray, struck by hazard Wear full PPE including high visibility vest and safety glasses before entering roadway
Prepare pavement surface Loose gravel, dust, debris, trip hazards Blow or sweep debris from surface; ensure pavement is dry; keep crew inside work zone during cleaning
Mix and load paint Chemical exposure, splash hazards, inhalation of fumes Mix in ventilated area; wear gloves and face protection; secure lids; avoid overfilling tanks
Position equipment Traffic exposure, blind spots, backing hazards Use spotter while positioning paint truck or striper; ensure all backing alarms and beacons work; keep crew out of blind spots
Begin striping operation Overspray onto crew or vehicles, unexpected driver behavior, equipment malfunction Maintain slow and steady speed; communicate with operator and ground crew; keep workers clear of spray pattern
Apply reflective beads (if required) Eye exposure, slipping on beads, equipment clog Maintain bead drop rate according to manufacturer; keep ground crew away from bead path; monitor hopper output
Maintain communication Miscommunication leading to lane conflicts or uneven application Use radios or hand signals; maintain constant operator crew coordination; stop immediately if communication is lost
Handle traffic flow around operation Vehicles entering paint path, motorists confused about lane closures Use pilot vehicles if needed; position shadow vehicle to protect workers; adjust signage to direct motorists clearly
Drying and curing period Vehicles driving through wet paint, slips on fresh markings Keep work zone intact until paint is dry; place temporary cones around fresh markings; communicate drying time to crew
End of operation cleanup Contact with wet paint, spills, improper storage Clean equipment according to manufacturer instructions; store materials safely; dispose of contaminated rags and waste properly
Remove traffic control Workers exposed to live traffic during takedown Remove devices in reverse order of setup; keep lookout posted; verify lane is safe before reopening
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment