| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, pedestrians, blind curves, soft shoulders | Conduct site assessment; set MUTCD compliant cones and signage; use lookout if near heavy traffic; choose safest truck orientation |
| Inspect equipment (vactor, hand tools) | Damaged hoses, clogged nozzles, hydraulic leaks, missing PPE | Perform full pre operation inspection; test boom movement, suction, jetter system, lights, beacons, and communication equipment |
| Don required PPE | Chemical exposure, splash hazards, hearing risks | Wear gloves, safety glasses or face shield, high visibility vest, and appropriate respiratory protection |
| Position vactor truck or work vehicle | Backing hazards, blind spots, traffic conflicts | Use spotter when backing; activate beacons; park on stable ground; avoid blocking intersections or driveways when possible |
| Remove catch basin grate | Finger or toe crush injuries, back strain, pinch points | Use grate hooks or lifting tools; stand to the side; use team lift for heavy grates; set grate far from work area to prevent trip hazards |
| Conduct atmospheric check (if needed) | Exposure to toxic gases or low oxygen | Use gas monitor near opening if odors or unknown discharges are present; avoid leaning into basin |
| Begin suction removal of debris | Hose movement, splashing, contact with contaminated water | Hold hose firmly; keep crew clear of hose path; operate at controlled speed; stand upwind when possible |
| Use jetter to break up sediment | High pressure spray, blowback, flying debris | Keep nozzle pointed away from crew; start with low pressure; increase gradually; use non conductive hose if near utilities |
| Remove heavy debris manually (if required) | Cuts from sharp objects, contact with contaminated material | Use long handled tools; avoid reaching into basin; wear waterproof gloves; sort debris carefully |
| Inspect basin for structural issues | Slip hazards on wet surfaces, falling objects | Stand on firm footing; inspect walls and outlet pipes visually; avoid reaching into voids |
| Replace grate | Hand injuries, dropping grate, pinch hazards | Use team lift if heavy; position feet clear of drop zone; align grate carefully and lower into place |
| Wash down area and ensure drain flow | Splashing contaminated water, slips | Use minimal water; direct flow into basin; maintain footing; check for proper drainage |
| Decontaminate tools and equipment | Chemical contact, slip hazards from wet tools | Wash tools using appropriate disinfectant; place tools in designated area to dry |
| Dispose of collected debris | Environmental violations, contact with hazardous waste | Transport debris to approved disposal site; follow local regulations for contaminated waste |
| Final site cleanup | Residual debris causing slips or stormwater obstruction | Sweep area; check for materials near curbline; ensure roadway is clear |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to traffic | Remove cones and signage in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until area is safe |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Waterproof gloves or nitrile gloves under cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection when operating vac or blower equipment
Respirator if strong odors or unknown materials are present
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Stormwater, Drainage, and Waterways
* 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, pedestrians, blind curves, soft shoulders | Conduct site assessment; set MUTCD compliant cones and signage; use lookout if near heavy traffic; choose safest truck orientation |
| Inspect equipment (vactor, hand tools) | Damaged hoses, clogged nozzles, hydraulic leaks, missing PPE | Perform full pre operation inspection; test boom movement, suction, jetter system, lights, beacons, and communication equipment |
| Don required PPE | Chemical exposure, splash hazards, hearing risks | Wear gloves, safety glasses or face shield, high visibility vest, and appropriate respiratory protection |
| Position vactor truck or work vehicle | Backing hazards, blind spots, traffic conflicts | Use spotter when backing; activate beacons; park on stable ground; avoid blocking intersections or driveways when possible |
| Remove catch basin grate | Finger or toe crush injuries, back strain, pinch points | Use grate hooks or lifting tools; stand to the side; use team lift for heavy grates; set grate far from work area to prevent trip hazards |
| Conduct atmospheric check (if needed) | Exposure to toxic gases or low oxygen | Use gas monitor near opening if odors or unknown discharges are present; avoid leaning into basin |
| Begin suction removal of debris | Hose movement, splashing, contact with contaminated water | Hold hose firmly; keep crew clear of hose path; operate at controlled speed; stand upwind when possible |
| Use jetter to break up sediment | High pressure spray, blowback, flying debris | Keep nozzle pointed away from crew; start with low pressure; increase gradually; use non conductive hose if near utilities |
| Remove heavy debris manually (if required) | Cuts from sharp objects, contact with contaminated material | Use long handled tools; avoid reaching into basin; wear waterproof gloves; sort debris carefully |
| Inspect basin for structural issues | Slip hazards on wet surfaces, falling objects | Stand on firm footing; inspect walls and outlet pipes visually; avoid reaching into voids |
| Replace grate | Hand injuries, dropping grate, pinch hazards | Use team lift if heavy; position feet clear of drop zone; align grate carefully and lower into place |
| Wash down area and ensure drain flow | Splashing contaminated water, slips | Use minimal water; direct flow into basin; maintain footing; check for proper drainage |
| Decontaminate tools and equipment | Chemical contact, slip hazards from wet tools | Wash tools using appropriate disinfectant; place tools in designated area to dry |
| Dispose of collected debris | Environmental violations, contact with hazardous waste | Transport debris to approved disposal site; follow local regulations for contaminated waste |
| Final site cleanup | Residual debris causing slips or stormwater obstruction | Sweep area; check for materials near curbline; ensure roadway is clear |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to traffic | Remove cones and signage in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until area is safe |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Waterproof gloves or nitrile gloves under cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection when operating vac or blower equipment
Respirator if strong odors or unknown materials are present