| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect truck and tarping system | Damaged tarp, frayed straps, bent arms | Check tarp fabric, arms, cables, and rollers; repair before use; ensure no loose debris on top of load |
| Don required PPE | Eye injuries, hand injuries, slip hazards | Wear gloves, safety glasses, boots with traction, and high visibility clothing |
| Assess ground conditions | Slips, uneven footing, traffic exposure | Stand on level ground; avoid mud, ice, or snow; use cones if tarping roadside |
| Position truck for tarping | Vehicle movement hazards, overhead obstructions | Park in designated tarping area; avoid power lines, trees, or low structures |
| Use automatic tarp system (if equipped) | Moving arm strike, pinch points | Stand clear of tarp arms; operate from control panel; ensure no one is near truck |
| Prepare for manual tarping | Falls from height, overreaching, unstable loads | Avoid climbing on top of load; use ground based tarping techniques whenever possible |
| Pull tarp across load | Back strain, slipping, caught hands | Pull slowly using both hands; never jerk tarp; keep feet wide for balance |
| Secure tarp with straps or tie downs | Pinched fingers, sudden strap recoil | Keep face away from tensioned straps; tighten gradually; check knots or ratchets |
| Use ladder or platform only if required | Fall from height, unstable ladder | Use only approved ladders; place on stable ground; maintain three points of contact; avoid winter ladder use when possible |
| Adjust tarp in windy conditions | Loss of control, blown tarp | Wait for wind to subside; ask for assistance; use caution holding tarp edges |
| Inspect tarp once secured | Loose tarp, shifting load | Walk around vehicle; verify tarp is tight and fully covers load; ensure no flapping edges |
| Retarp if load shifts | Moving hazards in truck, awkward lifting | Reposition truck to safe area; avoid tarping in traffic lanes; readjust tarp slowly |
| Tarp removal (untarping) | Sudden release, falling debris | Release straps slowly; stand to the side; watch for debris falling off load |
| End of operations | Trip hazards, loose equipment | Store tarp and straps properly; remove debris from work area; inspect PPE |
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended if near traffic)
Steel toe boots
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Hard hat (recommended for overhead hazards)
Weather appropriate clothing, including traction cleats in winter
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Solid Waste and Recycling 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect truck and tarping system | Damaged tarp, frayed straps, bent arms | Check tarp fabric, arms, cables, and rollers; repair before use; ensure no loose debris on top of load |
| Don required PPE | Eye injuries, hand injuries, slip hazards | Wear gloves, safety glasses, boots with traction, and high visibility clothing |
| Assess ground conditions | Slips, uneven footing, traffic exposure | Stand on level ground; avoid mud, ice, or snow; use cones if tarping roadside |
| Position truck for tarping | Vehicle movement hazards, overhead obstructions | Park in designated tarping area; avoid power lines, trees, or low structures |
| Use automatic tarp system (if equipped) | Moving arm strike, pinch points | Stand clear of tarp arms; operate from control panel; ensure no one is near truck |
| Prepare for manual tarping | Falls from height, overreaching, unstable loads | Avoid climbing on top of load; use ground based tarping techniques whenever possible |
| Pull tarp across load | Back strain, slipping, caught hands | Pull slowly using both hands; never jerk tarp; keep feet wide for balance |
| Secure tarp with straps or tie downs | Pinched fingers, sudden strap recoil | Keep face away from tensioned straps; tighten gradually; check knots or ratchets |
| Use ladder or platform only if required | Fall from height, unstable ladder | Use only approved ladders; place on stable ground; maintain three points of contact; avoid winter ladder use when possible |
| Adjust tarp in windy conditions | Loss of control, blown tarp | Wait for wind to subside; ask for assistance; use caution holding tarp edges |
| Inspect tarp once secured | Loose tarp, shifting load | Walk around vehicle; verify tarp is tight and fully covers load; ensure no flapping edges |
| Retarp if load shifts | Moving hazards in truck, awkward lifting | Reposition truck to safe area; avoid tarping in traffic lanes; readjust tarp slowly |
| Tarp removal (untarping) | Sudden release, falling debris | Release straps slowly; stand to the side; watch for debris falling off load |
| End of operations | Trip hazards, loose equipment | Store tarp and straps properly; remove debris from work area; inspect PPE |
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended if near traffic)
Steel toe boots
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Hard hat (recommended for overhead hazards)
Weather appropriate clothing, including traction cleats in winter