Job Safety Analysis: Pipe Inspection Operations

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Review inspection plan and site conditions Traffic hazards, unknown pipe conditions, poor access Review maps and utility information, identify access points, establish traffic control if near roadway
Position inspection vehicle and equipment Struck by traffic, unstable ground, vehicle movement Park on stable surface, set parking brake, use wheel chocks, deploy warning lights and cones
Open manholes or access structures Falls, pinch points, hazardous atmospheres Use proper lifting tools, keep body clear while opening covers, test atmosphere when required
Inspect and set up camera equipment Damaged cables, electrical hazards, trip hazards Check camera and reel for damage, inspect power supply, keep cables organized and out of walkways
Lower camera into pipe Dropped equipment, splash exposure, slips Maintain secure footing, lower equipment slowly, wear waterproof gloves and eye protection
Conduct pipe inspection Exposure to sewage, confined space hazards, cable entanglement Remain outside confined space unless entry procedures are followed, monitor cable movement, maintain communication between crew members
Move inspection equipment between access points Back strain, trips, struck by vehicles Use proper lifting techniques, keep cables tidy, maintain awareness of nearby traffic
Record inspection findings Distraction from surroundings, missed hazards Assign one worker to focus on surroundings while another records data, maintain situational awareness
Retrieve camera and equipment Cable snapping, splash exposure, hand injuries Reel cable in slowly, inspect for damage, clean equipment carefully
Clean and disinfect equipment Biological hazards, chemical exposure Use approved disinfectants, wear gloves and eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling equipment
Restore site and close access points Open hole hazards, unsecured covers, traffic exposure Replace covers securely, remove traffic control devices safely, verify site is clean before leaving

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses or face shield
  • High visibility vest or Class 3 roadway garment
  • Steel toe boots with slip resistant soles
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Hearing protection when working near equipment
  • Respiratory protection when exposure to sewage gases, mold, or contaminated atmospheres is possible
  • Fall protection when required around open structures or deep excavations

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
Review inspection plan and site conditions Traffic hazards, unknown pipe conditions, poor access Review maps and utility information, identify access points, establish traffic control if near roadway
Position inspection vehicle and equipment Struck by traffic, unstable ground, vehicle movement Park on stable surface, set parking brake, use wheel chocks, deploy warning lights and cones
Open manholes or access structures Falls, pinch points, hazardous atmospheres Use proper lifting tools, keep body clear while opening covers, test atmosphere when required
Inspect and set up camera equipment Damaged cables, electrical hazards, trip hazards Check camera and reel for damage, inspect power supply, keep cables organized and out of walkways
Lower camera into pipe Dropped equipment, splash exposure, slips Maintain secure footing, lower equipment slowly, wear waterproof gloves and eye protection
Conduct pipe inspection Exposure to sewage, confined space hazards, cable entanglement Remain outside confined space unless entry procedures are followed, monitor cable movement, maintain communication between crew members
Move inspection equipment between access points Back strain, trips, struck by vehicles Use proper lifting techniques, keep cables tidy, maintain awareness of nearby traffic
Record inspection findings Distraction from surroundings, missed hazards Assign one worker to focus on surroundings while another records data, maintain situational awareness
Retrieve camera and equipment Cable snapping, splash exposure, hand injuries Reel cable in slowly, inspect for damage, clean equipment carefully
Clean and disinfect equipment Biological hazards, chemical exposure Use approved disinfectants, wear gloves and eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling equipment
Restore site and close access points Open hole hazards, unsecured covers, traffic exposure Replace covers securely, remove traffic control devices safely, verify site is clean before leaving
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment