JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS (JHA) FOR

Bemidji, Minnesota Toxics Substances Hydrology Project

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Project MN2001-09500

PAGE 1 OF 5

DATE:

7-3-01

X

NEW

REVISED

EMPLOYEE/OPERATOR:

All Employees

SUPERVISOR:

 Don Hansen

ANALYSIS BY:            Geoffrey N. Delin

ORGANIZATION:

U. S. Geological Survey
Water Resources Division
Minnesota District

JHA prepared under direction of Central Region Program Memorandum 2000.01

LOCATION:

North central Minnesota

CERTIFIED BY

Typical PPE:

Hard hats
Safety glasses
Gloves
Winter protection
Radios
Cell phone communications
Helmets (ATVs and snowmobiles)
Survival kits

JOB TASK

POTENTIAL HAZARDS
UNSAFE ACTS OR CONDITIONS

REQUIRED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Job Responsibilities

Vehicle safety and driving to job site.

Traffic accident.

Stay alert to driving conditions and obey all traffic laws. Reduce speed for hazardous conditions.

See attached JHAs for Remote Solitary Field Work and Trailering.

Loading and unloading equipment

Pinching fingers, mashing toes, back strain

Use caution; be aware of hand placement; use proper lifting techniques (i.e. lift with legs not back, get assistance as necessary). Wear gloves, steel-toed shoes, and back support.

Environmental hazards

Poison ivy, tick bites, sunburn, hypothermia, and other miscellaneous conditions.

Come to site prepared deal with the environmental conditions of the season.

See JHA on Environmental Hazards.

Clearing site of underbrush or trees

Pinching fingers, mashing toes, back strain, cuts.

Wear gloves, eye and hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, back support, hard hat.

See JHA on Chainsaw Operation.

Well drilling and collection of soil cores.

Project Chief, Lead Tech, and Driller will coordinate drilling plans, locations, dates and crew requirements.

Driller is responsible for briefings of new crewmembers.

Underground utilities: electrical, flammable, and explosive hazards.

Project chief and/or driller are responsible for underground utility clearances, state licensing and certifications through: Minnesota Gopher One Call 651-454-0002 (800-252-1166) USGS #2810

Injury or death resulting from machinery or hoisting operations such as a loose bolt flying off of drill rig, cable breaking, pipe falling, or explosion of gas tank or air compressor.

Driller is responsible for maintaining a safe work site, adherence to local regulations and USGS standards for crew training. All drill rig crewmembers will use appropriate PPE including: hard hats gloves, steel toes boots at all times, and safety glasses as necessary.

Ear damage from noise of rig.

Wear earmuffs when close to rig or near the drill site for extended period of time, particularly during coring operations (using hammer).

Back strain from shoveling drill cuttings.

Don't shovel heavier load than you can lift.

Lightning or tornado

Be mindful of weather conditions. Stop drilling operation and take cover when peril exists.

Setting casing and well development: hoisting operations, high pressure fluids

PPE same as above, Clear communications from driller to crew on job sequences.

Improper movement of CO₂ and other gas cylinders may break the neck causing a projectile.

Use cylinder cart to transport gas cylinders. Move cylinders only with the protective cap in place.

See attached JHA for Gas Cylinders.

Contamination by crude oil.

Wear gloves when handling soil cores or augers contaminated with crude oil.

Clean all equipment contaminated with crude oil using methanol.

See attached JHA for Methanol Use.

Measuring water levels in wells and servicing data loggers.

Remote area work with use of snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles (ATVs). Training for First Aid, CPR, and special use vehicles, communications.

Cell phone communications are required. Training for special use vehicles including snowmobiles and ATVs is mandatory. Access to sites requiring special use vehicles will be approved by the project chief. Survival kits are required for remote area work.

See attached JHAs for All Terrain Vehicles, Snowmobile Operations, and Trailering.

Drowning by falling out of canoe or falling into lake due to slippery surface on floating platform around well.

Use PFD when canoeing to site in middle of unnamed lake to measure water level.

Electrical hazards.

Instrument shelters will be adequately guarded from lightning. No personnel shall access the shelters or instruments during electrical storms.

Sampling wells

Infection potential from exposure to contaminated water.

Wear appropriate gloves. Prevent water from contacting your skin.

See attached JHA for Collecting Ground Water Samples from Wells

ATTACH ALL MAPS AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS AT THIS POINT. Maps shall indicate emergency services such as local hospitals. Numbers shall include DNR, HAZMAT, Sheriff (by county) Ambulance, Cooperators, Landowners, and project team members.

Job:

Remote-Solitary Field Work

Page 1 of 2

Prepared by:

G.N. Delin

Date:

7/3/01

Reviewed by:

Date:

Recommended Protective Clothing and Equipment:

Specific to job assignment. Always carry a cellular phone, a list of emergency phone numbers and a radio to monitor weather reports. Items normally carried in each vehicle should include: Fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, winter survival kit (during the winter), tow-chain (or strap), shovel, axe, bucket, basic tool kit, drinking water, tire chains, jumper cables and a jack.

Sequence of Basic Job Steps

Step 1 Long distance, solo, highway driving:

Potential Accidents/Hazards:

Traffic accidents, falling asleep at the wheel, vehicle breakdown, getting vehicle stuck, icy or wet roads, logging trucks or other large vehicles may not yield right of way.

Recommended Safe Job Procedures:

Stay alert to driving conditions and obey all traffic laws. Be alert to changing weather conditions that would impact your ability to drive safely. Reduce speed for hazardous road conditions. Schedule travel time to include adequate rest and sleep stops. Pull off highway and sleep, nap or exercise if you feel fatigued. Do not exceed capability for extended safe driving; make sure you have planned an escape route (drive defensively). Properly maintain your vehicle according to GSA and manufacturer’s guidelines. Maintain adequate fuel and oil levels.

Step 2 Solo off-road travel with full-sized vehicle, snowmobile or ATV

Potential Accidents/Hazards:

Personal injury or illness.

Recommended Safe Job Procedures:

Obtain first aid training and carry first-aid kit. Carry a list of the nearest emergency medical facilities and their current phone numbers. Be aware of forecast weather conditions at all times. Snowmobile use should ideally be done in pairs with two machines. ATV and snowmobile use hazards are covered in the attached JHAs.

Step 3 Operating alone in the field.

Potential Accidents/Hazards:

Emergencies and disappearance.

Recommended Safe Job Procedures:

Always provide a "District Travel Itinerary" to your supervisor. Setup a regular schedule of contacts with your office and home. This will include at least one phone call a day to home or office. The itinerary should include: expected travel route, description of your vehicle, license plate number, cellular phone number and phone numbers of motels or other contacts along your route who might know where you are in case your route needs to be traced in an emergency. When traveling to a remote site, use your cellular phone, if service is available, to check in with the office when you’ve returned to a secure location.

Related Safety Memoranda:

WRD Memo No. 98.25, also see; USGS Open-File Report 95-777 " A Guide to Safe Field Operations".

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

JOB:

Trailering 

DATE: 7/3/01

PREPARED BY:         G.N. Delin

 PAGE 1 OF 1

REVIEWED BY:

Recommended Protective Clothing and Equipment:

 Gloves, steel-toed shoes, back support, and tire pressure gauge

Sequence of Basic Job Steps

Potential Accidents/Hazards

Recommended Safe Job Procedures

Connecting trailer

Pinching fingers, mashing toes, back strain

Use caution, be aware of hand placement, use proper lifting techniques (i.e. lift with legs not back, get assistance as necessary). Wear gloves, steel-toed shoes, and back support. Use trailer jack to lift tongue.

Towing trailer

Trailer disconnecting

Verify ball and coupler are same size, use safety chains crossed under coupler, use lock or bolt to secure coupler latch.

Tire blowout

Inspect tires for wear and correct pressure.

Bearing seizure, failure

Check for overheating during (after approximately 10 miles) each trip, repack at least once a year.

Sway or whipping, stopping

Use slower speed, especially in windy situations. Increase following distance, extra weight of trailer increases stopping distance. Do not compensate for sway, hold steady course. Be alert when turning, do not "curb" the trailer tires.

Backing trailer

Jack knifing, hitting objects

Physically inspect path yourself before backing, use a guide person, avoid sharp turns.

Disconnecting trailer

Pinching fingers, mashing toes, back strain

Use caution, be aware of hand placement, use proper lifting techniques (i.e. lift with legs not back, get assistance as necessary). Wear gloves, steel-toed shoes, and back support. Use trailer jack to lift tongue.

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

JOB: Environmental Hazards

Date Created: 7/3/01

PREPARED BY:          G.N. Delin

 PAGE 1 OF 2

REVIEWED BY:

Recommended Protective Clothing and Equipment:

Safety glasses, gloves, foot wear, personal flotation device (PFD), electrolyte drink, sunblock, sunglasses, protective clothing, foul weather gear, insect repellent, rope, and shovel

Sequence of Basic Job Steps

Potential Accidents/Hazards

Recommended Safe Job Procedures

Walking around the field site

Trips and Falls

Ensure path is clear and free of obstructions. Ensure that footing at the field site work area is sound.

Insect bites (e.g. - ticks, mosquitoes, flies) or stings

Wear appropriate insect repellant. At the end of work day check your body carefully for ticks. Avoid wasps or hornets nests.

Poison ivy and poison oak

Wear appropriate clothing and wash clothing following exposure to poisonous plants. Wash all exposed areas of skin with soap and water.

Lightning strikes

Do not work around or during thunderstorms.

Dehydration / Heat Exhaustion / Sun Stroke

In warm/hot weather, rest often and drink plenty of water or electrolyte drink. Wear sun glasses when appropriate. Be knowledgeable of symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration.

Sunburn

Protect yourself from sun. Use sunblock, wear light protective clothing, sunglasses, and hat.

Hypothermia / Frostbite

Wear appropriate coat, hat, and gloves/mittens during winter months.

Slippery conditions

Use appropriate footwear when mud, snow, or ice conditions exist.

Opening shelter

Insect bites or stings

Check carefully around shelter for wasps or spiders. Use sprays (wasp stopper) to kill insects.

Infectious diseases

Watch for rodent nests or droppings. If a nest or droppings are present special precautions must be taken to prevent illness or death.

Shelter maintenance will include provisions for control of hantavirus, if necessary. See survey manual 445-2-H chapter 5

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

JOB:

Chainsaw Operation 

DATE: 7/3/01

PREPARED BY:          G.N. Delin

PAGE 1 OF 1 

REVIEWED BY:

Recommended Protective Clothing and Equipment:

Hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed shoes, spill kit, and back support.

Sequence of Basic Job Steps

Potential Accidents/Hazards

Recommended Safe Job Procedures

Unloading equipment

Pinching fingers, mashing toes, back strain

Use caution, be aware of hand placement, use proper lifting techniques (i.e. lift with legs not back, get assistance as necessary). Wear gloves, steel-toed shoes, and back support.

Refueling

Explosion, fire, hazardous vapors, splashing fuel in eyes, spills

Wear eye protection, shut off engine, refuel in well ventilated area, keep fuel away from sparks or open flame, transport fuel in approved containers, have spill kit ready in case of fuel spill.

Adjusting or sharpening chain

Cuts

Wear gloves, follow procedures in owner manual.

Starting chainsaw

Cuts, eye injury, hearing damage

Wear gloves, eye and hearing protection, steel-toed shoes. Follow procedures in owner manual.

Cutting with chainsaw

Cuts, eye injury, hearing damage, back strain, falling debris

Wear gloves, eye and hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, back support, hard hat. Be aware of surroundings (i.e. power lines, vehicles, other employees). Use line or wedge to guide fall.

Reloading equipment

Pinching fingers, mashing toes, back strain

Use caution, be aware of hand placement, use proper lifting techniques (i.e. lift with legs not back, get assistance as necessary). Wear gloves, steel-toed shoes, and back support.

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

JOB: Gas Cylinders

Date Created: 7/3/01

PREPARED BY: G.N. Delin

PAGE 1 OF 2 

REVIEWED BY:

Recommended Protective Clothing and Equipment:

Safety glasses

Sequence of Basic Job Steps

Potential Accidents/Hazards

Recommended Safe Job Procedures

Moving full gas cylinder to work area or to vehicle.

Cylinder may fall breaking the neck creating a projectile.

Use cylinder cart to transport gas cylinders.

Move gas cylinders only with the protective cap in place.

High pressure gas release

 Use proper procedures to open and close a cylinder with a regulator attached.

Back or muscle strain

Use proper lifting techniques. Protect your back from strain and twisting. Obtain assistance in lifting.

Transporting a gas cylinder in a vehicle.

Asphyxiation or suffocation

Nitrogen Gas can create an asphyxiation hazard. Ensure cylinder is NOT leaking, valve is tightly sealed, cap is secured to cylinder, and cylinder is tightly secured to vehicle.

Gas cylinders should NOT be transported in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Cylinders should be transported in a pickup bed, or trailer.

Securing a gas cylinder in a field trailer.

Back or muscle strain.

High pressure gas release. Cylinder may fall breaking the neck creating a projectile.

Use proper lifting techniques. Protect your back from strain and twisting.

Ensure tanks are secured tightly to wall of trailer in an upright position. Tanks should NOT be able to move in any direction.

Using gas cylinders

Cylinder may fall breaking the neck creating a projectile.

Ensure cylinder is secured tightly before removing protective cap.

Cylinder may fall when changing cylinders.

Ensure BOTH cylinders are secured tightly to the wall or the transport cart.

Returning "empty" gas cylinder to vendor

High pressure gas

Replace protective cap on the empty gas cylinder before transporting to vendor.

Moving a heavy object

Use proper lifting techniques. Protect your back from strain and twisting.

 JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

JOB: Methanol Use

Date Created: 7/3/01

PREPARED BY: G.N. Delin

PAGE 1 OF 2 

REVIEWED BY:

Recommended Protective Clothing and Equipment:

 See MSDS’s for more safety information

Personal respirators (NIOSH approved) [as needed], rubber or neoprene gloves, impervious boots, apron or coveralls [as needed], chemical safety goggles, spill cleanup and disposal supplies, and eye wash and safety shower.

Sequence of Basic Job Steps

Potential Accidents/Hazards

Recommended Safe Job Procedures

Transporting methanol between storage and work areas

Dropping or bumping the glass container causing it to break

Use a rubber bottle carrier to transport methanol.

Pouring or using methanol

Fire Hazard - Static electrical discharge may ignite vapors

Use a grounding strap to discharge static energy.

Fire Hazard - other ignition sources

 Know where the fire extinguishers are located.

Breathing vapors

Work in a well ventilated area. Do not breath vapors.

Skin contact

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Eye contact

Wear safety goggles.

Cuts from broken glass

Do not pick up the broken pieces of glass with your hands. Use a broom to sweep up broken glass.

Spill

Insure you have the proper equipment to contain and
clean up a spill.

Storing methanol

Improper storage

Store methanol in a flammable liquids cabinet.

Fire Hazard