Job Safety Analysis: Dewatering Operations

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work area Traffic exposure, unstable banks, deep water, trip hazards, overhead lines Conduct site walk; identify hazards; set up MUTCD compliant work zone if roadside; choose safest access route
Inspect pumps, hoses, and equipment Faulty pumps, cracked hoses, blocked strainers, leaking fuel lines Perform pre operation inspection; replace damaged hoses; ensure pump intake is clear; test run pump before deployment
Don appropriate PPE Slips, sharp debris, contaminated water Wear gloves, boots or waders, safety glasses, and high visibility vest
Establish safe pump location Equipment tipping, flooding of pump, electrical hazards, soft ground Place pump on stable surface; elevate if necessary; keep electrical pumps away from water; use GFCI protection
Set up suction hose Hose collapse, back strain, pinch points Use two people when handling large hoses; ensure hose joints are tight; place strainer properly to avoid clogging
Place discharge hose Environmental impact, trip hazards, erosion Direct discharge to approved area; use sediment control such as silt bags; avoid directing water onto roads or into storm drains without approval
Start pump and check operation Flying debris, pump recoil, sudden hose movement Stand clear of intake and discharge; start pump slowly; check for leaks; secure hoses
Monitor water level and pump status Pump overheating, suction loss, hose blockage Assign worker to remain on site; check for vibration, noise changes, or overheating; clear blockages using tools only
Manage fuel safely (for gas or diesel pumps) Fire hazards, spills, fumes Refuel only when pump is off and cool; use spill pads; store fuel away from water source; extinguish cigarettes or flames
Prevent sediment discharge Regulatory violations, water pollution Use silt bags, sediment traps, or filtered discharge; monitor clarity; relocate discharge if excessive turbidity occurs
Work near flowing water Slips, rapid level rise, worker swept downstream Assign lookout; install temporary barriers if needed; never work directly in strong currents
Handle pump clogs or suction loss Contact with contaminated water, hose whip Shut down pump before clearing; relieve pressure; use tools to remove debris from strainer
Move or reposition pump Lifting injuries, awkward loads Use team lift; secure pump before moving; ensure generator or power cables are disconnected
Shutdown pump Hot surfaces, fuel vapors Turn off pump; allow to cool; disconnect hoses; drain water from hoses carefully
Cleanup and decontaminate tools Contaminant spread, slippery conditions Wash boots and tools; collect sediment and debris; dispose of materials appropriately
Final site restoration Trip hazards, leftover equipment Remove hoses, pumps, and sediment devices; smooth disturbed ground; ensure waterways are unobstructed
Remove traffic control Exposure to moving vehicles Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep high visibility PPE on until clear

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hard hat

  • Safety glasses or face shield

  • High visibility vest or jacket

  • Waterproof boots or waders

  • Cut resistant gloves

  • Steel toe boots

  • Long pants and long sleeves

  • Hearing protection around pumps or generators

  • Respirator if odors or contaminated water are present

Typical Equipment

  • Pumps (gas, diesel, electric, or trash pumps)

  • Suction and discharge hoses

  • Strainers and filters

  • Generators or power sources

  • Fuel cans (stored safely)

  • Sandbags, silt socks, or other sediment control devices

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:   Dewatering Operations
Location: __________________________________
Date: ____ /____ /____
Supervisor: __________________________________
Crew: __________________________________
Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work area Traffic exposure, unstable banks, deep water, trip hazards, overhead lines Conduct site walk; identify hazards; set up MUTCD compliant work zone if roadside; choose safest access route
Inspect pumps, hoses, and equipment Faulty pumps, cracked hoses, blocked strainers, leaking fuel lines Perform pre operation inspection; replace damaged hoses; ensure pump intake is clear; test run pump before deployment
Don appropriate PPE Slips, sharp debris, contaminated water Wear gloves, boots or waders, safety glasses, and high visibility vest
Establish safe pump location Equipment tipping, flooding of pump, electrical hazards, soft ground Place pump on stable surface; elevate if necessary; keep electrical pumps away from water; use GFCI protection
Set up suction hose Hose collapse, back strain, pinch points Use two people when handling large hoses; ensure hose joints are tight; place strainer properly to avoid clogging
Place discharge hose Environmental impact, trip hazards, erosion Direct discharge to approved area; use sediment control such as silt bags; avoid directing water onto roads or into storm drains without approval
Start pump and check operation Flying debris, pump recoil, sudden hose movement Stand clear of intake and discharge; start pump slowly; check for leaks; secure hoses
Monitor water level and pump status Pump overheating, suction loss, hose blockage Assign worker to remain on site; check for vibration, noise changes, or overheating; clear blockages using tools only
Manage fuel safely (for gas or diesel pumps) Fire hazards, spills, fumes Refuel only when pump is off and cool; use spill pads; store fuel away from water source; extinguish cigarettes or flames
Prevent sediment discharge Regulatory violations, water pollution Use silt bags, sediment traps, or filtered discharge; monitor clarity; relocate discharge if excessive turbidity occurs
Work near flowing water Slips, rapid level rise, worker swept downstream Assign lookout; install temporary barriers if needed; never work directly in strong currents
Handle pump clogs or suction loss Contact with contaminated water, hose whip Shut down pump before clearing; relieve pressure; use tools to remove debris from strainer
Move or reposition pump Lifting injuries, awkward loads Use team lift; secure pump before moving; ensure generator or power cables are disconnected
Shutdown pump Hot surfaces, fuel vapors Turn off pump; allow to cool; disconnect hoses; drain water from hoses carefully
Cleanup and decontaminate tools Contaminant spread, slippery conditions Wash boots and tools; collect sediment and debris; dispose of materials appropriately
Final site restoration Trip hazards, leftover equipment Remove hoses, pumps, and sediment devices; smooth disturbed ground; ensure waterways are unobstructed
Remove traffic control Exposure to moving vehicles Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep high visibility PPE on until clear
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

Typical Equipment


Supervisor signature: __________________________________
Employee initials: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________