| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, uneven terrain, poor lighting | Establish MUTCD compliant traffic control; evaluate surface stability; ensure adequate lighting |
| Inspect tools, equipment, and PPE | Tool failure, missing PPE, damaged components | Inspect wrenches, replacement valve, PPE, gas monitor, and LOTO equipment; replace defective items |
| Don required PPE | Splash hazards, contamination, sharp edges | Wear gloves, safety glasses, high visibility vest, steel toe boots, and respirator if needed |
| Test atmosphere (vaults, pits, or confined spaces) | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use gas monitor at multiple levels; ventilate space; do not enter until readings are safe |
| Ventilate vault or pit (if applicable) | Toxic gases, oxygen deficiency | Run blower continuously during vault entry; direct ducting to the bottom of the space |
| Open vault or pit cover | Back strain, finger pinch points, fall hazard | Use lifting tools; open cover from stable footing; install temporary barriers |
| Lockout tagout valves and associated equipment | Sudden pressurization, unexpected flow | Close upstream and downstream valves; relieve pressure; follow lockout tagout procedure |
| Depressurize system fully | Pipe burst, sudden air or water discharge | Open drain or bleed point slowly; stand to the side; ensure pressure gauge reads zero |
| Remove old air release valve | Tool slip, spray from trapped water, sharp edges | Use correct sized wrenches; loosen fittings slowly; maintain stable footing |
| Inspect threads, gaskets, and fittings | Hand injuries, exposure to wastewater or sediment | Clean threads carefully; use gloves; check pipe integrity |
| Install replacement valve or perform maintenance | Misalignment, cross threading, pinch points | Align new valve carefully; tighten according to manufacturer torque; ensure floats and internals function |
| Restore system pressure slowly | Water hammer, leaks, sudden discharge | Crack open valve slowly; stand clear; check for leaks; open fully only after verifying stability |
| Verify valve operation | Failure to vent air properly, improper seating | Cycle valve manually if applicable; observe air release function under flow |
| Clean and disinfect components (wastewater systems) | Pathogen exposure | Use disinfectant to clean tools and gloves; avoid rinsing into storm drains |
| Close and secure vault or pit | Dropped lid, trip hazards | Use lifting tools; ensure cover seats fully; remove barriers |
| Final inspection | Residual leaks, unsecured hardware | Check all connections; verify system is stable and operating correctly |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to moving vehicles | Remove signs and cones in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant and chemical resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near traffic or equipment
Respirator if exposed to sewer gases or aerosols (wastewater systems)
Disposable coveralls for dirty environments
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Water and Sewer Department Operations
* 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, uneven terrain, poor lighting | Establish MUTCD compliant traffic control; evaluate surface stability; ensure adequate lighting |
| Inspect tools, equipment, and PPE | Tool failure, missing PPE, damaged components | Inspect wrenches, replacement valve, PPE, gas monitor, and LOTO equipment; replace defective items |
| Don required PPE | Splash hazards, contamination, sharp edges | Wear gloves, safety glasses, high visibility vest, steel toe boots, and respirator if needed |
| Test atmosphere (vaults, pits, or confined spaces) | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use gas monitor at multiple levels; ventilate space; do not enter until readings are safe |
| Ventilate vault or pit (if applicable) | Toxic gases, oxygen deficiency | Run blower continuously during vault entry; direct ducting to the bottom of the space |
| Open vault or pit cover | Back strain, finger pinch points, fall hazard | Use lifting tools; open cover from stable footing; install temporary barriers |
| Lockout tagout valves and associated equipment | Sudden pressurization, unexpected flow | Close upstream and downstream valves; relieve pressure; follow lockout tagout procedure |
| Depressurize system fully | Pipe burst, sudden air or water discharge | Open drain or bleed point slowly; stand to the side; ensure pressure gauge reads zero |
| Remove old air release valve | Tool slip, spray from trapped water, sharp edges | Use correct sized wrenches; loosen fittings slowly; maintain stable footing |
| Inspect threads, gaskets, and fittings | Hand injuries, exposure to wastewater or sediment | Clean threads carefully; use gloves; check pipe integrity |
| Install replacement valve or perform maintenance | Misalignment, cross threading, pinch points | Align new valve carefully; tighten according to manufacturer torque; ensure floats and internals function |
| Restore system pressure slowly | Water hammer, leaks, sudden discharge | Crack open valve slowly; stand clear; check for leaks; open fully only after verifying stability |
| Verify valve operation | Failure to vent air properly, improper seating | Cycle valve manually if applicable; observe air release function under flow |
| Clean and disinfect components (wastewater systems) | Pathogen exposure | Use disinfectant to clean tools and gloves; avoid rinsing into storm drains |
| Close and secure vault or pit | Dropped lid, trip hazards | Use lifting tools; ensure cover seats fully; remove barriers |
| Final inspection | Residual leaks, unsecured hardware | Check all connections; verify system is stable and operating correctly |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to moving vehicles | Remove signs and cones in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant and chemical resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near traffic or equipment
Respirator if exposed to sewer gases or aerosols (wastewater systems)
Disposable coveralls for dirty environments