| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Review inspection route and site conditions | Traffic hazards, unknown drain conditions, unstable ground | Review maps and previous inspection records, identify high traffic or flood prone areas, assess access points before work begins |
| Position vehicle and establish traffic control | Struck by traffic, poor visibility, vehicle movement | Park safely off roadway when possible, activate warning lights, use cones and signs according to MUTCD requirements |
| Inspect area around storm drain | Slips, trips, uneven ground, hidden holes | Maintain situational awareness, avoid soft or eroded ground, use caution near water or steep ditches |
| Remove grate or access cover if needed | Pinched fingers, back strain, falls into structure | Use proper lifting tools, lift with legs not back, barricade open structures |
| Visually inspect storm drain structure | Exposure to biological hazards, sharp debris, confined space hazards | Wear gloves and eye protection, avoid entering confined spaces without proper procedures, use flashlight or inspection camera when possible |
| Check for blockages, sediment, or damage | Contact with contaminated material, slips, sharp objects | Use tools to move debris when possible, avoid direct contact with waste, maintain stable footing |
| Use inspection tools or camera equipment | Trip hazards, electrical hazards, dropped equipment | Inspect equipment before use, organize cables and hoses, keep tools secured |
| Record inspection findings | Distraction from surroundings, missed hazards | Maintain awareness of traffic and surroundings while documenting conditions |
| Replace grate or cover | Pinch points, improper seating, strain injuries | Ensure cover is aligned properly and seated securely, use team lifting if needed |
| Clean work area and remove traffic control | Worker exposure to traffic, leftover hazards | Remove cones and signs safely, verify drain area is clear of tools and debris |
| Report maintenance or repair needs | Delayed hazard correction, incomplete documentation | Document defects clearly, notify supervisors of urgent drainage or structural issues promptly |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Review inspection route and site conditions | Traffic hazards, unknown drain conditions, unstable ground | Review maps and previous inspection records, identify high traffic or flood prone areas, assess access points before work begins |
| Position vehicle and establish traffic control | Struck by traffic, poor visibility, vehicle movement | Park safely off roadway when possible, activate warning lights, use cones and signs according to MUTCD requirements |
| Inspect area around storm drain | Slips, trips, uneven ground, hidden holes | Maintain situational awareness, avoid soft or eroded ground, use caution near water or steep ditches |
| Remove grate or access cover if needed | Pinched fingers, back strain, falls into structure | Use proper lifting tools, lift with legs not back, barricade open structures |
| Visually inspect storm drain structure | Exposure to biological hazards, sharp debris, confined space hazards | Wear gloves and eye protection, avoid entering confined spaces without proper procedures, use flashlight or inspection camera when possible |
| Check for blockages, sediment, or damage | Contact with contaminated material, slips, sharp objects | Use tools to move debris when possible, avoid direct contact with waste, maintain stable footing |
| Use inspection tools or camera equipment | Trip hazards, electrical hazards, dropped equipment | Inspect equipment before use, organize cables and hoses, keep tools secured |
| Record inspection findings | Distraction from surroundings, missed hazards | Maintain awareness of traffic and surroundings while documenting conditions |
| Replace grate or cover | Pinch points, improper seating, strain injuries | Ensure cover is aligned properly and seated securely, use team lifting if needed |
| Clean work area and remove traffic control | Worker exposure to traffic, leftover hazards | Remove cones and signs safely, verify drain area is clear of tools and debris |
| Report maintenance or repair needs | Delayed hazard correction, incomplete documentation | Document defects clearly, notify supervisors of urgent drainage or structural issues promptly |