Plumbing · United States

JHA for sewer line replacement

By Safety PaperworkBuilt from OSHA standards and guidance · How we write and check theseUpdated November 9, 2026

OSHA expects employers to find and control hazards on every job, and many general contractors require a written JHA for sewer line replacement before you start.

A JHA breaks the job into steps, lists the hazards in each step and the controls that protect the crew, and the crew signs it. The main hazards are silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles, hitting underground services, electric shock from live wiring and trench or excavation collapse.

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JHA example: sewer line replacement

This is a complete JHA for sewer line replacement, with 6 job steps. Open it in the builder to add your site, crew and signatures, change anything, and download a PDF. Or download the free Word template below and fill it in by hand.

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

Sewer and drain line replacement · Plumbing · Example

Document JHA-001 · Rev 1

Job steps, hazards and controls

#	Job step	Hazards	Risk before	Controls	Risk after
1	Get 811 locates and locate services before digging	Hitting underground services Gas and fuel lines Electric shock from live wiring	Critical	Keep machine buckets well clear of marked services and use a spotter. Engineering (guarding) Scan the area with a cable locator before digging and mark services on the ground. Engineering Hand dig or vacuum excavate to expose services before using a machine near them. Engineering Call 811 before you dig and wait until all utilities have marked their lines. Administrative Keep plans or locate tickets on site and check them again if the work area grows. Administrative Support or protect exposed utilities so they cannot sag or break while the excavation is open (29 CFR 1926.651(b)(4)). Administrative Isolate and purge the line before work, with the owner's approval. Elimination Lock off and tag the isolation valve. Engineering (guarding) Check for leaks with a gas detector before and during work, and ventilate the area. Engineering Only licensed gas fitters work on gas lines. Administrative Remove ignition sources: no smoking, no hot work and no sparking tools near the line. Administrative Isolate the power before any work. Do not work live. Elimination Lock out and tag the disconnecting means with your own personal lock and tag so the circuit cannot be energized (29 CFR 1926.417). Engineering (guarding) Test before you touch: prove dead at the point of work with a tested voltage tester. Engineering Only qualified persons work on or near exposed energized parts. Administrative Check for back feeds from solar, batteries and generators that can keep a circuit live after the main switch is off. Administrative	Medium
2	Cut and remove concrete or paving with water suppression	Silica dust from concrete, brick, stone and tiles Saw cuts and kickback Loud noise	Critical	Order materials cut to size, or use low-dust methods such as score and snap or a block splitter. Substitution Cut outdoors or in a separate area, with other people well away and upwind. Engineering (guarding) Use wet cutting or on-tool dust collection with a HEPA vacuum, as set out in Table 1 of 29 CFR 1926.1153. Engineering Clean up with a vacuum or wet methods. Never dry sweep or use compressed air. Administrative Have a written exposure control plan and a competent person for silica (29 CFR 1926.1153). Administrative Workers who must wear a respirator 30 or more days a year get a free medical exam every 3 years (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)). Administrative Wear the respirator Table 1 lists for the task: APF 10 (a fit-tested N95 or half mask) for most tasks, APF 25 (such as a loose-fitting PAPR) for tuckpointing with a handheld grinder for more than 4 hours a shift. PPE Keep blade guards fitted and working, and use the riving knife on table saws. Engineering Use push sticks and clamps, and support long pieces so they do not pinch the blade. Engineering Use a sharp, undamaged blade made for the material. Administrative Stand to one side of the blade line, out of the kickback path. Administrative Let the blade stop fully before reaching in or putting the saw down. Administrative Use quieter tools and methods, such as cut-to-size materials, low-noise machines and battery tools. Substitution Keep noisy plant away from work areas, and use screens or distance between the noise and people. Engineering (guarding) Keep tools maintained and use mufflers on compressors and generators. Engineering Limit time on noisy tools and rotate workers. Administrative If you have to shout to be heard at arm's length, wear hearing protection. Administrative	Medium
3	Excavate the trench, shoring or benching it if deeper than allowed	Trench or excavation collapse Being hit by heavy equipment Falling through a floor opening or void	Critical	Use methods that keep people out of the trench, such as directional boring or working from the surface. Elimination Barricade or cover the excavation so people and equipment cannot fall in. Use guardrails on walkways that cross it (29 CFR 1926.651(l)). Engineering (guarding) Use a protective system (sloping, shoring or a trench box) in any trench 5 feet or deeper, or shallower if the competent person sees signs of a possible cave-in (29 CFR 1926.652). Engineering Protective systems for trenches over 20 feet deep are designed by a registered professional engineer (29 CFR 1926.652(b), (c)). Engineering Keep spoil, materials and equipment at least 2 feet back from the edge. Engineering Provide a ladder, stairway or ramp within 25 feet of workers in trenches 4 feet or deeper. Engineering Competent person inspects the trench daily, after rain and as conditions change, and tests the air before entry in trenches over 4 feet deep where a hazardous atmosphere could exist (29 CFR 1926.651(g), (k)). Administrative Nobody works in a trench where water is collecting unless the competent person has controls in place, such as pumping or special support (29 CFR 1926.651(h)). Administrative Nobody stands under a loaded bucket or near a truck being loaded (29 CFR 1926.651(e)). Administrative Separate people and equipment with barriers, exclusion zones and marked walkways. Engineering (guarding) Use equipment with working backup alarms, cameras and lights. Engineering Have a site traffic plan showing equipment routes, loading areas and pedestrian paths. Administrative Use a spotter when backing up or working near people. Administrative Make eye contact with the operator before going near. Stay out of the swing radius. Administrative Cover every hole with a secured cover marked "HOLE" or "COVER" that can hold twice the weight it may carry. Engineering (guarding) Put guardrails with toe boards around stairwells, elevator shafts, floor holes and open edges. Engineering (guarding) Install stairs early and fit temporary handrails as soon as they go in. Engineering Never remove a cover or guardrail without approval. Put it back straight away. Administrative Inspect covers and barriers daily and after other trades have been through. Administrative	Medium
4	Cut out the broken pipe, wearing gloves and washing hands often	Sewage and wastewater Cuts from sharp edges	Medium	Flush and drain the line before opening it, and plan the job to avoid contact. Elimination Use drain cameras, jetters and long-handled tools to keep hands out. Engineering Cover cuts with waterproof dressings. Never eat, drink or smoke before washing. Administrative Wash hands well and clean tools and boots after the job. Administrative Keep vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis A up to date, on medical advice. Administrative Wear waterproof gloves, goggles or a face shield, and coveralls. PPE Deburr or cover sharp edges, and fit edge protectors on exposed sheet metal. Engineering Use knives with retractable or self-retracting blades. Engineering Cut away from your body and keep your other hand clear. Administrative Put used blades in a blade bin or sharps container. Administrative Use two people to handle large sheets of metal or glass. Administrative Wear cut-resistant gloves and long sleeves. PPE	Low
5	Lay and join the new pipe to grade, then test the line	Lifting and carrying heavy loads Pressure testing	High	Plan to avoid carrying: have materials delivered, and old items picked up, as close as possible to where they are used. Elimination Use lighter or smaller loads: order smaller bags and shorter lengths, and drain or break down old items before moving them. Substitution Use trolleys, pallet jacks, hoists, vacuum lifters or plant instead of carrying by hand. Engineering Use a two-person lift for anything heavy, long or awkward. Plan the route first and clear it. Administrative Keep the load close, back straight and no twisting. Turn with your feet. Administrative Rotate tasks and take breaks on long lifting jobs. Administrative Wear gloves for grip and safety boots to protect your feet. PPE Test with water instead of air or gas where the system allows it. Never put water in refrigerant pipework, which is tested with dry nitrogen. Substitution Keep people out of the test area with signs and barriers. Engineering (guarding) Use a calibrated gauge and a relief valve set to protect the system. Engineering Test to the pressure the system calls for and hold it for the set time. Never go over. Administrative Release the pressure fully before tightening anything or fixing leaks. Administrative Wear safety glasses or a face shield. PPE	Medium
6	Backfill and compact in layers, reinstate the surface and clean up	Hand-arm and whole-body vibration Loud noise Poor housekeeping and waste	High	Use low-vibration tools and methods, such as a breaker on an excavator instead of a hand jackhammer. Substitution Keep tools sharp and well maintained, and use anti-vibration handles and seats. Engineering Limit trigger time on high-vibration tools and rotate workers. Administrative Keep hands warm and dry, and take regular breaks. Administrative Report tingling, numbness or white fingers early. Administrative Wear earplugs or earmuffs rated for the noise. PPE Loud noise: see step 2 for the full controls Administrative Order materials to size and send packaging back where you can. Elimination Put dumpsters and waste chutes close to the work. Engineering Clean as you go, and do a full clean up at the end of each day. Administrative Keep exits, stairs and walkways clear at all times. Administrative Stack materials neatly on level ground, away from edges. Administrative	Medium

PPE

Safety-toe boots (ASTM F2413)High-visibility safety apparel, ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3 (Type R near roadways)Chemical-resistant glovesSafety glasses (ANSI Z87.1)Hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs)N95 respiratorHalf-face respirator (P100 cartridges)Hard hat (ANSI Z89.1)Safety goggles (ANSI Z87.1)Face shield (ANSI Z87.1)CoverallsCut-resistant glovesWork gloves

Plant and equipment

ExcavatorHand toolsConcrete saw (cut-off saw)Plate compactorSewer jetter

Permits and plans

811 locate ticket / excavation permit

Emergency

Call 911. Add the nearest hospital, the assembly point and the first aid / cpr person for your site.

Sign-off

Supervisor and every worker sign to confirm they have read and understood this JHA.

Free JHA template for sewer line replacement

Word (.docx) and PDF, Letter landscape, no email needed. Fill in your site details, then print or send it.

Word template (.docx)PDF template

Make yours in 2 minutes

Same document, filled in for your job. Answer a few yes or no questions, the crew signs on the phone, and you send the PDF.

Start this JHA

Pre-start checklist for sewer line replacement

Tick these off before work starts. They come from the hazards, permits and equipment in this job.

JHA read, explained and signed by everyone on the job
Openings, voids and penetrations covered and marked
811 ticket current and services marked
Shoring, sloping, benching or a trench box in place; spoil kept back from the edge
Water suppression or on-tool extraction fitted; respirators fit tested
Exclusion zone and spotter set up for equipment and traffic
First aid / CPR person, first aid kit and emergency number (911) confirmed
PPE checked and worn: safety-toe boots (ASTM F2413), high-visibility safety apparel, ANSI/ISEA 107 class 2 or 3 (type r near roadways), chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1)

The safe sequence of work

Get 811 locates and locate services before digging
Cut and remove concrete or paving with water suppression
Excavate the trench, shoring or benching it if deeper than allowed
Cut out the broken pipe, wearing gloves and washing hands often
Lay and join the new pipe to grade, then test the line
Backfill and compact in layers, reinstate the surface and clean up

Hazards to watch on sewer line replacement

The hazards most specific to this job, and the step where each one comes up.

Step 4Sewage and wastewaterContact with sewage spreads germs that cause stomach illness, hepatitis and skin infections.

Step 5Pressure testingA pipe, fitting or cap fails under test pressure and blows apart, hitting people nearby.

Step 3Trench or excavation collapseThe trench walls cave in and bury or crush a worker. Trenches 5 feet or deeper need a protective system, and shallower ones do too if there are signs of a possible cave-in.

Step 1Gas and fuel linesDamaging or opening a gas or fuel line causes a leak, fire or explosion.

Step 6Hand-arm and whole-body vibrationLong periods on jackhammers, grinders, compactors or riding plant cause white finger, numbness and back damage.

Step 1Hitting underground servicesDigging, drilling or driving pegs hits a buried power cable, gas pipe or water main, causing electrocution, explosion or flooding.

Highest risk on sewer line replacement: Critical before controls (B), down to Medium after controls (A), on the United States 5 by 5 risk matrix (likely and fatality becomes unlikely and serious injury).

What changes on your site

This example covers the job itself. Your site may add more. Add controls for any of these that apply (the builder asks you these as yes or no questions):

Will anyone work 6 feet or more above a lower level?
Will anyone use a ladder or stepladder?
Will anyone work on a roof?
Is there a skylight, fiberglass panel or other fragile roofing?
Will you use a scaffold or rolling tower?

Why JHAs get rejected

General contractors send documents back for these reasons. This example avoids them, but check yours too.

Generic steps such as "work safely" or "use PPE" with no task-specific hazards or controls.
No OSHA standards referenced for the hazards that have them, such as fall protection, ladders, scaffolds or silica.
No competent person named for fall protection, excavation, scaffolds or silica where those hazards exist.
Equipment listed without inspection requirements, and no training listed for the people using it.
Respirators listed with no respiratory protection program, medical clearance or fit test.
Controls rely only on PPE when engineering controls such as guardrails, wet cutting or extraction are feasible.
No crew sign-off, or no date and revision when the job has changed.

Questions

Do I need a JHA for sewer line replacement?

OSHA expects employers to find and control hazards on every job, and many general contractors require a written JHA for sewer line replacement before you start.

Who signs the JHA?

The supervisor or competent person who prepared it signs, and every crew member signs to show they were trained on the hazards and controls before the job starts. Many general contractors also sign to accept it.

How long do I keep it?

Keep this JHA on site during the job, and keep it with the training and inspection records for at least 1 year after the job (longer if your state plan or general contractor requires it). OSHA does not set a retention period for JHAs themselves.

What PPE is needed for sewer line replacement?

Usually Safety-toe boots (ASTM F2413), High-visibility safety apparel, ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3 (Type R near roadways), Chemical-resistant gloves, Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1), Hearing protection (earmuffs or plugs), N95 respirator, Half-face respirator (P100 cartridges), Hard hat (ANSI Z89.1), Safety goggles (ANSI Z87.1), Face shield (ANSI Z87.1), Coveralls, Cut-resistant gloves, Work gloves. The site rules may add more, so check with the general contractor.

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Related jobs in other trades

Excavation and earthworksTrenching and ExcavationAlso involves hitting underground services ConcretingConcrete Slab PourAlso involves being hit by heavy equipment ElectricalElectrical Panel UpgradeAlso involves electric shock from live wiring LandscapingTree RemovalAlso involves loud noise DrywallDrywall InstallationAlso involves electric shock from live wiring RoofingRoof ReplacementAlso involves cuts from sharp edges

Toolbox talks for this job

Toolbox talkOverhead Power Lines Toolbox talkSilica Dust Toolbox talkHearing Protection and Noise Toolbox talkHand-Arm Vibration

Blank JHA template: free JHA templates. Also for other countries: Australia (SWMS) · United Kingdom (RAMS) · Canada (FLHA)