| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, unstable ground, overhead lines | Conduct full site walk; establish MUTCD compliant traffic control; choose safe staging area |
| Inspect pumps, hoses, clamps, plugs, and hardware | Pump failure, hose blowoff, plug failure | Inspect all equipment; verify pump capacity; ensure hoses, fittings, and clamps are undamaged |
| Don required PPE | Sewer exposure, splash hazards, pump noise | Wear gloves, safety glasses, boots, face shield for wastewater, and hearing protection |
| Identify flow conditions and isolation points | Unexpected flow surge, flooding | Coordinate with plant or station operators; verify valves; plan bypass route carefully |
| Test atmosphere if near manholes or wet wells | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use four gas monitor; ventilate confined spaces; do not lean into openings |
| Install plugs to isolate flow (if required) | Plug ejection, sudden waste discharge | Stand to the side; use safety rope; do not exceed plug pressure rating |
| Stage pump on stable ground | Pump tipping, vibration hazards | Place pumps on level ground; use wheel chocks; keep away from soft shoulders |
| Set up suction hoses | Hose whip, pinch points, sewage contact | Use two people; secure suction hose with chains or straps; avoid standing in front of inlet |
| Place discharge hoses | Trip hazards, uncontrolled discharge | Route hoses away from pedestrian pathways; use hose ramps; avoid directing discharge into waterways |
| Prime and start pump | Hose movement, loud noise, splash | Start pump slowly; check for leaks; tighten fittings; keep personnel clear |
| Monitor pump performance | Overheating, suction loss, clogging | Assign one person for continuous monitoring; shut down pump before clearing blockages |
| Manage fuel safely | Fire hazard, spill risks | Shut pump off to refuel; use spill pads; avoid overfilling; store fuel safely |
| Prevent environmental contamination | Illegal discharge, erosion | Discharge only to approved location; use trenching or bags if needed; keep water out of storm drains unless permitted |
| Maintain communication during bypass | Pump failure, overflow | Assign radio to pump monitor; check upstream levels; adjust pumping rate as needed |
| Shut down pump gradually | Backflow, hose collapse | Decrease pump speed slowly; shut valves in controlled manner |
| Remove hoses and plugs | Splash hazards, tool strain | Release pressure before disconnecting; pull plugs slowly; keep clear of hose ends |
| Clean and disinfect equipment | Biological contamination | Rinse pump body, hoses, plugs; bag disposable PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Restore system to normal operation | Surge conditions, pressure changes | Coordinate with operators; open valves slowly; verify normal flow |
| Final site cleanup | Trip hazards, debris | Remove all equipment, hoses, and spill pads; sweep area clean |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to vehicles | Remove devices in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Waterproof boots or waders
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene if wastewater)
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near pumps or generators
Respirator when aerosols, odors, or dust are present
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination
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, unstable ground, overhead lines | Conduct full site walk; establish MUTCD compliant traffic control; choose safe staging area |
| Inspect pumps, hoses, clamps, plugs, and hardware | Pump failure, hose blowoff, plug failure | Inspect all equipment; verify pump capacity; ensure hoses, fittings, and clamps are undamaged |
| Don required PPE | Sewer exposure, splash hazards, pump noise | Wear gloves, safety glasses, boots, face shield for wastewater, and hearing protection |
| Identify flow conditions and isolation points | Unexpected flow surge, flooding | Coordinate with plant or station operators; verify valves; plan bypass route carefully |
| Test atmosphere if near manholes or wet wells | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use four gas monitor; ventilate confined spaces; do not lean into openings |
| Install plugs to isolate flow (if required) | Plug ejection, sudden waste discharge | Stand to the side; use safety rope; do not exceed plug pressure rating |
| Stage pump on stable ground | Pump tipping, vibration hazards | Place pumps on level ground; use wheel chocks; keep away from soft shoulders |
| Set up suction hoses | Hose whip, pinch points, sewage contact | Use two people; secure suction hose with chains or straps; avoid standing in front of inlet |
| Place discharge hoses | Trip hazards, uncontrolled discharge | Route hoses away from pedestrian pathways; use hose ramps; avoid directing discharge into waterways |
| Prime and start pump | Hose movement, loud noise, splash | Start pump slowly; check for leaks; tighten fittings; keep personnel clear |
| Monitor pump performance | Overheating, suction loss, clogging | Assign one person for continuous monitoring; shut down pump before clearing blockages |
| Manage fuel safely | Fire hazard, spill risks | Shut pump off to refuel; use spill pads; avoid overfilling; store fuel safely |
| Prevent environmental contamination | Illegal discharge, erosion | Discharge only to approved location; use trenching or bags if needed; keep water out of storm drains unless permitted |
| Maintain communication during bypass | Pump failure, overflow | Assign radio to pump monitor; check upstream levels; adjust pumping rate as needed |
| Shut down pump gradually | Backflow, hose collapse | Decrease pump speed slowly; shut valves in controlled manner |
| Remove hoses and plugs | Splash hazards, tool strain | Release pressure before disconnecting; pull plugs slowly; keep clear of hose ends |
| Clean and disinfect equipment | Biological contamination | Rinse pump body, hoses, plugs; bag disposable PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Restore system to normal operation | Surge conditions, pressure changes | Coordinate with operators; open valves slowly; verify normal flow |
| Final site cleanup | Trip hazards, debris | Remove all equipment, hoses, and spill pads; sweep area clean |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to vehicles | Remove devices in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Waterproof boots or waders
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene if wastewater)
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near pumps or generators
Respirator when aerosols, odors, or dust are present
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination