| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Receive emergency call and mobilize | Rushing, poor communication, incomplete information | Gather exact location and break severity; coordinate with dispatch; communicate hazards to crew before departure |
| Arrive on scene and assess | Traffic hazards, flooded roadway, concealed sinkholes, ice in winter | Park safely; set up MUTCD compliant work zone; inspect for pavement undermining; assign lookout |
| Identify utilities and hazards | Striking gas, electric, or fiber lines; contaminated water; overhead lines | Call for emergency utility locates when possible; hand dig near suspected utilities; look for overhead obstructions |
| Don appropriate PPE | Exposure to water pressure, flying debris, cold water | Wear high visibility vest, gloves, boots or waders, hard hat, and safety glasses |
| Shut down valves to isolate break | Valve failure, unexpected water surge, tool kickback | Turn valves slowly; approach valves from the side; verify closure through observation; avoid forcing stuck valves |
| Control water flow and flooding | Slips, ground collapse, ice forming in winter | Divert flow away from travel lanes; use sandbags; apply salt or sand in freezing conditions; mark hazard zones |
| Excavate break area | Struck by equipment, trench collapse, unstable ground | Maintain communication with operator; keep workers outside swing radius; place spoil piles at least two feet from edge |
| Dewater excavation | Pump hazards, suction hazards, contaminated water | Use pumps with sediment control; secure hoses; stand clear of intake; wear waterproof PPE |
| Install shoring or trench box | Collapse hazard, pinch points | Place shoring before workers enter; use excavator to lower trench box; keep personnel clear during placement |
| Expose damaged pipe | Sudden burst, flying debris, sharp pipe edges | Relieve pressure; stand to the side; use hand tools near pipe; avoid striking pipe with equipment |
| Apply temporary or permanent repair | Pinch points, tool slips, heavy components | Use appropriate clamps or cut-in sections; lift materials with straps; maintain communication among crew |
| Inspect repair and restore pressure | Sudden leaks, renewed flooding | Open valves slowly; monitor repair band; stand clear of pipe during repressurization |
| Backfill excavation | Struck by bucket, unstable trench | Remove personnel from trench; backfill in lifts; compact soil carefully; monitor for settling |
| Restore roadway or shoulder | Trip hazards, loose debris | Remove spoil; patch pavement temporarily if needed; clear debris from roadway |
| Final inspection | Missed leaks, unstable ground, traffic hazards | Check for seepage; confirm proper valve operation; assess shoulder and pavement conditions |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to live traffic | Remove devices in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep high visibility PPE on until crew is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Waterproof boots or waders
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near machinery
Respirator if exposed to chlorine smell, sewer cross-connection, or sediment dust
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Receive emergency call and mobilize | Rushing, poor communication, incomplete information | Gather exact location and break severity; coordinate with dispatch; communicate hazards to crew before departure |
| Arrive on scene and assess | Traffic hazards, flooded roadway, concealed sinkholes, ice in winter | Park safely; set up MUTCD compliant work zone; inspect for pavement undermining; assign lookout |
| Identify utilities and hazards | Striking gas, electric, or fiber lines; contaminated water; overhead lines | Call for emergency utility locates when possible; hand dig near suspected utilities; look for overhead obstructions |
| Don appropriate PPE | Exposure to water pressure, flying debris, cold water | Wear high visibility vest, gloves, boots or waders, hard hat, and safety glasses |
| Shut down valves to isolate break | Valve failure, unexpected water surge, tool kickback | Turn valves slowly; approach valves from the side; verify closure through observation; avoid forcing stuck valves |
| Control water flow and flooding | Slips, ground collapse, ice forming in winter | Divert flow away from travel lanes; use sandbags; apply salt or sand in freezing conditions; mark hazard zones |
| Excavate break area | Struck by equipment, trench collapse, unstable ground | Maintain communication with operator; keep workers outside swing radius; place spoil piles at least two feet from edge |
| Dewater excavation | Pump hazards, suction hazards, contaminated water | Use pumps with sediment control; secure hoses; stand clear of intake; wear waterproof PPE |
| Install shoring or trench box | Collapse hazard, pinch points | Place shoring before workers enter; use excavator to lower trench box; keep personnel clear during placement |
| Expose damaged pipe | Sudden burst, flying debris, sharp pipe edges | Relieve pressure; stand to the side; use hand tools near pipe; avoid striking pipe with equipment |
| Apply temporary or permanent repair | Pinch points, tool slips, heavy components | Use appropriate clamps or cut-in sections; lift materials with straps; maintain communication among crew |
| Inspect repair and restore pressure | Sudden leaks, renewed flooding | Open valves slowly; monitor repair band; stand clear of pipe during repressurization |
| Backfill excavation | Struck by bucket, unstable trench | Remove personnel from trench; backfill in lifts; compact soil carefully; monitor for settling |
| Restore roadway or shoulder | Trip hazards, loose debris | Remove spoil; patch pavement temporarily if needed; clear debris from roadway |
| Final inspection | Missed leaks, unstable ground, traffic hazards | Check for seepage; confirm proper valve operation; assess shoulder and pavement conditions |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to live traffic | Remove devices in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep high visibility PPE on until crew is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Waterproof boots or waders
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near machinery
Respirator if exposed to chlorine smell, sewer cross-connection, or sediment dust