| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic, standing water, uneven ground, poor lighting | Conduct site assessment; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; verify stable footing |
| Inspect tools, PPE, and electrical gear | Damaged insulated tools, expired arc flash PPE, defective meter | Inspect multimeter, voltage tester, insulated hand tools, and PPE; replace any defective items |
| Don required PPE | Electrical shock, arc flash, sewer exposure | Wear safety glasses, gloves, arc flash PPE if required, steel toe boots, and protective clothing |
| Review electrical diagrams and equipment history | Misidentification of components, incorrect assumptions | Confirm panel labeling; review pump control logic; establish troubleshooting plan |
| Lockout tagout electrical power | Accidental energization, pump startup | Shut off breakers and control circuits; apply LOTO tags; verify zero energy with meter |
| Test atmosphere before opening wet well or dry well (if needed) | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use gas monitor at top and mid levels; ventilate space if needed; do not enter during troubleshooting |
| Open control panel | Arc flash, shock, dropped tools | Stand to the side when opening; use insulated tools; maintain panel door securely |
| Verify power status with test instruments | Unexpected voltage, shock hazard | Use properly rated meter; test meter on known live source before and after testing circuit |
| Inspect wiring, relays, and components | Contact with live parts, short circuits | Keep circuits de energized until testing; handle wires with insulated tools; avoid reaching past energized sections |
| Troubleshoot floats, sensors, and pump controls | Unexpected pump start during testing | Keep LOTO in place; manually test floats with circuits de energized; use dry hands and insulated tools |
| Restore temporary power for testing (if required) | Arc flash, unintentional energization | Use lowest energy setting possible; stand clear during energization; reapply lockout immediately after testing |
| Document and repair faults | Incorrect wiring, tool slip | Follow wiring diagrams; verify correct replacement parts; secure wires to prevent future shorts |
| Verify proper operation of alarms and controls | Unexpected pump cycling | Test high water alarms, pump alternators, and SCADA signals; keep clear of wet well openings |
| Close and secure control panel | Pinch points, unsecured door | Close door fully; fasten latches; ensure no tools remain inside |
| Remove lockout tagout and restore power | Uncontrolled startup | Ensure all personnel are clear; re energize circuits gradually; monitor pump behavior |
| Final system test | Shock hazards, electrical load issues | Verify pump run sequences, alarms, and power draw; listen for abnormal sounds |
| Clean tools and equipment | Contamination from sewage or wet well vapor | Wipe tools clean; dispose of contaminated PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final site inspection | Trip hazards, leftover debris | Confirm panel is secure, area is clean, and equipment is functioning |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to traffic | 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
Electrical rated gloves (per department policy)
Arc flash PPE when required
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near pumps or generators
Respirator if working near sewage aerosols
Disposable coveralls for contamination risks
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, standing water, uneven ground, poor lighting | Conduct site assessment; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; verify stable footing |
| Inspect tools, PPE, and electrical gear | Damaged insulated tools, expired arc flash PPE, defective meter | Inspect multimeter, voltage tester, insulated hand tools, and PPE; replace any defective items |
| Don required PPE | Electrical shock, arc flash, sewer exposure | Wear safety glasses, gloves, arc flash PPE if required, steel toe boots, and protective clothing |
| Review electrical diagrams and equipment history | Misidentification of components, incorrect assumptions | Confirm panel labeling; review pump control logic; establish troubleshooting plan |
| Lockout tagout electrical power | Accidental energization, pump startup | Shut off breakers and control circuits; apply LOTO tags; verify zero energy with meter |
| Test atmosphere before opening wet well or dry well (if needed) | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use gas monitor at top and mid levels; ventilate space if needed; do not enter during troubleshooting |
| Open control panel | Arc flash, shock, dropped tools | Stand to the side when opening; use insulated tools; maintain panel door securely |
| Verify power status with test instruments | Unexpected voltage, shock hazard | Use properly rated meter; test meter on known live source before and after testing circuit |
| Inspect wiring, relays, and components | Contact with live parts, short circuits | Keep circuits de energized until testing; handle wires with insulated tools; avoid reaching past energized sections |
| Troubleshoot floats, sensors, and pump controls | Unexpected pump start during testing | Keep LOTO in place; manually test floats with circuits de energized; use dry hands and insulated tools |
| Restore temporary power for testing (if required) | Arc flash, unintentional energization | Use lowest energy setting possible; stand clear during energization; reapply lockout immediately after testing |
| Document and repair faults | Incorrect wiring, tool slip | Follow wiring diagrams; verify correct replacement parts; secure wires to prevent future shorts |
| Verify proper operation of alarms and controls | Unexpected pump cycling | Test high water alarms, pump alternators, and SCADA signals; keep clear of wet well openings |
| Close and secure control panel | Pinch points, unsecured door | Close door fully; fasten latches; ensure no tools remain inside |
| Remove lockout tagout and restore power | Uncontrolled startup | Ensure all personnel are clear; re energize circuits gradually; monitor pump behavior |
| Final system test | Shock hazards, electrical load issues | Verify pump run sequences, alarms, and power draw; listen for abnormal sounds |
| Clean tools and equipment | Contamination from sewage or wet well vapor | Wipe tools clean; dispose of contaminated PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final site inspection | Trip hazards, leftover debris | Confirm panel is secure, area is clean, and equipment is functioning |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to traffic | 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
Electrical rated gloves (per department policy)
Arc flash PPE when required
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near pumps or generators
Respirator if working near sewage aerosols
Disposable coveralls for contamination risks