| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess approach area | Slippery banks, steep slopes, traffic exposure, trip hazards, wildlife | Conduct visual assessment; determine safest access point; avoid unstable banks; set cones if working roadside |
| Inspect and prepare equipment | Broken flashlights, dead batteries, malfunctioning cameras, defective GPS units | Check all tools and meters; ensure GPS or tablet is charged; bring appropriate sampling materials if required |
| Don required PPE | Slips, water exposure, insects, sharp debris | Wear boots or waders, gloves, safety glasses, and high visibility vest |
| Approach outfall carefully | Falls, unstable footing, hidden holes, sharp vegetation | Use slow deliberate steps; use walking stick to probe terrain; avoid stepping on mossy or wet rocks |
| Watch for wildlife | Snakes, wasps, snapping turtles, territorial animals | Observe area before approaching; back away slowly if animals are present; never reach into pipe or dense vegetation |
| Inspect outfall structure | Sharp edges, collapsing pipes, falling material | Keep hands clear of rusted edges; do not lean into unstable headwalls; document defects from safe distance |
| Evaluate flow and discharge | Chemical exposure, contaminated water, foul odors | Avoid direct contact with flow; stand upwind; use sampling bottles if trained; do not disturb unknown discharges |
| Use gas detector when needed | Hazardous gases from storm systems | Test air at the outfall entrance if inspecting large pipes or if odors are present; do not enter pipe unless fully trained and permitted as confined space entry |
| Document findings | Slips while taking photos, distraction near hazards | Stand in safe area; use wrist strap on devices; maintain awareness while documenting |
| Check upstream and downstream conditions | Slips on wet surfaces, uneven ground | Proceed with caution; stay in shallow stable areas; avoid fast moving water |
| Identify signs of illicit discharges | Contact with hazardous materials | Do not touch liquids; photograph from distance; report findings according to MS4 protocols |
| Return to vehicle safely | Fatigue, reduced attention, steep climbs | Retrace safest path; take time climbing slopes; rest if needed |
| Clean and decontaminate equipment | Contact with contaminated water or soil | Wash boots and tools; dispose of wipes or absorbents properly |
| Final site check | Unsecured storm structures, leftover debris | Ensure outfall is left in safe condition; remove flags or markers if temporary |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to traffic | Remove cones and signage in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest or jacket
Waterproof or steel toe boots (depending on terrain)
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Waders when necessary
Insect repellent
Respirator if foul odors or unknown discharges 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.
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 approach area | Slippery banks, steep slopes, traffic exposure, trip hazards, wildlife | Conduct visual assessment; determine safest access point; avoid unstable banks; set cones if working roadside |
| Inspect and prepare equipment | Broken flashlights, dead batteries, malfunctioning cameras, defective GPS units | Check all tools and meters; ensure GPS or tablet is charged; bring appropriate sampling materials if required |
| Don required PPE | Slips, water exposure, insects, sharp debris | Wear boots or waders, gloves, safety glasses, and high visibility vest |
| Approach outfall carefully | Falls, unstable footing, hidden holes, sharp vegetation | Use slow deliberate steps; use walking stick to probe terrain; avoid stepping on mossy or wet rocks |
| Watch for wildlife | Snakes, wasps, snapping turtles, territorial animals | Observe area before approaching; back away slowly if animals are present; never reach into pipe or dense vegetation |
| Inspect outfall structure | Sharp edges, collapsing pipes, falling material | Keep hands clear of rusted edges; do not lean into unstable headwalls; document defects from safe distance |
| Evaluate flow and discharge | Chemical exposure, contaminated water, foul odors | Avoid direct contact with flow; stand upwind; use sampling bottles if trained; do not disturb unknown discharges |
| Use gas detector when needed | Hazardous gases from storm systems | Test air at the outfall entrance if inspecting large pipes or if odors are present; do not enter pipe unless fully trained and permitted as confined space entry |
| Document findings | Slips while taking photos, distraction near hazards | Stand in safe area; use wrist strap on devices; maintain awareness while documenting |
| Check upstream and downstream conditions | Slips on wet surfaces, uneven ground | Proceed with caution; stay in shallow stable areas; avoid fast moving water |
| Identify signs of illicit discharges | Contact with hazardous materials | Do not touch liquids; photograph from distance; report findings according to MS4 protocols |
| Return to vehicle safely | Fatigue, reduced attention, steep climbs | Retrace safest path; take time climbing slopes; rest if needed |
| Clean and decontaminate equipment | Contact with contaminated water or soil | Wash boots and tools; dispose of wipes or absorbents properly |
| Final site check | Unsecured storm structures, leftover debris | Ensure outfall is left in safe condition; remove flags or markers if temporary |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to traffic | Remove cones and signage in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest or jacket
Waterproof or steel toe boots (depending on terrain)
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Waders when necessary
Insect repellent
Respirator if foul odors or unknown discharges are present