| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, uneven ground, slip hazards | Conduct site walk; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; identify stable footing |
| Inspect PPE and tools | Damaged gas monitor, defective harness, broken tools | Calibrate gas monitor; inspect harness, tripod, and tools; replace defective equipment |
| Don required PPE | Exposure to dirty water, mold, sewage, mechanical hazards | Wear gloves, safety glasses, steel toe boots, protective clothing, and respirator if needed |
| Test atmosphere at vault opening | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen, toxic gases | Use gas monitor at top, middle, and bottom; do not proceed until readings are safe |
| Ventilate vault | Toxic gases, poor oxygen circulation | Use blower with ducting; ventilate continuously while work is underway |
| Lockout tagout any valves, pumps, or electrical equipment | Unexpected operation or pressure release | Apply LOTO devices as necessary; verify zero energy |
| Open vault cover safely | Back strain, finger pinch points | Use lifting hooks; lift lid from stable footing; set cover aside securely |
| Set up tripod and retrieval system (if entry required) | Fall hazard, rescue challenges | Position tripod securely; attach winch to harness; verify system strength |
| Inspect vault from above | Unknown hazards, loose debris, standing water | Use flashlight; identify hazards; decide if entry is necessary |
| Enter vault using confined space procedures (if required) | Fall hazards, toxic gases, limited exits | Follow full confined space entry protocol; maintain communication with attendant |
| Clean debris, sediment, or corrosion | Splash hazards, sharp edges, biological exposure | Use long handled tools; avoid kneeling; dispose of waste in approved containers |
| Inspect and exercise valves | Pinch points, sudden valve movement | Turn valves slowly; maintain clear footing; avoid overexerting stiff valves |
| Lubricate or repair valve components | Chemical contact, tool slip | Wear chemical resistant gloves; use properly sized tools; keep hands clear of pinch zones |
| Inspect ladders, steps, or rungs | Slip or fall hazards | Test ladder stability; avoid using damaged access equipment; repair or report issues |
| Exit vault safely | Ladder slip, fatigue | Maintain three points of contact; communicate with attendant |
| Secure vault cover | Pinch points, dropped lid | Use lifting tools; ensure lid is fully seated and locked if designed to lock |
| Remove ventilation and secure tools | Trip hazards | Coil hoses and store equipment; ensure nothing is left in roadway |
| Clean and disinfect tools and PPE | Cross contamination, chemical exposure | Rinse tools; dispose of contaminated PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final site cleanup | Remaining debris, trip hazards | Remove all waste and equipment; ensure site is restored |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to vehicles | Remove signs and cones in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Chemical resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Respirator when dust, mold, or sewer gases may be present
Full body harness with lifeline (if entry required)
Disposable coveralls for dirty environments
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, uneven ground, slip hazards | Conduct site walk; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; identify stable footing |
| Inspect PPE and tools | Damaged gas monitor, defective harness, broken tools | Calibrate gas monitor; inspect harness, tripod, and tools; replace defective equipment |
| Don required PPE | Exposure to dirty water, mold, sewage, mechanical hazards | Wear gloves, safety glasses, steel toe boots, protective clothing, and respirator if needed |
| Test atmosphere at vault opening | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen, toxic gases | Use gas monitor at top, middle, and bottom; do not proceed until readings are safe |
| Ventilate vault | Toxic gases, poor oxygen circulation | Use blower with ducting; ventilate continuously while work is underway |
| Lockout tagout any valves, pumps, or electrical equipment | Unexpected operation or pressure release | Apply LOTO devices as necessary; verify zero energy |
| Open vault cover safely | Back strain, finger pinch points | Use lifting hooks; lift lid from stable footing; set cover aside securely |
| Set up tripod and retrieval system (if entry required) | Fall hazard, rescue challenges | Position tripod securely; attach winch to harness; verify system strength |
| Inspect vault from above | Unknown hazards, loose debris, standing water | Use flashlight; identify hazards; decide if entry is necessary |
| Enter vault using confined space procedures (if required) | Fall hazards, toxic gases, limited exits | Follow full confined space entry protocol; maintain communication with attendant |
| Clean debris, sediment, or corrosion | Splash hazards, sharp edges, biological exposure | Use long handled tools; avoid kneeling; dispose of waste in approved containers |
| Inspect and exercise valves | Pinch points, sudden valve movement | Turn valves slowly; maintain clear footing; avoid overexerting stiff valves |
| Lubricate or repair valve components | Chemical contact, tool slip | Wear chemical resistant gloves; use properly sized tools; keep hands clear of pinch zones |
| Inspect ladders, steps, or rungs | Slip or fall hazards | Test ladder stability; avoid using damaged access equipment; repair or report issues |
| Exit vault safely | Ladder slip, fatigue | Maintain three points of contact; communicate with attendant |
| Secure vault cover | Pinch points, dropped lid | Use lifting tools; ensure lid is fully seated and locked if designed to lock |
| Remove ventilation and secure tools | Trip hazards | Coil hoses and store equipment; ensure nothing is left in roadway |
| Clean and disinfect tools and PPE | Cross contamination, chemical exposure | Rinse tools; dispose of contaminated PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final site cleanup | Remaining debris, trip hazards | Remove all waste and equipment; ensure site is restored |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to vehicles | Remove signs and cones in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Chemical resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Respirator when dust, mold, or sewer gases may be present
Full body harness with lifeline (if entry required)
Disposable coveralls for dirty environments