| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess stream and access area | Fast water, unstable banks, deep pools, slippery rocks, wildlife | Conduct site walk; choose safest access point; probe soft or underwater areas; avoid working on undercut banks |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged chainsaws, dull blades, broken hooks, faulty ropes or rigging | Perform pre operation inspection; verify chainsaws, hand saws, hooks, and rope gear are in good condition |
| Don required PPE | Waterborne hazards, sharp debris, insects, cold water exposure | Wear waders or waterproof boots, gloves, safety glasses, and hard hat; apply insect repellent |
| Establish safe work zone | Crew entering unstable zones, falling branches, equipment contact | Mark safe areas; keep workers out of downstream hazard path; maintain communication among crew |
| Evaluate debris type (wood, trash, sediment, vegetation) | Unknown hazards, hidden sharp objects, contamination | Identify debris visually; avoid reaching into water blindly; use tools to probe material |
| Remove debris manually | Slips, cuts, heavy lifting, rolling logs | Use hooks, rakes, or rope assists; maintain firm footing; avoid twisting while lifting; use team lifts for heavy items |
| Cut large woody debris | Chainsaw kickback, slipping into water, falling limbs | Only cut from stable ground; never cut while standing in water; maintain two handed grip; keep bystanders clear of drop zones |
| Use mechanical equipment (excavator, skid steer) | Equipment rollovers, struck by bucket, crushing hazards | Establish exclusion zone; keep workers away from swing radius; operate on stable ground only |
| Manage water flow | Sudden surge if blockage releases, worker swept downstream | Remove debris in small portions; keep lookout downstream; maintain escape route if water rises |
| Handle trash or hazardous materials | Contact with chemicals, sharps, contaminated water | Use puncture resistant gloves; avoid opening containers; place hazardous items in separate containers; follow municipal disposal protocols |
| Stabilize streambank if disturbed | Unstable slopes, erosion | Place riprap or erosion control materials as needed; avoid standing on loose soil; work from stable surface |
| Inspect for upstream or downstream impacts | Slipping, wading hazards | Move carefully; probe depth before stepping; ensure water flow is unimpeded |
| Clean up and collect removed debris | Trips, heavy lifting, contamination | Place debris away from water; bag lightweight waste; load larger debris with mechanical equipment |
| Final inspection | Missed debris, unstable banks | Walk area safely; verify stream flow is restored; remove any remaining hazards |
| Remove traffic control (if roadway adjacent) | Worker exposure to traffic | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (if near roadway)
Waterproof boots or chest waders
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots (if using heavy tools or equipment)
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection when using chainsaws or power tools
Respirator if exposed to mold, decaying organics, or sediment dust
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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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess stream and access area | Fast water, unstable banks, deep pools, slippery rocks, wildlife | Conduct site walk; choose safest access point; probe soft or underwater areas; avoid working on undercut banks |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged chainsaws, dull blades, broken hooks, faulty ropes or rigging | Perform pre operation inspection; verify chainsaws, hand saws, hooks, and rope gear are in good condition |
| Don required PPE | Waterborne hazards, sharp debris, insects, cold water exposure | Wear waders or waterproof boots, gloves, safety glasses, and hard hat; apply insect repellent |
| Establish safe work zone | Crew entering unstable zones, falling branches, equipment contact | Mark safe areas; keep workers out of downstream hazard path; maintain communication among crew |
| Evaluate debris type (wood, trash, sediment, vegetation) | Unknown hazards, hidden sharp objects, contamination | Identify debris visually; avoid reaching into water blindly; use tools to probe material |
| Remove debris manually | Slips, cuts, heavy lifting, rolling logs | Use hooks, rakes, or rope assists; maintain firm footing; avoid twisting while lifting; use team lifts for heavy items |
| Cut large woody debris | Chainsaw kickback, slipping into water, falling limbs | Only cut from stable ground; never cut while standing in water; maintain two handed grip; keep bystanders clear of drop zones |
| Use mechanical equipment (excavator, skid steer) | Equipment rollovers, struck by bucket, crushing hazards | Establish exclusion zone; keep workers away from swing radius; operate on stable ground only |
| Manage water flow | Sudden surge if blockage releases, worker swept downstream | Remove debris in small portions; keep lookout downstream; maintain escape route if water rises |
| Handle trash or hazardous materials | Contact with chemicals, sharps, contaminated water | Use puncture resistant gloves; avoid opening containers; place hazardous items in separate containers; follow municipal disposal protocols |
| Stabilize streambank if disturbed | Unstable slopes, erosion | Place riprap or erosion control materials as needed; avoid standing on loose soil; work from stable surface |
| Inspect for upstream or downstream impacts | Slipping, wading hazards | Move carefully; probe depth before stepping; ensure water flow is unimpeded |
| Clean up and collect removed debris | Trips, heavy lifting, contamination | Place debris away from water; bag lightweight waste; load larger debris with mechanical equipment |
| Final inspection | Missed debris, unstable banks | Walk area safely; verify stream flow is restored; remove any remaining hazards |
| Remove traffic control (if roadway adjacent) | Worker exposure to traffic | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (if near roadway)
Waterproof boots or chest waders
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots (if using heavy tools or equipment)
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection when using chainsaws or power tools
Respirator if exposed to mold, decaying organics, or sediment dust