| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, poor sight distance, uneven ground, pedestrians | Conduct site assessment; set up MUTCD compliant cones and signs; ensure safe parking location; assign lookout if needed |
| Inspect hydrant and equipment | Damaged hydrant caps, faulty threads, broken diffuser, bad wrench | Conduct visual check; test hydrant wrench fit; ensure diffuser is intact and secure |
| Don required PPE | High pressure water spray, debris, noise | Wear gloves, safety glasses or face shield, high visibility vest, and hearing protection |
| Open hydrant cap slowly | Water pressure release, flying debris, damaged gasket | Position yourself to the side; loosen cap slowly; stand clear of direct opening; check for debris buildup |
| Attach diffuser or hose | Pinch points, hose whip, improper threading | Ensure threads are clean; tighten securely; keep hands clear of coupling path; confirm diffuser is pointed away from people and property |
| Open hydrant valve gradually | Sudden surge, hose or diffuser movement, water recoil | Turn valve slowly; maintain firm footing; communicate with crew before fully opening |
| Direct water flow safely | Erosion, roadway flooding, property damage | Aim diffuser toward open safe area; avoid directing water toward traffic, private property, or unstable ground |
| Monitor water clarity and flow | Debris discharge, unstable footing in flowing water | Stay out of direct water path; use rake or hook to remove debris; maintain good footing |
| Watch for pedestrians and traffic | Slips, exposure to splash, driver confusion | Assign lookout; stop flushing temporarily if pedestrians are near; adjust work zone as needed |
| Check hydrant condition during flow | Mechanical failure, leaking stem, excessive vibration | Observe hydrant body and connection; reduce flow if abnormal vibration occurs; shut down if structural issues appear |
| Close hydrant valve slowly | Water hammer, equipment strain | Gradually turn valve closed; never force valve; allow pressure to settle before removing diffuser |
| Remove diffuser and replace caps | Pinch points, sudden drip, threading issues | Remove diffuser slowly; keep hands clear; clean threads; install cap snugly but not overtightened |
| Inspect area for erosion or debris | Slip hazards, sediment entering storm drains | Rake debris away; check storm drains for blockage; place sediment control if needed |
| Complete documentation | Missing data, incorrect logs | Record flow observations, discoloration, pressure readings if required, and hydrant condition |
| Clean up and load equipment | Slips on wet surfaces, dropped tools | Pick up tools carefully; load equipment securely; avoid lifting heavy diffusers alone |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to live traffic | Remove signage and cones in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until fully clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection (high flow hydrants can be loud)
Long pants and long sleeves
Waterproof boots if standing water is expected
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, poor sight distance, uneven ground, pedestrians | Conduct site assessment; set up MUTCD compliant cones and signs; ensure safe parking location; assign lookout if needed |
| Inspect hydrant and equipment | Damaged hydrant caps, faulty threads, broken diffuser, bad wrench | Conduct visual check; test hydrant wrench fit; ensure diffuser is intact and secure |
| Don required PPE | High pressure water spray, debris, noise | Wear gloves, safety glasses or face shield, high visibility vest, and hearing protection |
| Open hydrant cap slowly | Water pressure release, flying debris, damaged gasket | Position yourself to the side; loosen cap slowly; stand clear of direct opening; check for debris buildup |
| Attach diffuser or hose | Pinch points, hose whip, improper threading | Ensure threads are clean; tighten securely; keep hands clear of coupling path; confirm diffuser is pointed away from people and property |
| Open hydrant valve gradually | Sudden surge, hose or diffuser movement, water recoil | Turn valve slowly; maintain firm footing; communicate with crew before fully opening |
| Direct water flow safely | Erosion, roadway flooding, property damage | Aim diffuser toward open safe area; avoid directing water toward traffic, private property, or unstable ground |
| Monitor water clarity and flow | Debris discharge, unstable footing in flowing water | Stay out of direct water path; use rake or hook to remove debris; maintain good footing |
| Watch for pedestrians and traffic | Slips, exposure to splash, driver confusion | Assign lookout; stop flushing temporarily if pedestrians are near; adjust work zone as needed |
| Check hydrant condition during flow | Mechanical failure, leaking stem, excessive vibration | Observe hydrant body and connection; reduce flow if abnormal vibration occurs; shut down if structural issues appear |
| Close hydrant valve slowly | Water hammer, equipment strain | Gradually turn valve closed; never force valve; allow pressure to settle before removing diffuser |
| Remove diffuser and replace caps | Pinch points, sudden drip, threading issues | Remove diffuser slowly; keep hands clear; clean threads; install cap snugly but not overtightened |
| Inspect area for erosion or debris | Slip hazards, sediment entering storm drains | Rake debris away; check storm drains for blockage; place sediment control if needed |
| Complete documentation | Missing data, incorrect logs | Record flow observations, discoloration, pressure readings if required, and hydrant condition |
| Clean up and load equipment | Slips on wet surfaces, dropped tools | Pick up tools carefully; load equipment securely; avoid lifting heavy diffusers alone |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to live traffic | Remove signage and cones in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until fully clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection (high flow hydrants can be loud)
Long pants and long sleeves
Waterproof boots if standing water is expected