| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Identify confined space and entry need | Failure to recognize permit required conditions | Classify space as permit entry; review hazards; obtain authorization from supervisor |
| Assess work area | Traffic, standing water, electrical hazards, uneven footing | Conduct site walk; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; ensure stable ground |
| Inspect tools, PPE, and monitoring equipment | Damaged gas monitor, defective harness, bad blower | Calibrate gas monitor; inspect harness, tripod, winch, and tools; replace any defective equipment |
| Don full required PPE | Exposure to sewage, aerosols, toxic gases | Wear gloves, boots, protective clothing, face shield, and respirator if needed; ensure harness fits properly |
| Isolate energy and flow sources | Sudden pump activation, electrical shock, raw sewage surge | Lockout and tagout pumps and electrical panels; isolate valves if possible; verify zero energy state |
| Test atmosphere before entry | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen, explosive gases | Use four gas monitor at top, middle, and bottom; do not enter until readings are within safe limits |
| ventilate space properly | Toxic gases, low oxygen | Use blower and ducting; ventilate continuously; monitor readings throughout entry |
| Set up tripod and retrieval system | Fall hazard, equipment failure | Position tripod securely; attach winch line to entrant harness; test load before use |
| Brief all personnel | Miscommunication during emergency | Review roles: entrant, attendant, and entry supervisor; establish communication method and rescue plan |
| Open wet well or vault hatch | Fall hazard, dropped objects, sudden odor release | Secure hatch open; set barriers; stand to the side when opening |
| Begin controlled entry | Fall into space, instant exposure to gases | Entrant descends slowly using ladder or winch support; maintain constant communication with attendant |
| Perform work tasks inside space | Slip hazards, contact with sewage, tool drops | Maintain stable footing; use tools on lanyards; avoid splashing; keep equipment organized |
| Continuously monitor atmosphere | Gas level changes, oxygen depletion | Keep gas monitor in entrant breathing zone; exit immediately if alarms sound |
| Maintain communication | Entrant distress, loss of signal | Use radio, rope tug signals, or voice; attendant documents time and conditions; stop work if communication is lost |
| Prepare for emergency retrieval | Entrapment, medical emergency | Attendant stays at entry point ready to use retrieval system; no one enters for rescue unless trained and authorized |
| Exit confined space safely | Slip hazards, fatigue, equipment interference | Climb ladder slowly; avoid snagging harness; maintain communication |
| Decontaminate tools and PPE | Cross contamination, biological hazards | Rinse PPE and tools with disinfectant; bag disposable items; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final site restoration | Trip hazards, unsecured hatches | Close and latch access covers; remove equipment; ensure site is safe |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to live traffic | Take down cones and signs 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
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Long pants and long sleeves
Waterproof boots or waders if needed
Respirator when sewer gases or aerosols are present
Full body harness with lifeline
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Identify confined space and entry need | Failure to recognize permit required conditions | Classify space as permit entry; review hazards; obtain authorization from supervisor |
| Assess work area | Traffic, standing water, electrical hazards, uneven footing | Conduct site walk; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; ensure stable ground |
| Inspect tools, PPE, and monitoring equipment | Damaged gas monitor, defective harness, bad blower | Calibrate gas monitor; inspect harness, tripod, winch, and tools; replace any defective equipment |
| Don full required PPE | Exposure to sewage, aerosols, toxic gases | Wear gloves, boots, protective clothing, face shield, and respirator if needed; ensure harness fits properly |
| Isolate energy and flow sources | Sudden pump activation, electrical shock, raw sewage surge | Lockout and tagout pumps and electrical panels; isolate valves if possible; verify zero energy state |
| Test atmosphere before entry | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen, explosive gases | Use four gas monitor at top, middle, and bottom; do not enter until readings are within safe limits |
| ventilate space properly | Toxic gases, low oxygen | Use blower and ducting; ventilate continuously; monitor readings throughout entry |
| Set up tripod and retrieval system | Fall hazard, equipment failure | Position tripod securely; attach winch line to entrant harness; test load before use |
| Brief all personnel | Miscommunication during emergency | Review roles: entrant, attendant, and entry supervisor; establish communication method and rescue plan |
| Open wet well or vault hatch | Fall hazard, dropped objects, sudden odor release | Secure hatch open; set barriers; stand to the side when opening |
| Begin controlled entry | Fall into space, instant exposure to gases | Entrant descends slowly using ladder or winch support; maintain constant communication with attendant |
| Perform work tasks inside space | Slip hazards, contact with sewage, tool drops | Maintain stable footing; use tools on lanyards; avoid splashing; keep equipment organized |
| Continuously monitor atmosphere | Gas level changes, oxygen depletion | Keep gas monitor in entrant breathing zone; exit immediately if alarms sound |
| Maintain communication | Entrant distress, loss of signal | Use radio, rope tug signals, or voice; attendant documents time and conditions; stop work if communication is lost |
| Prepare for emergency retrieval | Entrapment, medical emergency | Attendant stays at entry point ready to use retrieval system; no one enters for rescue unless trained and authorized |
| Exit confined space safely | Slip hazards, fatigue, equipment interference | Climb ladder slowly; avoid snagging harness; maintain communication |
| Decontaminate tools and PPE | Cross contamination, biological hazards | Rinse PPE and tools with disinfectant; bag disposable items; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final site restoration | Trip hazards, unsecured hatches | Close and latch access covers; remove equipment; ensure site is safe |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to live traffic | Take down cones and signs 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
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Long pants and long sleeves
Waterproof boots or waders if needed
Respirator when sewer gases or aerosols are present
Full body harness with lifeline
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination