JHA Example: Excavate a trench and lay storm pipe
Utility locates, excavation, trench box installation, inspection, pipe setting, and backfill for a storm line.
6 steps · highest risk before controls 20 · highest after 6
Job hazard analysis
Excavate a trench and lay storm pipe
Free Safety Report
Job steps, hazards, and controls
| # | Job step | Hazards | Controls | Before | After |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm utility marks and pothole near marked lines | Electrical shock and electrocutionExcavation and trenching | - Locate and mark utilities before digging - Hand dig or vacuum excavate to expose lines near the cut - Keep marks visible for the length of the job | 153×5High | 51×5Moderate |
| 2 | Excavate the trench with an excavator | Heavy equipment and backing vehiclesPinch points and caught-in or betweenExcavation and trenching | - Barricade the excavator swing radius - Spotter for trucks backing in to load - Keep spoil and equipment at least 2 feet back from the edge - Nobody in the trench while digging | 153×5High | 51×5Moderate |
| 3 | Install the trench box and access ladder | Excavation and trenchingLine of fire | - Trench box used within the manufacturer tabulated data, kept on site - Nobody in the box while it is installed, removed, or moved vertically - Ladder within 25 feet of lateral travel in trenches 4 feet or deeper | 204×5Extreme | 51×5Moderate |
| 4 | Competent person inspects before entry | Excavation and trenchingHazardous atmospheres | - Inspect before work each day and after rain or any change - Test the air where low oxygen or a hazardous atmosphere could exist in trenches deeper than 4 feet - Get out and stop work if water is accumulating | 153×5High | 51×5Moderate |
| 5 | Lower and set pipe | Line of firePinch points and caught-in or between | - Tag lines to guide pipe, and nobody under the load - Agree on hand signals before the first pick - Keep hands clear of pipe ends while joining | 123×4High | 62×3Moderate |
| 6 | Backfill and compact | Heavy equipment and backing vehiclesHigh noise | - Reverse alarm or spotter on backing equipment - Nobody in the trench during backfill - Hearing protection near the compactor | 93×3Moderate | 42×2Low |
Risk = likelihood × consequence (1 to 5 each).1 to 2 Negligible3 to 4 Low5 to 9 Moderate10 to 16 High20 to 25 Extreme
PPE required
✓Hard hat
✓Safety glasses with side protection
✓High-visibility vest
✓Work gloves
✓Safety-toe boots
✓Hearing protection
Face shield
Full-body harness and lanyard
Respirator
Cut-resistant gloves
Equipment in use
Ladder
Scaffold
Scissor lift
Boom lift
Forklift or telehandler
Crane
✓Excavator
Skid steer
Power tools
Powder-actuated tools
Torches or welding
Concrete saw
Generator
Air compressor
Emergency information
Crew review. By signing, I confirm I reviewed this JHA before starting work.
| # | Name | Trade / company | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 |
Made with the free JHA builder at FreeSafetyReport.comRun this JHA on a phone and send it to Procore: responsevault.com
Scores are examples of the method on the 5x5 risk matrix. Score your own job with your crew. Hazard levels: 1 to 2 Negligible, 3 to 4 Low, 5 to 9 Moderate, 10 to 16 High, 20 to 25 Extreme.
Hazards in this example
- Excavation and trenching 29 CFR 1926.650
- Heavy equipment and backing vehicles 29 CFR 1926.600
- Pinch points and caught-in or between 29 CFR 1926.300
- Hazardous atmospheres 29 CFR 1926.55