Job Safety Analysis: Manhole Frame and Cover Replacement

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work area Traffic exposure, uneven pavement, poor visibility Conduct site walk; establish MUTCD compliant traffic control; assign lookout
Inspect tools and replacement materials Damaged lifting hooks, defective saw, cracked frame Inspect saw blades, lifting chains, and replacement components; remove defective items
Don required PPE Flying debris, dust, cutting hazards Wear safety glasses or face shield, gloves, hard hat, high visibility vest, and respirator if sawing
Remove existing cover Back strain, hand injuries, dropped cover Use manhole hook; lift from stable footing; set cover down carefully; avoid fingers under edge
Cut or remove pavement around frame (if needed) Flying concrete chips, saw kickback, dust inhalation Use saw with proper guards; wet cut to reduce dust; keep bystanders clear; maintain firm footing
Excavate around frame (if required) Struck by equipment, unstable excavation Keep workers out of swing radius; position equipment on firm ground; maintain spoil piles away from excavation
Break out old frame and bedding Flying debris, pinch points, tool rebound Use sledge and chisel carefully; stand clear of rebound zone; remove loosened concrete by hand tools
Clean and prepare surface Dust, sharp edges Brush debris away; use scraper or grinder; wear eye and respiratory protection
Set new frame Pinch points, dropped materials, misalignment Use lifting straps or two person lift; place frame level; check alignment with existing structure
Apply mortar or grout bedding Skin irritation, cement burns Wear gloves; mix mortar carefully; avoid direct contact with wet cement
Adjust frame height for grade Improper seating, trip hazard Ensure frame height matches road grade; use leveling tools; follow municipal standards
Install new cover Crushed fingers, dropped cover Lower cover carefully; check fit; keep fingers away from seat
Patch surrounding pavement Trip hazards, hot asphalt exposure Compact asphalt carefully; keep workers clear of rollers; allow curing before traffic use
Final inspection Sunken frame, rocking cover, debris Check levelness, fit, and seating; ensure surface is smooth; remove all debris
Clean tools and site Slips, dust, sharp debris Remove leftover materials; rinse tools; sweep area clean
Remove traffic control Exposure to traffic Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • 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 cutting or grinding

  • Respirator when exposed to dust or concrete particles

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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Job Safety Analysis
Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work area Traffic exposure, uneven pavement, poor visibility Conduct site walk; establish MUTCD compliant traffic control; assign lookout
Inspect tools and replacement materials Damaged lifting hooks, defective saw, cracked frame Inspect saw blades, lifting chains, and replacement components; remove defective items
Don required PPE Flying debris, dust, cutting hazards Wear safety glasses or face shield, gloves, hard hat, high visibility vest, and respirator if sawing
Remove existing cover Back strain, hand injuries, dropped cover Use manhole hook; lift from stable footing; set cover down carefully; avoid fingers under edge
Cut or remove pavement around frame (if needed) Flying concrete chips, saw kickback, dust inhalation Use saw with proper guards; wet cut to reduce dust; keep bystanders clear; maintain firm footing
Excavate around frame (if required) Struck by equipment, unstable excavation Keep workers out of swing radius; position equipment on firm ground; maintain spoil piles away from excavation
Break out old frame and bedding Flying debris, pinch points, tool rebound Use sledge and chisel carefully; stand clear of rebound zone; remove loosened concrete by hand tools
Clean and prepare surface Dust, sharp edges Brush debris away; use scraper or grinder; wear eye and respiratory protection
Set new frame Pinch points, dropped materials, misalignment Use lifting straps or two person lift; place frame level; check alignment with existing structure
Apply mortar or grout bedding Skin irritation, cement burns Wear gloves; mix mortar carefully; avoid direct contact with wet cement
Adjust frame height for grade Improper seating, trip hazard Ensure frame height matches road grade; use leveling tools; follow municipal standards
Install new cover Crushed fingers, dropped cover Lower cover carefully; check fit; keep fingers away from seat
Patch surrounding pavement Trip hazards, hot asphalt exposure Compact asphalt carefully; keep workers clear of rollers; allow curing before traffic use
Final inspection Sunken frame, rocking cover, debris Check levelness, fit, and seating; ensure surface is smooth; remove all debris
Clean tools and site Slips, dust, sharp debris Remove leftover materials; rinse tools; sweep area clean
Remove traffic control Exposure to traffic Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment