| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Receive incident information | Incomplete details, unknown hazards at scene | Gather as much information as possible about water depth, location, contaminants, utilities, and access limitations before responding |
| Assess access route and arrival area | Roadway washouts, hidden debris, unstable shoulders | Approach slowly; avoid driving through unknown water depths; park on high, stable ground with beacons activated |
| Perform on site assessment | Energized utilities in water, swift currents, unstable ground, hazardous materials | Conduct 360 degree visual check; stay clear of downed wires; check water flow; contact utility companies if wires or gas leaks are present |
| Establish work zone | Motorists or bystanders entering hazard area | Set cones, barricades, and warning signs; control scene access; assign lookout to maintain situational awareness |
| Inspect pump and equipment | Leaking hoses, damaged fittings, faulty generator, blocked strainers | Inspect pump, hoses, clamps, strainers, and power sources; remove damaged equipment from service |
| Don required PPE | Exposure to contaminated water, sharp debris, slips | Wear waterproof boots, gloves, and eye protection; use respiratory protection if mold or fumes are present |
| Position pump and equipment | Pump sliding, tipping, suction hose kinking, generator fumes entering work area | Place pump on stable ground; secure suction hose; keep generator exhaust away from crew and structures |
| Deploy suction and discharge hoses | Hand injuries, hose recoil, contamination exposure | Wear gloves; avoid standing directly in front of pressurized connections; route hoses away from walking paths |
| Start pump and monitor operation | Pump overheating, hose burst, suction obstruction | Start pump safely; monitor pressure and flow; check for leaks; clear debris from suction screen regularly |
| Manage water discharge | Erosion, flooding downstream, discharge onto roadways | Direct discharge to stable area; avoid undermining roadbeds; use silt screens if necessary; adjust location to prevent hazards |
| Monitor changing water conditions | Rising water, shifting debris, unstable soil | Maintain constant observation; be ready to reposition pump; stop operations if scene becomes unsafe |
| Refuel generator or pump engine | Burns, spills, ignition of vapors | Shut down equipment before refueling; refuel in well ventilated area; avoid refueling on saturated ground |
| Shut down and remove equipment | Contact with contaminated surfaces, back strain | Allow pump to cool; drain hoses; lift with legs; rinse equipment if contaminated |
| Final site inspection | Hidden hazards remaining, undermined road sections, slippery surfaces | Walk site carefully; check for erosion; notify supervisor if roadway damage requires follow up repairs |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots (water resistant if possible)
Cut resistant gloves
Rubber or chemical resistant gloves when handling contaminated water
Hearing protection around pumps or generators
Waterproof outerwear and waders when appropriate
Respiratory protection if fumes or mold are present
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Emergency Response 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Receive incident information | Incomplete details, unknown hazards at scene | Gather as much information as possible about water depth, location, contaminants, utilities, and access limitations before responding |
| Assess access route and arrival area | Roadway washouts, hidden debris, unstable shoulders | Approach slowly; avoid driving through unknown water depths; park on high, stable ground with beacons activated |
| Perform on site assessment | Energized utilities in water, swift currents, unstable ground, hazardous materials | Conduct 360 degree visual check; stay clear of downed wires; check water flow; contact utility companies if wires or gas leaks are present |
| Establish work zone | Motorists or bystanders entering hazard area | Set cones, barricades, and warning signs; control scene access; assign lookout to maintain situational awareness |
| Inspect pump and equipment | Leaking hoses, damaged fittings, faulty generator, blocked strainers | Inspect pump, hoses, clamps, strainers, and power sources; remove damaged equipment from service |
| Don required PPE | Exposure to contaminated water, sharp debris, slips | Wear waterproof boots, gloves, and eye protection; use respiratory protection if mold or fumes are present |
| Position pump and equipment | Pump sliding, tipping, suction hose kinking, generator fumes entering work area | Place pump on stable ground; secure suction hose; keep generator exhaust away from crew and structures |
| Deploy suction and discharge hoses | Hand injuries, hose recoil, contamination exposure | Wear gloves; avoid standing directly in front of pressurized connections; route hoses away from walking paths |
| Start pump and monitor operation | Pump overheating, hose burst, suction obstruction | Start pump safely; monitor pressure and flow; check for leaks; clear debris from suction screen regularly |
| Manage water discharge | Erosion, flooding downstream, discharge onto roadways | Direct discharge to stable area; avoid undermining roadbeds; use silt screens if necessary; adjust location to prevent hazards |
| Monitor changing water conditions | Rising water, shifting debris, unstable soil | Maintain constant observation; be ready to reposition pump; stop operations if scene becomes unsafe |
| Refuel generator or pump engine | Burns, spills, ignition of vapors | Shut down equipment before refueling; refuel in well ventilated area; avoid refueling on saturated ground |
| Shut down and remove equipment | Contact with contaminated surfaces, back strain | Allow pump to cool; drain hoses; lift with legs; rinse equipment if contaminated |
| Final site inspection | Hidden hazards remaining, undermined road sections, slippery surfaces | Walk site carefully; check for erosion; notify supervisor if roadway damage requires follow up repairs |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots (water resistant if possible)
Cut resistant gloves
Rubber or chemical resistant gloves when handling contaminated water
Hearing protection around pumps or generators
Waterproof outerwear and waders when appropriate
Respiratory protection if fumes or mold are present