| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Slips on wet surfaces, traffic hazards, uneven ground | Walk site for hazards; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control if roadside; identify safest handling area |
| Inspect PPE and tools | Torn gloves, damaged containers, missing PPE | Verify gloves, respirator, boots, and eye protection are in good condition; replace damaged items immediately |
| Don required PPE | Contact with sewage, aerosols, sharp debris | Wear chemical resistant gloves, face shield, long sleeves, waterproof boots, and respirator if needed |
| Identify contaminated materials | Unknown hazards, sharp objects, biological exposure | Visually inspect materials before handling; avoid reaching blindly into piles or containers |
| Remove contaminated materials using tools | Cuts, punctures, splash hazards | Use shovels, scoops, hooks, or tongs; avoid handling by hand; maintain firm footing |
| Place materials in approved containers | Splashing, heavy lifting, contamination | Use designated barrels, bags, or lined bins; double bag lightweight materials; avoid overfilling containers |
| Handle heavy or wet materials | Back strain, falling loads | Use team lift or mechanical aids; keep materials close to body; avoid twisting while lifting |
| Avoid aerosolizing contaminants | Inhalation hazards, exposure to pathogens | Wet down dry or crusted materials before handling; move materials slowly |
| Monitor for sewer gas hazards | Hydrogen sulfide exposure, low oxygen | Use four gas monitor if near manholes, wet wells, or enclosed spaces; ventilate if readings approach limits |
| Prevent cross contamination | Tracking sewage to vehicles, clothing, tools | Keep contaminated materials separate from clean tools; avoid kneeling in contaminated areas |
| Transport contaminated materials | Spills, leaks, container failure | Secure lids; use secondary containment; transport in upright, sealed containers |
| Dispose of materials properly | Environmental violations, accidental release | Follow municipal and state regulations; dispose at approved facility; document disposal if required |
| Decontaminate tools and equipment | Chemical exposure, splashes | Rinse tools with disinfectant; wash boots; avoid rinsing into storm drains or waterways |
| Remove PPE safely | Contamination transfer to skin or clothing | Remove gloves last; roll disposable coveralls inside out; wash hands thoroughly after PPE removal |
| Final site cleanup | Residual contamination, slip hazards | Remove debris; rinse area if allowed; ensure no waste remains on pavement |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; wear high visibility PPE until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Waterproof boots or waders
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Long pants and long sleeves
Respirator when aerosols or strong odors 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 | Slips on wet surfaces, traffic hazards, uneven ground | Walk site for hazards; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control if roadside; identify safest handling area |
| Inspect PPE and tools | Torn gloves, damaged containers, missing PPE | Verify gloves, respirator, boots, and eye protection are in good condition; replace damaged items immediately |
| Don required PPE | Contact with sewage, aerosols, sharp debris | Wear chemical resistant gloves, face shield, long sleeves, waterproof boots, and respirator if needed |
| Identify contaminated materials | Unknown hazards, sharp objects, biological exposure | Visually inspect materials before handling; avoid reaching blindly into piles or containers |
| Remove contaminated materials using tools | Cuts, punctures, splash hazards | Use shovels, scoops, hooks, or tongs; avoid handling by hand; maintain firm footing |
| Place materials in approved containers | Splashing, heavy lifting, contamination | Use designated barrels, bags, or lined bins; double bag lightweight materials; avoid overfilling containers |
| Handle heavy or wet materials | Back strain, falling loads | Use team lift or mechanical aids; keep materials close to body; avoid twisting while lifting |
| Avoid aerosolizing contaminants | Inhalation hazards, exposure to pathogens | Wet down dry or crusted materials before handling; move materials slowly |
| Monitor for sewer gas hazards | Hydrogen sulfide exposure, low oxygen | Use four gas monitor if near manholes, wet wells, or enclosed spaces; ventilate if readings approach limits |
| Prevent cross contamination | Tracking sewage to vehicles, clothing, tools | Keep contaminated materials separate from clean tools; avoid kneeling in contaminated areas |
| Transport contaminated materials | Spills, leaks, container failure | Secure lids; use secondary containment; transport in upright, sealed containers |
| Dispose of materials properly | Environmental violations, accidental release | Follow municipal and state regulations; dispose at approved facility; document disposal if required |
| Decontaminate tools and equipment | Chemical exposure, splashes | Rinse tools with disinfectant; wash boots; avoid rinsing into storm drains or waterways |
| Remove PPE safely | Contamination transfer to skin or clothing | Remove gloves last; roll disposable coveralls inside out; wash hands thoroughly after PPE removal |
| Final site cleanup | Residual contamination, slip hazards | Remove debris; rinse area if allowed; ensure no waste remains on pavement |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; wear high visibility PPE until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Waterproof boots or waders
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Long pants and long sleeves
Respirator when aerosols or strong odors are present
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination