| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, contaminated water, unstable ground, overhead utilities | Conduct full site walk; establish MUTCD compliant traffic control; choose safe staging area away from traffic and water flow |
| Inspect pumps, hoses, plugs, and fittings | Hose failure, pump malfunction, plug failure | Inspect pumps, gaskets, clamps, and hoses for cracks or wear; pressure test plugs before use; remove defective items |
| Don required PPE | Sewer exposure, aerosolized waste, chemical hazards | Wear gloves, safety glasses or face shield, waterproof boots or waders, respirator if needed, and high visibility vest |
| Monitor atmosphere near work area | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Test with gas monitor near manholes; do not lean into manhole; ventilate if readings are near limits |
| Isolate flow area | Sudden surges, backups | Determine upstream and downstream manholes; notify operators of reduced flow; prepare bypass route |
| Install sewer plugs (if needed) | Plug ejection, sudden flow, fall hazards | Stand to the side during inflation; attach safety rope; ensure plug is rated for pipe size and pressure; never inflate beyond manufacturer limits |
| Set up pumps on stable ground | Pump tipping, fuel spills, electrical hazards | Place pumps on level surface; ensure grounding for electric pumps; use spill containment under diesel pumps |
| Install suction hoses | Hose whip, pinch points, contact with sewage | Use two people for hose movement; secure hoses with chains or straps; avoid standing in front of suction opening |
| Place discharge hoses | Trip hazards, uncontrolled discharge, erosion | Lay hoses away from pedestrian paths; use hose ramps when crossing roads; discharge only to approved location |
| Start pump operations | Hose movement, pump recoil, loud noise | Start pump slowly; check hose joints; maintain communication between crew members |
| Monitor pump performance | Overheating, suction loss, clogging, air binding | Keep operator assigned to monitor pump; clear blockages using tools; check fuel level frequently |
| Manage fuel safely | Fire hazard, spills | Shut off pump during refueling; allow cooling before fueling; use spill pads and proper containers |
| Prevent contamination and spills | Environmental violations, health risks | Use drip trays under connections; contain minor leaks immediately; redirect accidental discharge away from sensitive areas |
| Monitor upstream and downstream levels | Overflow, surcharge, backups | Check manholes regularly; adjust flow or plug position as needed; maintain communication with plant or system operators |
| Shut down system safely | Backflow, hose collapse | Reduce pump speed gradually; close valves slowly; detach hoses carefully to avoid splash |
| Remove plugs and equipment | Plug ejection, contamination | Deflate plugs completely before removal; pull using rope; rinse plugs and hoses before loading |
| Clean equipment and PPE | Cross contamination, splash hazards | Rinse hoses, pumps, boots, and tools in controlled area; bag disposable PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final inspection | Missed leaks, contamination on roadway | Inspect bypass area, staging zone, and manholes; ensure all wastewater is contained |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to live 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 (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Waterproof boots or chest waders
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near pumps or generators
Respirator if exposed to sewer gases or aerosols
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.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, contaminated water, unstable ground, overhead utilities | Conduct full site walk; establish MUTCD compliant traffic control; choose safe staging area away from traffic and water flow |
| Inspect pumps, hoses, plugs, and fittings | Hose failure, pump malfunction, plug failure | Inspect pumps, gaskets, clamps, and hoses for cracks or wear; pressure test plugs before use; remove defective items |
| Don required PPE | Sewer exposure, aerosolized waste, chemical hazards | Wear gloves, safety glasses or face shield, waterproof boots or waders, respirator if needed, and high visibility vest |
| Monitor atmosphere near work area | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Test with gas monitor near manholes; do not lean into manhole; ventilate if readings are near limits |
| Isolate flow area | Sudden surges, backups | Determine upstream and downstream manholes; notify operators of reduced flow; prepare bypass route |
| Install sewer plugs (if needed) | Plug ejection, sudden flow, fall hazards | Stand to the side during inflation; attach safety rope; ensure plug is rated for pipe size and pressure; never inflate beyond manufacturer limits |
| Set up pumps on stable ground | Pump tipping, fuel spills, electrical hazards | Place pumps on level surface; ensure grounding for electric pumps; use spill containment under diesel pumps |
| Install suction hoses | Hose whip, pinch points, contact with sewage | Use two people for hose movement; secure hoses with chains or straps; avoid standing in front of suction opening |
| Place discharge hoses | Trip hazards, uncontrolled discharge, erosion | Lay hoses away from pedestrian paths; use hose ramps when crossing roads; discharge only to approved location |
| Start pump operations | Hose movement, pump recoil, loud noise | Start pump slowly; check hose joints; maintain communication between crew members |
| Monitor pump performance | Overheating, suction loss, clogging, air binding | Keep operator assigned to monitor pump; clear blockages using tools; check fuel level frequently |
| Manage fuel safely | Fire hazard, spills | Shut off pump during refueling; allow cooling before fueling; use spill pads and proper containers |
| Prevent contamination and spills | Environmental violations, health risks | Use drip trays under connections; contain minor leaks immediately; redirect accidental discharge away from sensitive areas |
| Monitor upstream and downstream levels | Overflow, surcharge, backups | Check manholes regularly; adjust flow or plug position as needed; maintain communication with plant or system operators |
| Shut down system safely | Backflow, hose collapse | Reduce pump speed gradually; close valves slowly; detach hoses carefully to avoid splash |
| Remove plugs and equipment | Plug ejection, contamination | Deflate plugs completely before removal; pull using rope; rinse plugs and hoses before loading |
| Clean equipment and PPE | Cross contamination, splash hazards | Rinse hoses, pumps, boots, and tools in controlled area; bag disposable PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final inspection | Missed leaks, contamination on roadway | Inspect bypass area, staging zone, and manholes; ensure all wastewater is contained |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to live 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 (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Waterproof boots or chest waders
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near pumps or generators
Respirator if exposed to sewer gases or aerosols
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination