| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, blind curves, uneven pavement, pedestrians | Conduct site assessment; establish MUTCD compliant work zone; assign lookout; position work vehicle for maximum protection |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Broken grate hooks, worn pry bars, damaged lifting equipment | Inspect all tools before use; ensure mechanical lifting aids are in proper condition; remove defective tools from service |
| Don required PPE | Pinch points, eye injuries, struck by hazards | Wear safety glasses, gloves, high visibility vest, and steel toe boots |
| Expose the grate area | Traffic hazards, slips on wet pavement, trip hazards | Clear debris around grate; verify stable footing; stand out of traffic flow |
| Lift and remove old grate | Pinched fingers, strained back, grate dropping unexpectedly | Use grate lifting hooks or pry bars; use team lift for heavy grates; maintain secure footing; lift straight up and keep fingers out of pinch zones |
| Inspect storm drain frame | Sharp edges, collapse hazard, loose hardware | Inspect frame for cracks or deterioration; avoid leaning over opening; do not place hands inside storm drain |
| Clean frame seating surface | Slips, flying debris, cuts from metal edges | Use wire brush or scraper; wear gloves; stand clear of others while cleaning |
| Install new grate | Pinch points, dropping grate, misalignment | Use team lift or mechanical lift; keep hands clear of underside; align grate carefully and lower slowly into frame |
| Check grate stability | Grate rocking or not seated properly, future trip hazard | Step lightly on edges to verify stability; ensure grate sits fully and evenly in frame |
| Handle damaged or nonstandard grates | Heavy weight, unpredictable size, lack of fit | Use caution with unusual sizes; store old grates safely; tag defective grates for scrap |
| Sweep and clean area | Loose debris causing slip or drainage issues | Sweep roadway; ensure grate opening remains clear; remove tools from travel lanes |
| Conduct final inspection | Missed hazards, improperly seated grate | Check alignment and fit; ensure grate is flush with surrounding pavement |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to passing vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until completely clear of roadway |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection if using impact tools
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Stormwater, Drainage, and Waterways
* 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.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic exposure, blind curves, uneven pavement, pedestrians | Conduct site assessment; establish MUTCD compliant work zone; assign lookout; position work vehicle for maximum protection |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Broken grate hooks, worn pry bars, damaged lifting equipment | Inspect all tools before use; ensure mechanical lifting aids are in proper condition; remove defective tools from service |
| Don required PPE | Pinch points, eye injuries, struck by hazards | Wear safety glasses, gloves, high visibility vest, and steel toe boots |
| Expose the grate area | Traffic hazards, slips on wet pavement, trip hazards | Clear debris around grate; verify stable footing; stand out of traffic flow |
| Lift and remove old grate | Pinched fingers, strained back, grate dropping unexpectedly | Use grate lifting hooks or pry bars; use team lift for heavy grates; maintain secure footing; lift straight up and keep fingers out of pinch zones |
| Inspect storm drain frame | Sharp edges, collapse hazard, loose hardware | Inspect frame for cracks or deterioration; avoid leaning over opening; do not place hands inside storm drain |
| Clean frame seating surface | Slips, flying debris, cuts from metal edges | Use wire brush or scraper; wear gloves; stand clear of others while cleaning |
| Install new grate | Pinch points, dropping grate, misalignment | Use team lift or mechanical lift; keep hands clear of underside; align grate carefully and lower slowly into frame |
| Check grate stability | Grate rocking or not seated properly, future trip hazard | Step lightly on edges to verify stability; ensure grate sits fully and evenly in frame |
| Handle damaged or nonstandard grates | Heavy weight, unpredictable size, lack of fit | Use caution with unusual sizes; store old grates safely; tag defective grates for scrap |
| Sweep and clean area | Loose debris causing slip or drainage issues | Sweep roadway; ensure grate opening remains clear; remove tools from travel lanes |
| Conduct final inspection | Missed hazards, improperly seated grate | Check alignment and fit; ensure grate is flush with surrounding pavement |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to passing vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until completely clear of roadway |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection if using impact tools