| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, utilities, uneven ground, pedestrians | Conduct site walk through; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; identify overhead and underground utilities |
| Inspect tools, equipment, and hydrant parts | Damaged tools, missing components, defective PPE | Check wrenches, valves, bolts, hydrant body, gaskets, and shoring equipment; remove any damaged items |
| Don required PPE | Flying debris, water bursts, sharp edges | Wear safety glasses or face shield, steel toe boots, gloves, and high visibility vest |
| Establish excavation zone | Cave in hazards, equipment swinging, falling material | Use trench box or shoring; mark exclusion zones; keep non essential personnel out |
| Shut down water main or isolation valve | Unexpected pressure release, valve failure | Locate correct valve; close slowly; verify shutoff by checking residual pressure; notify water department supervisor |
| Expose hydrant by excavation | Struck by equipment, unstable soil, buried utilities | Use spotter; dig slowly around known utilities; maintain safe distance from bucket; keep workers out of swing radius |
| Dewater excavation if needed | Slips, pump hazards, contaminated water | Use pumps with sediment controls; keep hoses secure; maintain stable footing |
| Disconnect hydrant from water main | Sudden water release, tool kickback, pinch points | Loosen bolts slowly; keep body clear of connection; verify water shutoff is complete before removal |
| Remove damaged hydrant | Heavy lifting, uncontrolled movement | Use equipment lifting points; attach slings properly; communicate before lifting; keep workers clear of suspended loads |
| Inspect remaining piping | Structural weakness, cracks, debris | Remove corrosion and debris; examine threads and gaskets; replace compromised fittings |
| Install new or repaired hydrant | Crushed fingers, misalignment, cross threading | Guide hydrant into place slowly; use equipment for lifting; ensure proper orientation and depth |
| Tighten bolts and reconnect piping | Pinch points, over tightening, tool slip | Tighten bolts gradually in cross pattern; use appropriate torque; stand clear of pinch zones |
| Turn water back on gradually | Water hammer, leaks, unexpected flow | Open valve slowly; check for leaks; secure loose connections if needed |
| Backfill and compact trench | Struck by bucket, unstable soil, slips | Keep workers clear during backfilling; compact in thin lifts; do not undermine pavement |
| Test hydrant operation | Flying debris, sudden water release | Open hydrant slowly; use diffuser; stand to side; verify good pressure and flow |
| Restore work area | Trip hazards, leftover tools | Remove debris and spoil piles; smooth ground; patch pavement if disturbed |
| Final inspection | Improper installation, missed hazards | Check hydrant alignment, valve operation, and drainage; confirm proper marking and visibility |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to moving traffic | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until work is complete |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection when using power tools or saws
Respirator when cutting pipe or working with dust
Waterproof boots if water is present
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, utilities, uneven ground, pedestrians | Conduct site walk through; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; identify overhead and underground utilities |
| Inspect tools, equipment, and hydrant parts | Damaged tools, missing components, defective PPE | Check wrenches, valves, bolts, hydrant body, gaskets, and shoring equipment; remove any damaged items |
| Don required PPE | Flying debris, water bursts, sharp edges | Wear safety glasses or face shield, steel toe boots, gloves, and high visibility vest |
| Establish excavation zone | Cave in hazards, equipment swinging, falling material | Use trench box or shoring; mark exclusion zones; keep non essential personnel out |
| Shut down water main or isolation valve | Unexpected pressure release, valve failure | Locate correct valve; close slowly; verify shutoff by checking residual pressure; notify water department supervisor |
| Expose hydrant by excavation | Struck by equipment, unstable soil, buried utilities | Use spotter; dig slowly around known utilities; maintain safe distance from bucket; keep workers out of swing radius |
| Dewater excavation if needed | Slips, pump hazards, contaminated water | Use pumps with sediment controls; keep hoses secure; maintain stable footing |
| Disconnect hydrant from water main | Sudden water release, tool kickback, pinch points | Loosen bolts slowly; keep body clear of connection; verify water shutoff is complete before removal |
| Remove damaged hydrant | Heavy lifting, uncontrolled movement | Use equipment lifting points; attach slings properly; communicate before lifting; keep workers clear of suspended loads |
| Inspect remaining piping | Structural weakness, cracks, debris | Remove corrosion and debris; examine threads and gaskets; replace compromised fittings |
| Install new or repaired hydrant | Crushed fingers, misalignment, cross threading | Guide hydrant into place slowly; use equipment for lifting; ensure proper orientation and depth |
| Tighten bolts and reconnect piping | Pinch points, over tightening, tool slip | Tighten bolts gradually in cross pattern; use appropriate torque; stand clear of pinch zones |
| Turn water back on gradually | Water hammer, leaks, unexpected flow | Open valve slowly; check for leaks; secure loose connections if needed |
| Backfill and compact trench | Struck by bucket, unstable soil, slips | Keep workers clear during backfilling; compact in thin lifts; do not undermine pavement |
| Test hydrant operation | Flying debris, sudden water release | Open hydrant slowly; use diffuser; stand to side; verify good pressure and flow |
| Restore work area | Trip hazards, leftover tools | Remove debris and spoil piles; smooth ground; patch pavement if disturbed |
| Final inspection | Improper installation, missed hazards | Check hydrant alignment, valve operation, and drainage; confirm proper marking and visibility |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to moving traffic | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until work is complete |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection when using power tools or saws
Respirator when cutting pipe or working with dust
Waterproof boots if water is present