| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Uneven terrain, slippery slopes, overhead hazards, traffic exposure | Conduct site walk through; identify hazards; set up MUTCD compliant work zone if roadside; avoid working on unstable slopes |
| Inspect hydroseeder and equipment | Leaking hoses, damaged spray nozzles, malfunctioning agitators or pumps | Perform pre operation inspection; check hoses, clamps, agitators, tank levels, pressure gauges, and safety rails |
| Don required PPE | Exposure to dust, seed additives, slippery conditions | Wear safety glasses, gloves, high visibility vest, and steel toe boots |
| Load seed, mulch, and tackifier into tank | Strains from lifting bags, dust inhalation, splashing slurry | Use team lifting for heavy bags; cut bags using proper technique; wear respirator if dust is present; avoid standing over tank opening |
| Mix materials inside tank | Rotating agitator hazards, splashback | Do not reach into tank; keep hands clear of moving parts; mix at low speed initially; close lids securely |
| Position hydroseeder truck or trailer | Backing hazards, equipment striking workers, soft shoulders | Use spotter; activate beacons; park on stable ground; avoid blocking sight lines |
| Begin spraying operations | Slips on wet ground, hose recoil, overspray | Maintain firm footing; control hose pressure; avoid pointing nozzle at people or vehicles; stay aware of wind direction |
| Apply hydroseed on slopes | Falls, sliding, unstable soil | Use walking stick or rope assist on minor slopes; avoid working on slopes that are too steep without proper fall protection or alternative methods |
| Maintain communication with crew | Miscommunication leading to equipment movement or overspray | Use radios or hand signals; establish clear communication between nozzle operator and truck operator |
| Watch for pedestrians and vehicles | Overspray onto traffic or bystanders | Assign lookout; pause spraying when people or vehicles pass; adjust spray angle to avoid overspray |
| Manage hose handling | Tripping hazards, strain injuries, hose whip | Lay out hose in straight lines; avoid crossing active work paths; relieve pressure before moving hose |
| Flush system after use | High pressure spray, chemical exposure | Reduce pressure gradually; flush with clean water; wear gloves and eye protection during cleaning |
| Clean area and equipment | Slippery conditions, contact with wet mulch slurry | Clean overspray from pavement; store hoses properly; avoid leaving wet debris in travel lanes |
| Dispose of empty bags and materials | Littering hazards, contact with chemical residues | Collect all bags and packaging; dispose of according to local regulations; keep waste away from water bodies |
| Final inspection of treated area | Slips on wet mulch, loose soil | Walk carefully; inspect for uniform coverage; reapply to bare spots if needed |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to moving vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until fully clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near machinery
Respirator if exposed to dust from mulch or seed mixtures
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.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Uneven terrain, slippery slopes, overhead hazards, traffic exposure | Conduct site walk through; identify hazards; set up MUTCD compliant work zone if roadside; avoid working on unstable slopes |
| Inspect hydroseeder and equipment | Leaking hoses, damaged spray nozzles, malfunctioning agitators or pumps | Perform pre operation inspection; check hoses, clamps, agitators, tank levels, pressure gauges, and safety rails |
| Don required PPE | Exposure to dust, seed additives, slippery conditions | Wear safety glasses, gloves, high visibility vest, and steel toe boots |
| Load seed, mulch, and tackifier into tank | Strains from lifting bags, dust inhalation, splashing slurry | Use team lifting for heavy bags; cut bags using proper technique; wear respirator if dust is present; avoid standing over tank opening |
| Mix materials inside tank | Rotating agitator hazards, splashback | Do not reach into tank; keep hands clear of moving parts; mix at low speed initially; close lids securely |
| Position hydroseeder truck or trailer | Backing hazards, equipment striking workers, soft shoulders | Use spotter; activate beacons; park on stable ground; avoid blocking sight lines |
| Begin spraying operations | Slips on wet ground, hose recoil, overspray | Maintain firm footing; control hose pressure; avoid pointing nozzle at people or vehicles; stay aware of wind direction |
| Apply hydroseed on slopes | Falls, sliding, unstable soil | Use walking stick or rope assist on minor slopes; avoid working on slopes that are too steep without proper fall protection or alternative methods |
| Maintain communication with crew | Miscommunication leading to equipment movement or overspray | Use radios or hand signals; establish clear communication between nozzle operator and truck operator |
| Watch for pedestrians and vehicles | Overspray onto traffic or bystanders | Assign lookout; pause spraying when people or vehicles pass; adjust spray angle to avoid overspray |
| Manage hose handling | Tripping hazards, strain injuries, hose whip | Lay out hose in straight lines; avoid crossing active work paths; relieve pressure before moving hose |
| Flush system after use | High pressure spray, chemical exposure | Reduce pressure gradually; flush with clean water; wear gloves and eye protection during cleaning |
| Clean area and equipment | Slippery conditions, contact with wet mulch slurry | Clean overspray from pavement; store hoses properly; avoid leaving wet debris in travel lanes |
| Dispose of empty bags and materials | Littering hazards, contact with chemical residues | Collect all bags and packaging; dispose of according to local regulations; keep waste away from water bodies |
| Final inspection of treated area | Slips on wet mulch, loose soil | Walk carefully; inspect for uniform coverage; reapply to bare spots if needed |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to moving vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until fully clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near machinery
Respirator if exposed to dust from mulch or seed mixtures