| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic hazards, unstable ground, overhead utilities | Conduct site assessment; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; choose stable equipment staging area |
| Verify system status | Pressurized flow, sudden surge, hazardous spray | Confirm with plant or station operators that pumps are off; allow system to depressurize; verify zero pressure |
| Identify and mark utilities | Striking gas, electric, or telecom lines | Call for utility locates; hand dig within tolerance zones; maintain safe distance from marked utilities |
| Inspect tools, equipment, and PPE | Damaged cutting tools, faulty pumps, inadequate PPE | Inspect excavation equipment, saws, shoring, PPE, and bypass pumps; remove defective items |
| Don required PPE | Sewage exposure, splash hazards, respiratory risks | Wear gloves, face shield, boots, and respirator as needed |
| Begin excavation | Struck by equipment, cave in hazards | Maintain communication with operator; keep workers out of swing radius; place spoil piles two feet from trench edge |
| Dewater excavation | Slips, contaminated water contact, pump hazards | Use pumps with secure hoses; direct discharge to approved containment; avoid stepping into suction zone |
| Install trench box or shoring | Trench collapse | Place shoring before any worker enters the trench; verify stability before proceeding |
| Expose the valve and connecting pipe | Contact with pressurized pipe, contaminated spray | Approach pipe with caution using hand tools; test for remaining pressure |
| Relieve residual pressure | Sudden discharge, pipe movement | Open bleed points slowly; stand to the side; verify no pressure before cutting |
| Disconnect old valve | Tool slip, heavy components, splash hazards | Use proper hand tools; support valve weight with straps; avoid placing hands under suspended loads |
| Cut pipe if necessary | Flying debris, saw kickback, aerosolized wastewater | Use face shield; cut slowly; maintain stable footing; ensure pipe is fully depressurized |
| Prepare pipe ends and install new valve | Pinch points, misalignment, heavy lifting | Clean pipe surfaces; use lifting equipment for valve placement; tighten bolts or couplings evenly |
| Restore system pressure gradually | Burst hazard, leaks, movement of valve | Repressurize slowly; stand clear; monitor for leaks at joints and flanges |
| Test valve operation | Improper seating or binding | Cycle valve open and closed; verify smooth movement; check for leaks or vibration |
| Backfill trench | Struck by bucket, unstable surface | Remove workers from trench; backfill in lifts; compact soil; maintain communication with operator |
| Restore site and clean tools | Trip hazards, contamination | Remove spoil, wash tools, and disinfect PPE; restore pavement or shoulder as needed |
| Final inspection | Missed leaks, leveling issues | Recheck valve, joints, pressure, and site cleanliness; confirm system stability |
| 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 for sewer gases or aerosols
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 | Conduct site assessment; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; choose stable equipment staging area |
| Verify system status | Pressurized flow, sudden surge, hazardous spray | Confirm with plant or station operators that pumps are off; allow system to depressurize; verify zero pressure |
| Identify and mark utilities | Striking gas, electric, or telecom lines | Call for utility locates; hand dig within tolerance zones; maintain safe distance from marked utilities |
| Inspect tools, equipment, and PPE | Damaged cutting tools, faulty pumps, inadequate PPE | Inspect excavation equipment, saws, shoring, PPE, and bypass pumps; remove defective items |
| Don required PPE | Sewage exposure, splash hazards, respiratory risks | Wear gloves, face shield, boots, and respirator as needed |
| Begin excavation | Struck by equipment, cave in hazards | Maintain communication with operator; keep workers out of swing radius; place spoil piles two feet from trench edge |
| Dewater excavation | Slips, contaminated water contact, pump hazards | Use pumps with secure hoses; direct discharge to approved containment; avoid stepping into suction zone |
| Install trench box or shoring | Trench collapse | Place shoring before any worker enters the trench; verify stability before proceeding |
| Expose the valve and connecting pipe | Contact with pressurized pipe, contaminated spray | Approach pipe with caution using hand tools; test for remaining pressure |
| Relieve residual pressure | Sudden discharge, pipe movement | Open bleed points slowly; stand to the side; verify no pressure before cutting |
| Disconnect old valve | Tool slip, heavy components, splash hazards | Use proper hand tools; support valve weight with straps; avoid placing hands under suspended loads |
| Cut pipe if necessary | Flying debris, saw kickback, aerosolized wastewater | Use face shield; cut slowly; maintain stable footing; ensure pipe is fully depressurized |
| Prepare pipe ends and install new valve | Pinch points, misalignment, heavy lifting | Clean pipe surfaces; use lifting equipment for valve placement; tighten bolts or couplings evenly |
| Restore system pressure gradually | Burst hazard, leaks, movement of valve | Repressurize slowly; stand clear; monitor for leaks at joints and flanges |
| Test valve operation | Improper seating or binding | Cycle valve open and closed; verify smooth movement; check for leaks or vibration |
| Backfill trench | Struck by bucket, unstable surface | Remove workers from trench; backfill in lifts; compact soil; maintain communication with operator |
| Restore site and clean tools | Trip hazards, contamination | Remove spoil, wash tools, and disinfect PPE; restore pavement or shoulder as needed |
| Final inspection | Missed leaks, leveling issues | Recheck valve, joints, pressure, and site cleanliness; confirm system stability |
| 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 for sewer gases or aerosols
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination