| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, poor sight distance, uneven ground, tripping hazards | Conduct site inspection; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; ensure vehicle is parked safely |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged valve keys, defective powered exerciser, missing PPE | Inspect valve keys for cracks; check powered exerciser for proper function; remove defective equipment |
| Don required PPE | Flying debris, hand injuries, vehicle hazards | Wear safety glasses, high visibility vest, steel toe boots, and gloves |
| Locate valve and expose valve box | Sharp edges, insects, debris, broken concrete | Remove grass or soil carefully; use hand tools; check for wasps or other hazards inside valve box |
| Clean valve box | Hand injuries, debris exposure | Use hook or scoop to remove dirt and rocks; avoid reaching blindly; wear gloves |
| Check valve key engagement | Slips, tool misalignment, sudden movement | Ensure valve wrench fits securely; keep body centered and balanced |
| Begin manual exercising | Muscle strain, tool kickback, broken valve stems | Turn valve slowly; avoid forcing; apply penetrating oil only if approved; exercise valve in quarter turns |
| Use powered valve exerciser (if applicable) | Equipment recoil, torque injuries, pinch points | Secure tool firmly; set torque limiter; maintain proper stance; keep hands clear of moving parts |
| Monitor valve resistance | Stuck valve, risk of stem breakage | If excessive resistance is felt, stop immediately; report valve condition instead of forcing movement |
| Cycle valve fully open and closed | Abrupt water pressure changes, tool slip | Move slowly through full cycle; communicate with team if system pressure readings are available |
| Document valve condition | Incorrect records, confusion later | Record position, number of turns, condition of valve box, and any issues encountered |
| Replace valve box cover | Pinch points, uneven placement | Set cover carefully; ensure it is flush with surface; avoid dropping it onto fingers |
| Clean area around valve | Trip hazards, debris in roadway | Remove loose debris; ensure valve box is visible and clear |
| Final site inspection | Missing tools, hazards left behind | Confirm all equipment is loaded; check traffic control positioning |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to moving vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until area is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
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, poor sight distance, uneven ground, tripping hazards | Conduct site inspection; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; ensure vehicle is parked safely |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged valve keys, defective powered exerciser, missing PPE | Inspect valve keys for cracks; check powered exerciser for proper function; remove defective equipment |
| Don required PPE | Flying debris, hand injuries, vehicle hazards | Wear safety glasses, high visibility vest, steel toe boots, and gloves |
| Locate valve and expose valve box | Sharp edges, insects, debris, broken concrete | Remove grass or soil carefully; use hand tools; check for wasps or other hazards inside valve box |
| Clean valve box | Hand injuries, debris exposure | Use hook or scoop to remove dirt and rocks; avoid reaching blindly; wear gloves |
| Check valve key engagement | Slips, tool misalignment, sudden movement | Ensure valve wrench fits securely; keep body centered and balanced |
| Begin manual exercising | Muscle strain, tool kickback, broken valve stems | Turn valve slowly; avoid forcing; apply penetrating oil only if approved; exercise valve in quarter turns |
| Use powered valve exerciser (if applicable) | Equipment recoil, torque injuries, pinch points | Secure tool firmly; set torque limiter; maintain proper stance; keep hands clear of moving parts |
| Monitor valve resistance | Stuck valve, risk of stem breakage | If excessive resistance is felt, stop immediately; report valve condition instead of forcing movement |
| Cycle valve fully open and closed | Abrupt water pressure changes, tool slip | Move slowly through full cycle; communicate with team if system pressure readings are available |
| Document valve condition | Incorrect records, confusion later | Record position, number of turns, condition of valve box, and any issues encountered |
| Replace valve box cover | Pinch points, uneven placement | Set cover carefully; ensure it is flush with surface; avoid dropping it onto fingers |
| Clean area around valve | Trip hazards, debris in roadway | Remove loose debris; ensure valve box is visible and clear |
| Final site inspection | Missing tools, hazards left behind | Confirm all equipment is loaded; check traffic control positioning |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to moving vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until area is clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if roadside)
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves