| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, unstable slopes, slippery banks, deep water, wildlife | Conduct site walk through; set up MUTCD compliant work zone; assign lookout; identify safest approach to inlet and outlet |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Broken rakes, damaged hooks, faulty vactor or jetter hoses, dull chainsaws | Perform pre operation inspection; verify hoses, nozzles, and mechanical tools are functioning; remove defective equipment |
| Don required PPE | Contact with contaminated water, sharp debris, slipping hazards | Wear gloves, safety glasses, waterproof boots or waders, and high visibility vest |
| Evaluate blockage type | Unknown material, chemical hazards, risk of sudden release | Inspect visually from a distance; avoid reaching into pipe; identify if blockage is sediment, roots, debris, or animal nests |
| Approach culvert inlet or outlet | Slips, soft soil, sudden water flow | Move slowly; probe soft areas; avoid undercut banks; stand to the side of potential flow path |
| Remove debris manually | Cuts, heavy lifting, sharp branches, hidden metal | Use hooks, rakes, or long handled tools; do not reach directly into culvert; use team lift for large items |
| Clear sediment or small debris inside pipe | Confined space risk, entrapment, poor air quality | Only clear from outside culvert entrance; do not enter culvert; use long handled tools or equipment to reach deeper blockages |
| Use vactor or jetter equipment | High pressure spray, hose recoil, splash hazards | Start jetter on low pressure; increase gradually; keep hose under control; keep workers away from nozzle path |
| Monitor for sudden water release | Rapid flow, material washout, worker swept downstream | Maintain escape route; stand beside culvert, not in front; remove blockages in small stages |
| Use chainsaw for woody debris (if required) | Kickback, slipping while cutting, water interference | Only cut from stable dry ground; never cut inside flowing water; maintain firm stance |
| Inspect culvert structure | Collapse hazards, sharp edges | Visually inspect for cracks, rust, or joint separation; do not place hands into openings or damaged areas |
| Dispose of removed material | Heavy loads, contamination | Place debris in truck or designated container; follow municipal disposal requirements; avoid piling material near waterways |
| Restore area and check flow | Slips on wet ground, unstable grading | Ensure culvert flows freely; stabilize disturbed soils; remove temporary barriers |
| Decontaminate tools and PPE | Cross contamination, exposure to hazardous material | Wash tools with disinfectant; rinse boots and waders; dispose of contaminated PPE properly |
| Final site inspection | Missed debris, lingering hazards | Walk area carefully; confirm channel and culvert are free of obstructions |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to live traffic | Remove cones and signage in reverse order; maintain lookout; wear high visibility PPE until crew is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket if roadside
Waterproof boots or waders
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection around equipment
Respirator if strong odors or unknown contaminants are present
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 work area | Traffic exposure, unstable slopes, slippery banks, deep water, wildlife | Conduct site walk through; set up MUTCD compliant work zone; assign lookout; identify safest approach to inlet and outlet |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Broken rakes, damaged hooks, faulty vactor or jetter hoses, dull chainsaws | Perform pre operation inspection; verify hoses, nozzles, and mechanical tools are functioning; remove defective equipment |
| Don required PPE | Contact with contaminated water, sharp debris, slipping hazards | Wear gloves, safety glasses, waterproof boots or waders, and high visibility vest |
| Evaluate blockage type | Unknown material, chemical hazards, risk of sudden release | Inspect visually from a distance; avoid reaching into pipe; identify if blockage is sediment, roots, debris, or animal nests |
| Approach culvert inlet or outlet | Slips, soft soil, sudden water flow | Move slowly; probe soft areas; avoid undercut banks; stand to the side of potential flow path |
| Remove debris manually | Cuts, heavy lifting, sharp branches, hidden metal | Use hooks, rakes, or long handled tools; do not reach directly into culvert; use team lift for large items |
| Clear sediment or small debris inside pipe | Confined space risk, entrapment, poor air quality | Only clear from outside culvert entrance; do not enter culvert; use long handled tools or equipment to reach deeper blockages |
| Use vactor or jetter equipment | High pressure spray, hose recoil, splash hazards | Start jetter on low pressure; increase gradually; keep hose under control; keep workers away from nozzle path |
| Monitor for sudden water release | Rapid flow, material washout, worker swept downstream | Maintain escape route; stand beside culvert, not in front; remove blockages in small stages |
| Use chainsaw for woody debris (if required) | Kickback, slipping while cutting, water interference | Only cut from stable dry ground; never cut inside flowing water; maintain firm stance |
| Inspect culvert structure | Collapse hazards, sharp edges | Visually inspect for cracks, rust, or joint separation; do not place hands into openings or damaged areas |
| Dispose of removed material | Heavy loads, contamination | Place debris in truck or designated container; follow municipal disposal requirements; avoid piling material near waterways |
| Restore area and check flow | Slips on wet ground, unstable grading | Ensure culvert flows freely; stabilize disturbed soils; remove temporary barriers |
| Decontaminate tools and PPE | Cross contamination, exposure to hazardous material | Wash tools with disinfectant; rinse boots and waders; dispose of contaminated PPE properly |
| Final site inspection | Missed debris, lingering hazards | Walk area carefully; confirm channel and culvert are free of obstructions |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to live traffic | Remove cones and signage in reverse order; maintain lookout; wear high visibility PPE until crew is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket if roadside
Waterproof boots or waders
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection around equipment
Respirator if strong odors or unknown contaminants are present