| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic hazards, unstable ground, overhead utilities, contamination | Conduct site walk through; establish MUTCD compliant traffic control; identify staging area away from travel lanes |
| Confirm force main status | Pressurized flow causing spray or eruption | Coordinate with plant or lift station operators to stop pumps; verify zero pressure with gauges; allow main to depressurize |
| Locate and mark underground utilities | Striking gas, electric, fiber lines | Call for utility locates; hand dig inside tolerance zones; maintain separation from marked lines |
| Inspect tools, equipment, and PPE | Faulty pumps, damaged clamps, defective PPE | Inspect excavator, pumps, meters, clamps, and PPE; remove defective items from service |
| Don required PPE | Sewer exposure, spray hazards, contaminated soil | Wear gloves, face shield, waterproof boots or waders, protective clothing, and respirator as needed |
| Begin excavation | Struck by equipment, cave in hazards, hitting pressurized line | Maintain communication between operator and ground crew; keep workers out of swing radius; place spoil piles two feet from trench |
| Monitor atmosphere at trench | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use gas monitor continuously; stop work if readings become unsafe |
| Dewater excavation | Slip hazards, pump suction hazards, contaminated water | Use pumps with secure hoses; channel water away; avoid stepping into suction zone |
| Install trench shoring or box | Collapse hazards, struck by materials | Set trench box before entry; ensure proper depth rating; keep workers clear during placement |
| Expose the damaged force main | Unexpected pressure release, spray of wastewater | Approach pipe cautiously; loosen soil with hand tools near pipe; avoid standing directly over pipe |
| Relieve residual pressure | Sudden eruption, pipe movement | Use controlled bleed off methods; open air valves or access points slowly; stand to the side |
| Cut out damaged section | Tool slip, sharp edges, aerosolized sewage | Use pipe saw with face shield; cut slowly; avoid splashing; maintain steady footing |
| Install repair components | Pinch points, misalignment, heavy lifting | Use proper clamps or couplings; ensure correct orientation; use mechanical lifting aid for large pipes |
| Secure and tighten connections | Over tightening, tool kickback | Use appropriate torque; tighten gradually in stages; keep fingers clear of pinch zones |
| Reinstate pressure gradually | Burst hazards, sudden leaks | Communicate with plant or station operators; open valves slowly; stand clear of repaired area |
| Inspect repaired section | Small leaks, joint movement | Check for seepage; monitor pressure; tighten clamps as needed |
| Backfill and compact trench | Struck by bucket, unstable surface | Remove workers from trench; backfill in lifts; compact soil appropriately |
| Restore site | Trip hazards, debris, contamination | Remove spoil, clean area, restore pavement or shoulder |
| Final inspection | Missed hazards, improper repair | Verify no leaks; ensure all valves are in correct position; document repair |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to moving vehicles | Remove 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 (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Waterproof boots or waders
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near equipment
Respirator if sewer gases or aerosols 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 hazards, unstable ground, overhead utilities, contamination | Conduct site walk through; establish MUTCD compliant traffic control; identify staging area away from travel lanes |
| Confirm force main status | Pressurized flow causing spray or eruption | Coordinate with plant or lift station operators to stop pumps; verify zero pressure with gauges; allow main to depressurize |
| Locate and mark underground utilities | Striking gas, electric, fiber lines | Call for utility locates; hand dig inside tolerance zones; maintain separation from marked lines |
| Inspect tools, equipment, and PPE | Faulty pumps, damaged clamps, defective PPE | Inspect excavator, pumps, meters, clamps, and PPE; remove defective items from service |
| Don required PPE | Sewer exposure, spray hazards, contaminated soil | Wear gloves, face shield, waterproof boots or waders, protective clothing, and respirator as needed |
| Begin excavation | Struck by equipment, cave in hazards, hitting pressurized line | Maintain communication between operator and ground crew; keep workers out of swing radius; place spoil piles two feet from trench |
| Monitor atmosphere at trench | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use gas monitor continuously; stop work if readings become unsafe |
| Dewater excavation | Slip hazards, pump suction hazards, contaminated water | Use pumps with secure hoses; channel water away; avoid stepping into suction zone |
| Install trench shoring or box | Collapse hazards, struck by materials | Set trench box before entry; ensure proper depth rating; keep workers clear during placement |
| Expose the damaged force main | Unexpected pressure release, spray of wastewater | Approach pipe cautiously; loosen soil with hand tools near pipe; avoid standing directly over pipe |
| Relieve residual pressure | Sudden eruption, pipe movement | Use controlled bleed off methods; open air valves or access points slowly; stand to the side |
| Cut out damaged section | Tool slip, sharp edges, aerosolized sewage | Use pipe saw with face shield; cut slowly; avoid splashing; maintain steady footing |
| Install repair components | Pinch points, misalignment, heavy lifting | Use proper clamps or couplings; ensure correct orientation; use mechanical lifting aid for large pipes |
| Secure and tighten connections | Over tightening, tool kickback | Use appropriate torque; tighten gradually in stages; keep fingers clear of pinch zones |
| Reinstate pressure gradually | Burst hazards, sudden leaks | Communicate with plant or station operators; open valves slowly; stand clear of repaired area |
| Inspect repaired section | Small leaks, joint movement | Check for seepage; monitor pressure; tighten clamps as needed |
| Backfill and compact trench | Struck by bucket, unstable surface | Remove workers from trench; backfill in lifts; compact soil appropriately |
| Restore site | Trip hazards, debris, contamination | Remove spoil, clean area, restore pavement or shoulder |
| Final inspection | Missed hazards, improper repair | Verify no leaks; ensure all valves are in correct position; document repair |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to moving vehicles | Remove 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 (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Waterproof boots or waders
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near equipment
Respirator if sewer gases or aerosols are present
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination