| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Review utility locate information and job site | Striking underground utilities, inaccurate locate markings, traffic hazards | Verify utility marks before digging, contact utility locating service, maintain required clearance distances, review site conditions |
| Inspect hydro excavation truck and equipment | Hose failure, leaks, damaged nozzles, equipment malfunction | Conduct pre use inspection, check water pressure system, inspect vacuum hoses and fittings, verify emergency shutoffs work |
| Position truck and establish work zone | Struck by traffic, unstable ground, vehicle rollaway | Park on stable surface, set parking brake, use wheel chocks, deploy cones and signs according to MUTCD requirements |
| Set up vacuum and water systems | Hose whipping, slips, pressure release | Secure hoses properly, keep work area organized, inspect connections before pressurizing |
| Begin water excavation | High pressure injection injury, flying debris, utility damage | Use lowest effective pressure, keep nozzle pointed away from body, maintain proper distance from buried utilities |
| Operate vacuum system during excavation | Hose movement, noise exposure, debris contact | Maintain communication between operators, secure vacuum hose, wear hearing protection |
| Expose underground utilities | Utility strike, gas release, electrical hazards | Excavate slowly around marked utilities, use non destructive methods only, stop work if utility condition is uncertain |
| Manage spoils and slurry | Slips, environmental contamination, splash exposure | Keep slurry contained, avoid overflow, wear waterproof PPE, dispose of material properly |
| Work near roadways or pedestrians | Struck by traffic, public exposure to hazards | Use barriers and spotters as needed, maintain clear pedestrian routes, wear high visibility PPE |
| Shut down equipment and disconnect hoses | Residual pressure, hose whipping, burns from hot water systems | Relieve pressure before disconnecting hoses, allow heated systems to cool, store hoses properly |
| Restore site and clean work area | Trip hazards, leftover debris, unstable excavation | Backfill or secure excavation, remove debris and equipment, inspect site before leaving |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Review utility locate information and job site | Striking underground utilities, inaccurate locate markings, traffic hazards | Verify utility marks before digging, contact utility locating service, maintain required clearance distances, review site conditions |
| Inspect hydro excavation truck and equipment | Hose failure, leaks, damaged nozzles, equipment malfunction | Conduct pre use inspection, check water pressure system, inspect vacuum hoses and fittings, verify emergency shutoffs work |
| Position truck and establish work zone | Struck by traffic, unstable ground, vehicle rollaway | Park on stable surface, set parking brake, use wheel chocks, deploy cones and signs according to MUTCD requirements |
| Set up vacuum and water systems | Hose whipping, slips, pressure release | Secure hoses properly, keep work area organized, inspect connections before pressurizing |
| Begin water excavation | High pressure injection injury, flying debris, utility damage | Use lowest effective pressure, keep nozzle pointed away from body, maintain proper distance from buried utilities |
| Operate vacuum system during excavation | Hose movement, noise exposure, debris contact | Maintain communication between operators, secure vacuum hose, wear hearing protection |
| Expose underground utilities | Utility strike, gas release, electrical hazards | Excavate slowly around marked utilities, use non destructive methods only, stop work if utility condition is uncertain |
| Manage spoils and slurry | Slips, environmental contamination, splash exposure | Keep slurry contained, avoid overflow, wear waterproof PPE, dispose of material properly |
| Work near roadways or pedestrians | Struck by traffic, public exposure to hazards | Use barriers and spotters as needed, maintain clear pedestrian routes, wear high visibility PPE |
| Shut down equipment and disconnect hoses | Residual pressure, hose whipping, burns from hot water systems | Relieve pressure before disconnecting hoses, allow heated systems to cool, store hoses properly |
| Restore site and clean work area | Trip hazards, leftover debris, unstable excavation | Backfill or secure excavation, remove debris and equipment, inspect site before leaving |