Job Safety Analysis: Confined Space Entry for Stormwater Infrastructure

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Identify confined space and entry need Misclassification, unrecognized hazards Confirm the structure is a permit required confined space; review known hazards; obtain supervisor approval
Conduct pre entry site assessment Traffic exposure, unstable ground, poor visibility Establish MUTCD compliant work zone; use cones and signs; evaluate slope and drainage around entry point
Don appropriate PPE Exposure to contaminants, falling objects Wear hard hat, gloves, boots, safety glasses, and harness; add respirator if needed
Isolate energy and flow sources Sudden water inflow, moving parts Stop pumps upstream; close valves or sluice gates; verify storm flow conditions; use lockout tagout when applicable
Set up tripod and retrieval system Fall hazard, equipment failure Assemble tripod over entry point; secure winch; inspect straps and hardware; attach harness to retrieval line
Conduct atmospheric testing Toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, explosive gases Test at top, middle, and bottom of space; do not enter until readings are within safe ranges; continue monitoring during entry
Ventilate space Poor air quality, airborne contaminants Set up blower with ducting to circulate fresh air; ventilate for minimum required time; monitor to ensure adequate airflow
Brief entry and attendant team Miscommunication leading to rescue delay or hazardous exposure Review roles for entrant, attendant, and supervisor; establish communication methods; confirm rescue plan
Begin controlled entry Slip, fall, entrapment Entrant descends slowly using retrieval line; maintain communication; attendant remains at entry point at all times
Perform inspection or maintenance tasks Exposure to contaminated water, sharp edges, biological hazards Stay aware of footing; avoid contact with raw sewage or chemical residues; use tools rather than hands
Maintain atmospheric monitoring Changing conditions inside space Keep gas monitor active in entrant’s breathing zone; exit immediately if alarms sound
Maintain communication at all times Entrant unable to call for help Use radios, rope signals, or voice; attendant logs time and conditions; halt work if communication is lost
Prepare for emergency retrieval Entrapment, medical event Attendant remains ready to use winch system; never enter space for rescue unless properly trained and equipped
Exit the confined space Slip hazards, exhaustion Climb slowly; use retrieval system for assistance; maintain communication with attendant
Decontaminate PPE and tools Cross contamination, exposure to waste Rinse boots, gloves, and harness with disinfectant; clean tools; bag disposable PPE; dispose according to local rules
Final site restoration Trip hazards, unsecured entry point Replace covers securely; pick up equipment; remove debris and tools
Remove traffic control Exposure to moving vehicles Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep high visibility PPE on until done

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hard hat

  • Safety glasses or face shield

  • High visibility vest or jacket (if working roadside)

  • Steel toe boots

  • Cut resistant gloves

  • Nitrile inner gloves for contamination

  • Respirator if atmospheric hazards are possible

  • Full body harness with lifeline

  • Disposable coveralls when contamination is present

  • Hearing protection as needed

Required Equipment

  • Gas monitor (four gas or equivalent)

  • Tripod with retrieval winch

  • Ventilation blower with ducting

  • Communication device (radio or hardline)

  • Lockout tagout equipment

  • Barriers, cones, and signage

  • Lighting rated for confined spaces

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.

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Job Safety Analysis
Department: __________________________________
Job/Task:   Confined Space Entry for Stormwater Infrastructure
Location: __________________________________
Date: ____ /____ /____
Supervisor: __________________________________
Crew: __________________________________
Step Potential Hazard Control
Identify confined space and entry need Misclassification, unrecognized hazards Confirm the structure is a permit required confined space; review known hazards; obtain supervisor approval
Conduct pre entry site assessment Traffic exposure, unstable ground, poor visibility Establish MUTCD compliant work zone; use cones and signs; evaluate slope and drainage around entry point
Don appropriate PPE Exposure to contaminants, falling objects Wear hard hat, gloves, boots, safety glasses, and harness; add respirator if needed
Isolate energy and flow sources Sudden water inflow, moving parts Stop pumps upstream; close valves or sluice gates; verify storm flow conditions; use lockout tagout when applicable
Set up tripod and retrieval system Fall hazard, equipment failure Assemble tripod over entry point; secure winch; inspect straps and hardware; attach harness to retrieval line
Conduct atmospheric testing Toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, explosive gases Test at top, middle, and bottom of space; do not enter until readings are within safe ranges; continue monitoring during entry
Ventilate space Poor air quality, airborne contaminants Set up blower with ducting to circulate fresh air; ventilate for minimum required time; monitor to ensure adequate airflow
Brief entry and attendant team Miscommunication leading to rescue delay or hazardous exposure Review roles for entrant, attendant, and supervisor; establish communication methods; confirm rescue plan
Begin controlled entry Slip, fall, entrapment Entrant descends slowly using retrieval line; maintain communication; attendant remains at entry point at all times
Perform inspection or maintenance tasks Exposure to contaminated water, sharp edges, biological hazards Stay aware of footing; avoid contact with raw sewage or chemical residues; use tools rather than hands
Maintain atmospheric monitoring Changing conditions inside space Keep gas monitor active in entrant’s breathing zone; exit immediately if alarms sound
Maintain communication at all times Entrant unable to call for help Use radios, rope signals, or voice; attendant logs time and conditions; halt work if communication is lost
Prepare for emergency retrieval Entrapment, medical event Attendant remains ready to use winch system; never enter space for rescue unless properly trained and equipped
Exit the confined space Slip hazards, exhaustion Climb slowly; use retrieval system for assistance; maintain communication with attendant
Decontaminate PPE and tools Cross contamination, exposure to waste Rinse boots, gloves, and harness with disinfectant; clean tools; bag disposable PPE; dispose according to local rules
Final site restoration Trip hazards, unsecured entry point Replace covers securely; pick up equipment; remove debris and tools
Remove traffic control Exposure to moving vehicles Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep high visibility PPE on until done
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

Required Equipment


Supervisor signature: __________________________________
Employee initials: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________