Job Safety Analysis: Culvert Jetting

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect culvert site and surrounding area Traffic hazards, unstable shoulders, washouts, wildlife Evaluate roadway conditions, inspect for erosion or soft ground, establish safe work zone, watch for snakes or other animals
Position jet truck and establish traffic control Struck by traffic, vehicle rollaway Park on stable ground, set parking brake, use wheel chocks, deploy cones and signs according to MUTCD requirements
Inspect jetting equipment and hoses Hose failure, damaged fittings, leaks Conduct pre use inspection, replace worn hoses or nozzles, verify all connections are secure
Access culvert inlet or outlet Slips, trips, falls, drowning hazards Maintain stable footing, avoid steep embankments, stay alert for flowing water and slippery surfaces
Set up jetting hose and nozzle Hose whipping, splash exposure, pinch points Secure hose properly, keep crew clear of hose path, wear waterproof PPE
Start jetting operation High pressure injection injury, flying debris, noise Use lowest effective pressure initially, keep nozzle pointed into culvert only, wear hearing protection and eye protection
Advance hose through culvert Sudden hose movement, blocked culvert release, debris discharge Maintain firm control of hose, communicate with operator, stand clear of outlet when blockage breaks free
Remove debris from culvert ends Sharp objects, biological hazards, back strain Use tools instead of hands when possible, wear gloves, lift debris properly, avoid direct contact with contaminated material
Monitor water flow and roadway conditions Flooding, erosion, roadway undermining Observe flow direction and discharge, stop work if erosion or washout develops
Shut down and disconnect equipment Residual pressure, hose whipping Relieve pressure before disconnecting hoses, reel hoses carefully, inspect equipment before storage
Restore site and remove traffic control Worker exposure to traffic, leftover debris Remove debris from roadway and ditch, retrieve signs and cones safely, inspect site before reopening fully

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses or face shield
  • High visibility vest or Class 3 roadway garment
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Steel toe boots with slip resistant soles
  • Hearing protection
  • Waterproof clothing or rain gear
  • Respiratory protection when mold, dust, or contaminated water exposure is possible

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
Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect culvert site and surrounding area Traffic hazards, unstable shoulders, washouts, wildlife Evaluate roadway conditions, inspect for erosion or soft ground, establish safe work zone, watch for snakes or other animals
Position jet truck and establish traffic control Struck by traffic, vehicle rollaway Park on stable ground, set parking brake, use wheel chocks, deploy cones and signs according to MUTCD requirements
Inspect jetting equipment and hoses Hose failure, damaged fittings, leaks Conduct pre use inspection, replace worn hoses or nozzles, verify all connections are secure
Access culvert inlet or outlet Slips, trips, falls, drowning hazards Maintain stable footing, avoid steep embankments, stay alert for flowing water and slippery surfaces
Set up jetting hose and nozzle Hose whipping, splash exposure, pinch points Secure hose properly, keep crew clear of hose path, wear waterproof PPE
Start jetting operation High pressure injection injury, flying debris, noise Use lowest effective pressure initially, keep nozzle pointed into culvert only, wear hearing protection and eye protection
Advance hose through culvert Sudden hose movement, blocked culvert release, debris discharge Maintain firm control of hose, communicate with operator, stand clear of outlet when blockage breaks free
Remove debris from culvert ends Sharp objects, biological hazards, back strain Use tools instead of hands when possible, wear gloves, lift debris properly, avoid direct contact with contaminated material
Monitor water flow and roadway conditions Flooding, erosion, roadway undermining Observe flow direction and discharge, stop work if erosion or washout develops
Shut down and disconnect equipment Residual pressure, hose whipping Relieve pressure before disconnecting hoses, reel hoses carefully, inspect equipment before storage
Restore site and remove traffic control Worker exposure to traffic, leftover debris Remove debris from roadway and ditch, retrieve signs and cones safely, inspect site before reopening fully
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment