| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, unstable ground, contaminated water, poor lighting | Conduct full site assessment; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; assign lookout; ensure safe equipment staging |
| Locate and mark utilities | Striking gas, electric, or telecom lines | Call in utility locates; hand dig within tolerance zones; maintain safe distance from marked lines |
| Inspect tools, equipment, and PPE | Faulty pumps, broken digging tools, damaged gas monitor | Conduct pre operation inspections; calibrate gas monitor; remove defective items from service |
| Don required PPE | Sewer exposure, contaminated spray, airborne pathogens | Wear gloves, safety glasses, high visibility vest, waterproof boots or waders, and respiratory protection if needed |
| Isolate sewer section if possible | Backflow, contamination, unexpected flow | Close valves or bypass flow if system allows; schedule repair during low flow periods if feasible |
| Excavate to sewer main | Struck by equipment, unstable edges, cave in | Maintain communication with operator; keep workers outside swing radius; place spoil piles at least two feet from trench |
| Monitor atmosphere around excavation | Sewer gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use gas monitor; do not enter trench if readings are unsafe; ventilate trench using blower if required |
| Dewater excavation | Contaminated water, slips, pump hazards | Use pumps with secure hoses; avoid stepping into suction area; contain and channel contaminated water appropriately |
| Install trench box or shoring | Trench collapse, pinch points | Only enter trench once shoring is installed; use excavator to place box; keep workers clear during placement |
| Access trench safely | Falls, ladder failure | Use ladder that extends above trench edge; secure ladder; maintain three points of contact |
| Expose damaged sewer main | Flying debris, sharp pipe edges, sudden wastewater release | Open pipe area slowly; stand to side; avoid direct contact with wastewater |
| Cut or remove damaged pipe | Tool kickback, airborne contaminants, sharp edges | Wear face shield; use approved pipe cutting tools; avoid bending or twisting pipe sections |
| Install repair components | Pinch points, heavy sections, cross threading | Use straps or equipment to lift pipe; align and seat couplings properly; avoid hand placement near pinch zones |
| Control sewer flow during repair | Overflow, contamination spread | Use inflatable plugs if trained and authorized; ensure bypass equipment is stable; monitor upstream levels |
| Inspect repair before backfilling | Leaks, misalignment | Check couplings, joints, and slope; verify no leaks before covering |
| Backfill and compact trench | Struck by bucket, unstable footing | Remove workers from trench; compact in controlled lifts; monitor trench stability |
| Restore work area | Trip hazards, contamination | Remove debris, disinfect tools, smooth disturbed soil, restore pavement if required |
| Final inspection | Missed hazards, leaks, unsecured utilities | Confirm no seepage; ensure utilities are properly exposed and marked; verify traffic safety |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to moving vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep high visibility 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 equipment
Respirator if exposed to sewer gases or airborne contaminants
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 exposure, unstable ground, contaminated water, poor lighting | Conduct full site assessment; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; assign lookout; ensure safe equipment staging |
| Locate and mark utilities | Striking gas, electric, or telecom lines | Call in utility locates; hand dig within tolerance zones; maintain safe distance from marked lines |
| Inspect tools, equipment, and PPE | Faulty pumps, broken digging tools, damaged gas monitor | Conduct pre operation inspections; calibrate gas monitor; remove defective items from service |
| Don required PPE | Sewer exposure, contaminated spray, airborne pathogens | Wear gloves, safety glasses, high visibility vest, waterproof boots or waders, and respiratory protection if needed |
| Isolate sewer section if possible | Backflow, contamination, unexpected flow | Close valves or bypass flow if system allows; schedule repair during low flow periods if feasible |
| Excavate to sewer main | Struck by equipment, unstable edges, cave in | Maintain communication with operator; keep workers outside swing radius; place spoil piles at least two feet from trench |
| Monitor atmosphere around excavation | Sewer gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use gas monitor; do not enter trench if readings are unsafe; ventilate trench using blower if required |
| Dewater excavation | Contaminated water, slips, pump hazards | Use pumps with secure hoses; avoid stepping into suction area; contain and channel contaminated water appropriately |
| Install trench box or shoring | Trench collapse, pinch points | Only enter trench once shoring is installed; use excavator to place box; keep workers clear during placement |
| Access trench safely | Falls, ladder failure | Use ladder that extends above trench edge; secure ladder; maintain three points of contact |
| Expose damaged sewer main | Flying debris, sharp pipe edges, sudden wastewater release | Open pipe area slowly; stand to side; avoid direct contact with wastewater |
| Cut or remove damaged pipe | Tool kickback, airborne contaminants, sharp edges | Wear face shield; use approved pipe cutting tools; avoid bending or twisting pipe sections |
| Install repair components | Pinch points, heavy sections, cross threading | Use straps or equipment to lift pipe; align and seat couplings properly; avoid hand placement near pinch zones |
| Control sewer flow during repair | Overflow, contamination spread | Use inflatable plugs if trained and authorized; ensure bypass equipment is stable; monitor upstream levels |
| Inspect repair before backfilling | Leaks, misalignment | Check couplings, joints, and slope; verify no leaks before covering |
| Backfill and compact trench | Struck by bucket, unstable footing | Remove workers from trench; compact in controlled lifts; monitor trench stability |
| Restore work area | Trip hazards, contamination | Remove debris, disinfect tools, smooth disturbed soil, restore pavement if required |
| Final inspection | Missed hazards, leaks, unsecured utilities | Confirm no seepage; ensure utilities are properly exposed and marked; verify traffic safety |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to moving vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep high visibility 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 equipment
Respirator if exposed to sewer gases or airborne contaminants
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination