| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Traffic hazards, uneven ground, standing water, electrical hazards | Conduct site walk; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; verify stable surface |
| Inspect tools, replacement floats, and PPE | Damaged wiring, defective floats, broken tools | Inspect all equipment before use; remove any defective items; check tools for insulation damage |
| Don required PPE | Sewer exposure, aerosols, electrical hazards | Wear gloves, eye protection, waterproof boots or waders, and respirator if needed |
| Test atmosphere at wet well | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use four gas monitor at top, mid, and lower levels; ventilate until readings are safe |
| Lockout tagout pump and control power | Unexpected pump start or electrical shock | Shut down control panel; apply lockout tagout; verify zero energy using a meter |
| Ventilate wet well or vault | Toxic gases, oxygen deficiency | Use blower and ducting; ventilate continuously during work |
| Open wet well or vault hatch | Fall hazard, dropped objects | Secure hatch in open position; install temporary barriers around opening |
| Determine if entry is required | Exposure to confined space hazards | Replace floats from surface when possible; if entry is required, follow full confined space entry JSA |
| Remove old floats and wiring | Splash hazards, electrical contact, entanglement | Keep wiring de energized; pull floats slowly; avoid hand placement near rusty or sharp components |
| Inspect bracket, rails, and hardware | Structural failure, dropped pieces | Inspect mounting locations from outside when possible; use long tools to avoid leaning into opening |
| Install new float and wiring | Pinch points, electrical hazards, contamination | Secure float to bracket or tether; route wiring neatly; keep connectors dry |
| Test float functionality | Unexpected pump start, splash hazards | Energize control panel temporarily; keep hands clear; observe pump cycle; shut power back off before adjustments |
| Secure wiring and components | Loose wires causing faults or tangles | Fasten wiring to prevent snagging; verify proper strain relief and routing |
| Close and secure hatch | Pinch points, unsecured lid | Lower hatch carefully; ensure latch is engaged |
| Restore power and perform full system test | Pump cycling unexpectedly, electrical issues | Re energize control panel; test pump operation, alarms, and float response; observe for abnormal behavior |
| Clean tools and PPE | Cross contamination, splashback | Rinse tools and boots in designated area; bag disposable PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final site inspection | Missed hazards, debris, unsecured equipment | Verify floats operate correctly; ensure site is clean and safe |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to live traffic | 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 (nitrile or neoprene)
Waterproof boots or waders if needed
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near pumps or generators
Respirator when sewer gases or aerosols are present
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination
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 hazards, uneven ground, standing water, electrical hazards | Conduct site walk; set up MUTCD compliant traffic control; verify stable surface |
| Inspect tools, replacement floats, and PPE | Damaged wiring, defective floats, broken tools | Inspect all equipment before use; remove any defective items; check tools for insulation damage |
| Don required PPE | Sewer exposure, aerosols, electrical hazards | Wear gloves, eye protection, waterproof boots or waders, and respirator if needed |
| Test atmosphere at wet well | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen | Use four gas monitor at top, mid, and lower levels; ventilate until readings are safe |
| Lockout tagout pump and control power | Unexpected pump start or electrical shock | Shut down control panel; apply lockout tagout; verify zero energy using a meter |
| Ventilate wet well or vault | Toxic gases, oxygen deficiency | Use blower and ducting; ventilate continuously during work |
| Open wet well or vault hatch | Fall hazard, dropped objects | Secure hatch in open position; install temporary barriers around opening |
| Determine if entry is required | Exposure to confined space hazards | Replace floats from surface when possible; if entry is required, follow full confined space entry JSA |
| Remove old floats and wiring | Splash hazards, electrical contact, entanglement | Keep wiring de energized; pull floats slowly; avoid hand placement near rusty or sharp components |
| Inspect bracket, rails, and hardware | Structural failure, dropped pieces | Inspect mounting locations from outside when possible; use long tools to avoid leaning into opening |
| Install new float and wiring | Pinch points, electrical hazards, contamination | Secure float to bracket or tether; route wiring neatly; keep connectors dry |
| Test float functionality | Unexpected pump start, splash hazards | Energize control panel temporarily; keep hands clear; observe pump cycle; shut power back off before adjustments |
| Secure wiring and components | Loose wires causing faults or tangles | Fasten wiring to prevent snagging; verify proper strain relief and routing |
| Close and secure hatch | Pinch points, unsecured lid | Lower hatch carefully; ensure latch is engaged |
| Restore power and perform full system test | Pump cycling unexpectedly, electrical issues | Re energize control panel; test pump operation, alarms, and float response; observe for abnormal behavior |
| Clean tools and PPE | Cross contamination, splashback | Rinse tools and boots in designated area; bag disposable PPE; wash hands thoroughly |
| Final site inspection | Missed hazards, debris, unsecured equipment | Verify floats operate correctly; ensure site is clean and safe |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to live traffic | 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 (nitrile or neoprene)
Waterproof boots or waders if needed
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near pumps or generators
Respirator when sewer gases or aerosols are present
Disposable coveralls for heavy contamination