| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, pedestrians, parked vehicles, narrow roadsides | Conduct site assessment; plan route; set cones or MUTCD compliant signage; assign lookout if working in traffic |
| Inspect trailer and tow vehicle | Damaged hoses, worn tires, faulty lights, loose hitch, clogged blower | Perform pre trip inspection; verify hitch connection and safety chains; check trailer brakes, blower system, and lights |
| Don required PPE | Flying debris, noise, dust exposure | Wear safety glasses or face shield, gloves, hearing protection, and high visibility vest |
| Position truck and trailer | Backing hazards, soft shoulders, blind spots | Use spotter when backing; avoid unstable shoulders; activate hazard lights and beacons |
| Connect vacuum hose or intake chute | Pinch points, hose swing, heavy lifting | Use two workers if hose is large; keep hands clear of clamp points; secure hose before starting blower |
| Begin leaf collection | Flying debris, hose clogging, foreign object ingestion | Maintain safe distance from intake; avoid vacuuming large sticks, stones, or trash; monitor hose for clogging |
| Maintain communication during loading | Unexpected truck movement, struck by trailer | Use radios or hand signals; driver must not move unless cleared by hose operator |
| Manage traffic and pedestrian interactions | Vehicles drifting into work zone, pedestrians approaching hose | Assign lookout; adjust cones as work progresses; pause operations for pedestrians |
| Monitor trailer load level | Overfilling, leaves blowing out, reduced stability | Watch load level regularly; stop work before trailer is full; secure tarp if required |
| Transport loaded trailer | Load shifting, debris blowing back onto roadway | Ensure trailer is latched and covered; drive at reduced speed; avoid sudden braking or sharp turns |
| Dump collected leaves | Falling debris, tipping hazard, backing into obstacles | Use designated dump site; use spotter when backing; dump slowly; keep personnel clear of drop zone |
| Clear hose clogs | Contact with impeller, unexpected blower restart | Shut down blower; lock out controls; use tools to clear clog; never use hands |
| Shutdown and secure equipment | Hose recoil, moving parts, hydraulic pressure release | Turn off blower; secure hose; park on level ground; perform post operation walk around |
| Final cleanup | Leaves left on roadway, slip hazards | Remove remaining piles with rakes; ensure site is clean; check storm drains for blockage |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to passing vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; use lookout; maintain high visibility PPE |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Hearing protection
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Dust mask or respirator in dusty conditions
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Equipment 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, pedestrians, parked vehicles, narrow roadsides | Conduct site assessment; plan route; set cones or MUTCD compliant signage; assign lookout if working in traffic |
| Inspect trailer and tow vehicle | Damaged hoses, worn tires, faulty lights, loose hitch, clogged blower | Perform pre trip inspection; verify hitch connection and safety chains; check trailer brakes, blower system, and lights |
| Don required PPE | Flying debris, noise, dust exposure | Wear safety glasses or face shield, gloves, hearing protection, and high visibility vest |
| Position truck and trailer | Backing hazards, soft shoulders, blind spots | Use spotter when backing; avoid unstable shoulders; activate hazard lights and beacons |
| Connect vacuum hose or intake chute | Pinch points, hose swing, heavy lifting | Use two workers if hose is large; keep hands clear of clamp points; secure hose before starting blower |
| Begin leaf collection | Flying debris, hose clogging, foreign object ingestion | Maintain safe distance from intake; avoid vacuuming large sticks, stones, or trash; monitor hose for clogging |
| Maintain communication during loading | Unexpected truck movement, struck by trailer | Use radios or hand signals; driver must not move unless cleared by hose operator |
| Manage traffic and pedestrian interactions | Vehicles drifting into work zone, pedestrians approaching hose | Assign lookout; adjust cones as work progresses; pause operations for pedestrians |
| Monitor trailer load level | Overfilling, leaves blowing out, reduced stability | Watch load level regularly; stop work before trailer is full; secure tarp if required |
| Transport loaded trailer | Load shifting, debris blowing back onto roadway | Ensure trailer is latched and covered; drive at reduced speed; avoid sudden braking or sharp turns |
| Dump collected leaves | Falling debris, tipping hazard, backing into obstacles | Use designated dump site; use spotter when backing; dump slowly; keep personnel clear of drop zone |
| Clear hose clogs | Contact with impeller, unexpected blower restart | Shut down blower; lock out controls; use tools to clear clog; never use hands |
| Shutdown and secure equipment | Hose recoil, moving parts, hydraulic pressure release | Turn off blower; secure hose; park on level ground; perform post operation walk around |
| Final cleanup | Leaves left on roadway, slip hazards | Remove remaining piles with rakes; ensure site is clean; check storm drains for blockage |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to passing vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; use lookout; maintain high visibility PPE |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Hearing protection
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Dust mask or respirator in dusty conditions