| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess site conditions | Exposure to unknown contaminants, unstable banks, standing water, wildlife | Conduct visual inspection; identify access points; avoid undercut banks; review any available contamination reports |
| Identify contamination source | Contact with hazardous material, inhalation of fumes, biological exposure | Evaluate type of contaminant if known; use caution near sewage, petroleum, chemicals, or algae; notify supervisor before beginning removal |
| Inspect equipment and PPE | Damaged gloves, leaking waders, broken scoops, inadequate respirators | Inspect PPE for tears or leaks; verify respirator cartridges are appropriate; check tools for structural integrity |
| Establish work zone | Public exposure to contamination, crew exposure to traffic | Set up exclusion zone using cones, tape, or barricades; mark contaminated area clearly; place additional traffic control if roadside |
| Don required PPE | Chemical exposure through skin or mucus membranes | Wear gloves, boots or waders, long sleeves, and face protection; use disposable suits for heavy contamination |
| Limit direct contact with sediments | Skin contact, infections, chemical burns | Use long handled tools such as shovels, rakes, or grabbers; avoid kneeling or sitting in contaminated areas |
| Remove contaminated sediments | Splashes, inhalation of vapors, unexpected buried debris | Remove material slowly; avoid aggressive scraping; keep face away from bucket or shovel; use suction or vactor equipment if available |
| Handle unknown waste materials found in sediment | Chemical exposure, sharp objects, hazardous waste | Do not open containers; isolate hazardous objects; notify supervisor; follow municipal hazardous waste procedures |
| Use pumps or vactor equipment | Hose whip, splash back, aerosolization of contaminated water | Operate pumps at low pressure initially; stand clear of discharge; use face shield or goggles |
| Prevent sediment from entering waterways | Environmental harm, regulatory violations | Use berms or absorbent socks; avoid disturbing additional sediment; place collected contamination in sealed containers |
| Transport sediment safely | Spills, drips, exposure inside vehicle | Use sealed containers or barrels; place in lined truck bed; secure load to prevent tipping; avoid overfilling |
| Decontaminate tools and PPE | Cross contamination, chemical exposure | Rinse tools in designated wash area; use approved disinfectant; avoid washing contaminants into streams or storm drains |
| Remove PPE safely | Contaminant transfer to skin or clothing | Remove gloves last; roll disposable suits outward; bag PPE waste; wash hands thoroughly |
| Dispose of contaminated sediment | Improper disposal causing environmental hazards | Transport to approved disposal or treatment facility; document disposal if required; follow state and local regulations |
| Final site inspection | Residual contaminated sediment, missed hazards | Walk area to ensure all contamination is removed; verify no debris remains; check containment measures |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to moving vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; wear high visibility PPE until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket if near traffic
Waterproof boots or waders
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Steel toe boots if using heavy tools
Long pants and long sleeves
Disposable coveralls when contamination is severe
Respirator if odors, vapors, or airborne contaminants are present
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 site conditions | Exposure to unknown contaminants, unstable banks, standing water, wildlife | Conduct visual inspection; identify access points; avoid undercut banks; review any available contamination reports |
| Identify contamination source | Contact with hazardous material, inhalation of fumes, biological exposure | Evaluate type of contaminant if known; use caution near sewage, petroleum, chemicals, or algae; notify supervisor before beginning removal |
| Inspect equipment and PPE | Damaged gloves, leaking waders, broken scoops, inadequate respirators | Inspect PPE for tears or leaks; verify respirator cartridges are appropriate; check tools for structural integrity |
| Establish work zone | Public exposure to contamination, crew exposure to traffic | Set up exclusion zone using cones, tape, or barricades; mark contaminated area clearly; place additional traffic control if roadside |
| Don required PPE | Chemical exposure through skin or mucus membranes | Wear gloves, boots or waders, long sleeves, and face protection; use disposable suits for heavy contamination |
| Limit direct contact with sediments | Skin contact, infections, chemical burns | Use long handled tools such as shovels, rakes, or grabbers; avoid kneeling or sitting in contaminated areas |
| Remove contaminated sediments | Splashes, inhalation of vapors, unexpected buried debris | Remove material slowly; avoid aggressive scraping; keep face away from bucket or shovel; use suction or vactor equipment if available |
| Handle unknown waste materials found in sediment | Chemical exposure, sharp objects, hazardous waste | Do not open containers; isolate hazardous objects; notify supervisor; follow municipal hazardous waste procedures |
| Use pumps or vactor equipment | Hose whip, splash back, aerosolization of contaminated water | Operate pumps at low pressure initially; stand clear of discharge; use face shield or goggles |
| Prevent sediment from entering waterways | Environmental harm, regulatory violations | Use berms or absorbent socks; avoid disturbing additional sediment; place collected contamination in sealed containers |
| Transport sediment safely | Spills, drips, exposure inside vehicle | Use sealed containers or barrels; place in lined truck bed; secure load to prevent tipping; avoid overfilling |
| Decontaminate tools and PPE | Cross contamination, chemical exposure | Rinse tools in designated wash area; use approved disinfectant; avoid washing contaminants into streams or storm drains |
| Remove PPE safely | Contaminant transfer to skin or clothing | Remove gloves last; roll disposable suits outward; bag PPE waste; wash hands thoroughly |
| Dispose of contaminated sediment | Improper disposal causing environmental hazards | Transport to approved disposal or treatment facility; document disposal if required; follow state and local regulations |
| Final site inspection | Residual contaminated sediment, missed hazards | Walk area to ensure all contamination is removed; verify no debris remains; check containment measures |
| Remove traffic control | Worker exposure to moving vehicles | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; wear high visibility PPE until clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest or jacket if near traffic
Waterproof boots or waders
Chemical resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Steel toe boots if using heavy tools
Long pants and long sleeves
Disposable coveralls when contamination is severe
Respirator if odors, vapors, or airborne contaminants are present