| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic hazards, unstable surface, electrical hazards | Perform site walk; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; ensure good lighting and stable footing |
| Inspect tools, lifting gear, and PPE | Rigging failure, improper tools, damaged PPE | Inspect hoist, slings, shackles, and rail components; calibrate gas monitor; replace any defective equipment |
| Don required PPE | Exposure to sewage, aerosols, chemicals | Wear gloves, safety glasses or face shield, protective clothing, boots, and respirator if required |
| Test atmosphere at wet well | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen, toxic gases | Use gas monitor from top to bottom; monitor readings continuously; do not proceed if atmosphere is unsafe |
| Lockout tagout pump power | Unexpected pump start, electric shock | Shut off pumps at control panel; apply lockout tagout; verify absence of power |
| Ventilate wet well | Toxic gases, oxygen deficiency | Use blower with ducting; ventilate continuously; verify readings remain safe |
| Open wet well hatch | Fall hazards, dropped tools | Secure hatch fully open; install temporary railing or barriers around opening |
| Remove pump to access rails | Dropped load, splash hazards, rigging failure | Attach pump to hoist; lift slowly; keep all crew clear of suspended load; lay pump on stable surface |
| Clean guide rails and surrounding area | Aerosolized contamination, slips | Use vactor or jetting equipment; stay upwind; secure hoses; use face shield |
| Inspect rail system and brackets | Sharp edges, unstable components | Visually inspect from safe position; avoid leaning into opening; identify damaged clamps, rails, or fasteners |
| Remove damaged rail sections | Pinch points, dropped materials | Use proper tools; maintain firm grip; support rail weight during removal; keep hands clear of pinch zones |
| Install new or repaired rail sections | Misalignment, dropped objects | Use alignment tools; secure rails at top and bottom brackets; tighten fasteners gradually and evenly |
| Verify rail alignment | Pump misalignment, seating failure | Lower empty lifting ring or test fixture to ensure smooth travel; adjust rails as needed |
| Reinstall pump | Rigging hazards, splash exposure | Hoist pump slowly; guide into rails; confirm pump seats properly on discharge connection |
| Reconnect electrical components | Shock hazards, incorrect wiring | Ensure lockout remains engaged until all wiring is complete; use insulated tools; keep connectors dry |
| Restore power and test pump | Sudden pump movement, water surge | Stand clear during startup; ensure pump travels rails smoothly; verify flow and cycle operation |
| Close and secure wet well hatch | Pinch points, unsecured lid | Lower hatch carefully; ensure latch is engaged; remove temporary barriers |
| Clean and disinfect tools and PPE | Cross contamination, splash hazards | Rinse tools, boots, and hoist; bag disposable PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final site inspection | Missed hazards, debris, loose hardware | Verify pump operates correctly, rails are secured, and site is free of tools or debris |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to live traffic | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until area is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Waterproof boots or chest waders
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near pumps or generators
Respirator when sewer gases or aerosols are present
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination
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 hazards, unstable surface, electrical hazards | Perform site walk; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; ensure good lighting and stable footing |
| Inspect tools, lifting gear, and PPE | Rigging failure, improper tools, damaged PPE | Inspect hoist, slings, shackles, and rail components; calibrate gas monitor; replace any defective equipment |
| Don required PPE | Exposure to sewage, aerosols, chemicals | Wear gloves, safety glasses or face shield, protective clothing, boots, and respirator if required |
| Test atmosphere at wet well | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen, toxic gases | Use gas monitor from top to bottom; monitor readings continuously; do not proceed if atmosphere is unsafe |
| Lockout tagout pump power | Unexpected pump start, electric shock | Shut off pumps at control panel; apply lockout tagout; verify absence of power |
| Ventilate wet well | Toxic gases, oxygen deficiency | Use blower with ducting; ventilate continuously; verify readings remain safe |
| Open wet well hatch | Fall hazards, dropped tools | Secure hatch fully open; install temporary railing or barriers around opening |
| Remove pump to access rails | Dropped load, splash hazards, rigging failure | Attach pump to hoist; lift slowly; keep all crew clear of suspended load; lay pump on stable surface |
| Clean guide rails and surrounding area | Aerosolized contamination, slips | Use vactor or jetting equipment; stay upwind; secure hoses; use face shield |
| Inspect rail system and brackets | Sharp edges, unstable components | Visually inspect from safe position; avoid leaning into opening; identify damaged clamps, rails, or fasteners |
| Remove damaged rail sections | Pinch points, dropped materials | Use proper tools; maintain firm grip; support rail weight during removal; keep hands clear of pinch zones |
| Install new or repaired rail sections | Misalignment, dropped objects | Use alignment tools; secure rails at top and bottom brackets; tighten fasteners gradually and evenly |
| Verify rail alignment | Pump misalignment, seating failure | Lower empty lifting ring or test fixture to ensure smooth travel; adjust rails as needed |
| Reinstall pump | Rigging hazards, splash exposure | Hoist pump slowly; guide into rails; confirm pump seats properly on discharge connection |
| Reconnect electrical components | Shock hazards, incorrect wiring | Ensure lockout remains engaged until all wiring is complete; use insulated tools; keep connectors dry |
| Restore power and test pump | Sudden pump movement, water surge | Stand clear during startup; ensure pump travels rails smoothly; verify flow and cycle operation |
| Close and secure wet well hatch | Pinch points, unsecured lid | Lower hatch carefully; ensure latch is engaged; remove temporary barriers |
| Clean and disinfect tools and PPE | Cross contamination, splash hazards | Rinse tools, boots, and hoist; bag disposable PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final site inspection | Missed hazards, debris, loose hardware | Verify pump operates correctly, rails are secured, and site is free of tools or debris |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to live traffic | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until area is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Waterproof boots or chest waders
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near pumps or generators
Respirator when sewer gases or aerosols are present
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination