This document is part of the Safety Toolbox on http://www.wilderness.net/safety/
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS (JHA)
References-FSH 6709.11 and -12
(Instructions on Reverse)
7. TASKS/PROCEDURES
1. WORK PROJECT/ACTIVITY
Trail Maintenance and
Construction
4. NAME OF ANALYST
Debra Peters, Jay Dorr
8. HAZARDS
2. LOCATION
Sawtooth National Recreation
Area
5. JOB TITLE
Forestry Technician
3. UNIT
D4
6. DATE PREPARED
5/4/2005
9. ABATEMENT ACTIONS
Engineering Controls * Substitution * Administrative Controls * PPE
1. Tool Preparation (hand file, power disk)
Cut fingers, arms
Wear gloves, safety goggles, and long sleeve shirt. Have a
stable work surface. Watch what you are doing. When using
grinder wear shield and apron and get instructions. Take your
time. Replace tool handle if it is extremely dry, cracked, or
warped. Also, replace handle if it is loose and already has 2 or
more wedges in it. When using a file make sure it has both a
handle and a guard. Remove pitch from tools before going into
the field. Refer to pages 131-132 of Trail Construction and
Maintenance Notebook (TC&MN) for sharpening instructions or
watch the video An Axe to Grind.
2. Vehicle Operation
Mechanical failure
Flat tires
Vehicle fire
Exhaust Leaks
Internal projectiles
Carbon monoxide gas
Large vehicles
Narrow, rough roads
Animal/object collision
Icy/muddy roads
Flying debris
Poor visibility Backing
Run-away vehicle
Roadway obstacles
Fatigue
Adhere to the vehicle’s schedule of preventative maintenance.
Use only vehicles appropriate to work needs and the driving
conditions expected. Check for tire cuts, fluid leaks, flat tires,
body damage, windshield cracks, and other damage daily.
Check lights, wipers, fluid levels, and seat belts daily. Ensure
the vehicle has a complete and current first aid kit and fire
extinguisher, warning signs and/or flares. Ensure the vehicle is
equipped with a working mobile radio or carry a handheld radio.
Place heavy objects behind a secure safety cage if they must be
carried in a passenger compartment. Never carry hazardous
materials in the passenger compartment. Carry and use chock
blocks, use parking brake, and do not leave vehicle unattended
while it is running. Check and maintain the vehicles exhaust
system. Carry more fuel than is needed to get to and from
destinations. Inform someone of your destination and estimated
time of return. Call in if plans change. Carry extra food, water,
and clothing. Refer to pages 20-70 thru 20-72 in the H&SC
handbook
3. Hand Tools: General use
Bodily Injury and
fatigue
Always carry tool on the downhill side. Keep proper spacing, 10
feet minimum between coworkers. Do Not swing tools towards
body. Maintain proper grip on tools. Wear PPE (eye protection,
long sleeves, hardhat, gloves, long pants, and good sturdy
leather boots). Notify coworkers when you are passing. When
working with a tool position body securely and square to the
target. Do Not pry with a digging or chopping tool. Refer to tool
preparation section of this JHA for more.
Bodily Injury to Self
and people close-by
Check for overhanging branches when chopping. Keep good
control over the tool and be aware of where the sharp ends are.
Keep tool sharp and clean. When limbing a fallen tree always
clear the limbs on the opposite side of the tree you are standing
on. When using the hoe, stand bent at the waist with your back
straight and parallel to the ground. Knees flexed, and one foot
slightly forward. Hold the handle with both hands and keep the
tool at an angle to the body. Strike the ground with the corner
of the hoe. Use the axe end to chop large roots after the dirt has
been cleared by the hoe. When carrying the tool hold it at your
side with the axe head pointed down.
Rock Bars
Personal Injury
Broken Fingers, Arms,
Legs, Ribs. Strained
Back
Always ensure rock bar is in good working order with no visible
cracks. Maintain the factory bevel on the tip with a file or
grindstone. Always lay the bar down when not in use, NEVER
lean it up against another object When operating the bar, use
both hands. If the bar begins to bend, release the tension. If
necessary, use a fulcrum for leverage. If a second bar is needed
ensure there is good communication between the two operators.
Do not put your hands under a rock while the rock bar is in use.
Do not pry with the bar between your legs. Carry rock bar at
your side, tip forward, with a good grip in the center to balance
the weight.
Pick
Bodily Injury
Use the pointed tip for breaking hard objects and the chisel tip
on softer materials. When using a pick stand comfortably with
your feet about shoulder width apart and one foot slightly
forward. Grasp the handle with your forward hand near the
head; place the other hand near the handle end. Bend over at
the waist with your back straight and work the tool with short
deliberate downward strokes. Do not raise the pick over your
head.
Pulaski
Adze Hoe
Broken Legs, hands,
feet, ankles. Strained
back
Follow the same guidelines as using the grubber on the pulaski.
The adze hoe is a more efficient grubber so use it when there is
less of a need for the chopping side of the pulaski. Control the
swing by gripping the handle near the end with one hand and
near the middle with the other.
Shovel
Broken toes, strained
back. Bodily Injury
When shifting or scooping materials bend at your knees and lift
with your legs. When shoveling, support your upper body by
bracing the forearm closest to your body against your thigh as
you pivot the blade sideways. Carry the shovel with the head
forward. Grip the handle near the head and hold it away from
the body. Keep the edge sharp. Never use shovel as a pry bar
Log Carrier
Strained back
Lift with your legs. Make sure both hooks on the carrier are
secured to the log. Use good communication between all
people involved in the operation.
Pick Mattocks
Broken legs, hands,
feet, ankles.
Use the pointed end like the pointed tip of the pick. The
grubbing end is used the same way as the grubber on the
pulaski. However, the pick mattocks can be used to remove
roots or small stumps. Keep both ends sharp.
Crosscut saw and chainsaw
Bodily Injury and
fatigue -- damage to
saw
Always size up a log before starting a cut. Reevaluate tree
between each cut. Keep body parts away from cutting edge of
saw. Communicate between sawyers. Use wedges to prevent
saw pinching. Sheath saw when transporting. Keep saw out of
dirt and away from rocks. Ensure saw is sharp and free of
excessive pitch. Plan escape routes if cutting goes awry.
Refer to Chainsaw and Crosscut saw JHA s for more detailed
precautions.
Nippers/Lopping Shears
Bodily Injury and
fatigue
Be aware of falling limbs. Be careful when nipping overhead.
4. Cleaning Waterbars
Bodily injury
Bend at the knees. Get as comfortable as possible. Use caution
with tool. Do not clean waterbars with the side of your foot. It
will cause extreme damage to the knee and back.
5. Lifting (i.e. rocks, logs)
Back Injury/hernia
Lift with the legs. Hold object close to body. Ask for help if
needed. Use mechanical devices when objects are too large or
heavy. Don’t be afraid to cut the log again to make it easier to
move
6. Working On Switchbacks
Personal Injury, Injury If working on switchbacks be aware when coworkers are directly
to Coworkers, Injury to below or above you. Use flaggers if the trail below is not visible
the Public
and the object being cut or moved has the potential to take off
downhill.
7. Rock work
Crushed extremities,
strained backs, loose
footing
Keep your back straight, lift with your legs, and work in unison.
Use a mechanical advantage with heavy rocks when available. If
rock is too heavy, leave it alone.
8. Radio Communication
Improper use/radio
failure/dead areas
Ensure radio is in working order and has an extra set of
batteries before leaving on trip. Be fully trained in the proper
use of a radio. Know whom to contact at all times. Learn
location of repeater stations. Check in with dispatch daily.
Know proper channels to use to communicate within the crew.
Never drive and talk on the radio at the same time. Become
familiar with geographic features (i.e. steep canyons) that might
make it hard to transmit out. Take satellite phone if working in
areas without radio communications.
9. Backcountry Travel:
Late arrival –
important messages
Inform dispatch and your supervisor of your intended itinerary.
Always radio in any changes. Have dispatch say important
messages if they can’t contact you, as sometimes you can hear
them, but they can’t hear you and vise versa. Always carry extra
gear in case the unexpected occurs.
Dehydration
Drink 12 – 15 quarts of water per day when the temperature is
above 80 degrees. Increase fluids on hotter days or during
extremely strenuous activity. Be sure to drink fluids at all
meals. Stay away from fluids with a high sugar content,
caffeine, or alcohol. Maintain blood sugar and electrolyte
balance.
Contaminated Water
Drink water from a municipal source. If none available, use
proper filtering techniques. Boil water for 3-5 minutes, treat it
with iodine tablets, or use an approved water filtration pump.
UV Exposure
Be sure to apply an adequate sunscreen lotion in the morning.
It is good to reapply after lunch. Wear approved sunglasses.
Take break in the shade.
10. LINE OFFICER SIGNATURE
Previous edition is obsolete
Extreme Weather
conditions
Be prepared for all types of weather. Carry a raincoat and pants
for unexpected showers. A hat, gloves, and warm coat are
important for sudden drops in temperature.
Hypothermia or
Hyperthermia
Know the symptoms for both conditions. Know the first aid
response to each situation. Refer to the H&SC Handbook page
50-40 and 50-35 respectively.
Falls and Slips
Avoid walking on logs. Avoid working around blowdowns
during wet conditions. Ensure proper footing at all times
especially when using a tool. Do not overreach.
Fatigue
Know your limits - the crew should work as fast as the slowest
person. On hot days take breaks in the shade. Eat and drink
plenty. Use extra care working at the end of the day as this is
when fatigue sets in and accidents are more likely.
Disorientation
Carry a map and know how to use it. Monitor travel on a map
and note landmarks along the way. Carry extra survival
equipment.
Contact with Ticks,
Spiders, Mosquitoes,
bees
Know what a tick is and how to properly remove it from the
body. Check for ticks several times a day and after work. Wear
light colored clothing, as bright colors attract ticks and bees. If
bitten by anything watch for signs of illness. Report all bites to
your supervisor as soon as possible. Avoid wearing perfumescented things. For all biting animals, it is best to avoid being
bitten by wearing long pants (tucked into boots), long sleeve
shirts, and a mosquito net in extremely boggy conditions. The
use of DEET is approved. Use DEET or other effective repellent
when mosquitoes are present. West Nile Virus could spread into
our area anytime.
11. TITLE
12. DATE
JHA Instructions (References-FSH 6709.11 and .12)
The JHA shall identify the location of the work project or activity, the name of
employee(s) involved in the process, the date(s) of acknowledgment, and the name of
the appropriate line officer approving the JHA. The line officer acknowledges that
employees have read and understand the contents, have received the required
training, and are qualified to perform the work project or activity.
Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6: Self-explanatory.
Block 7: Identify all tasks and procedures associated with the work project or activity
that have potential to cause injury or illness to personnel and damage to
property or material. Include emergency evacuation procedures (EEP).
Block 8: Identify all known or suspect hazards associated with each respective
task/procedure listed in block 7. For example:
a. Research past accidents/incidents.
b. Research the Health and Safety Code, FSH 6709.11 or other appropriate
literature.
Emergency Evacuation Instructions (Reference FSH 6709.11)
Work supervisors and crew members are responsible for developing and discussing
field emergency evacuation procedures (EEP) and alternatives in the event a
person(s) becomes seriously ill or injured at the worksite.
Be prepared to provide the following information:
a. Nature of the accident or injury (avoid using victim's name).
b. Type of assistance needed, if any (ground, air, or water evacuation).
c. Location of accident or injury, best access route into the worksite (road
name/number),
identifiable ground/air landmarks.
d. Radio frequencies.
e. Contact person.
f. Local hazards to ground vehicles or aviation.
g. Weather conditions (wind speed & direction, visibility, temperature).
h. Topography.
i. Number of individuals to be transported.
j. Estimated weight of individuals for air/water evacuation.
c. Discuss the work project/activity with participants.
d. Observe the work project/activity.
The items listed above serve only as guidelines for the development of emergency
evacuation procedures.
e. A combination of the above.
Block 9: Identify appropriate actions to reduce or eliminate the hazards identified in
block 8. Abatement measures listed below are in the order of the preferred
abatement method:
a. Engineering Controls (the most desirable method of abatement).
For example, ergonomically designed tools, equipment, and
furniture.
JHA and Emergency Evacuation Procedures Acknowledgment
We, the undersigned work leader and crew members, acknowledge participation in the
development of this JHA (as applicable) and accompanying emergency evacuation
procedures. We have thoroughly discussed and understand the provisions of each of
these documents:
SIGNATURE
b. Substitution. For example, switching to high flash point, non-toxic
solvents.
Work Leader
c. Administrative Controls. For example, limiting exposure by reducing
the work schedule; establishing appropriate procedures and practices.
d. PPE (least desirable method of abatement). For example, using hearing
protection when working with or close to portable machines
(chain saws, rock drills, and portable water pumps).
e. A combination of the above.
Block 10: The JHA must be reviewed and approved by a line officer. Attach a
copy of the JHA as justification for purchase orders when procuring PPE.
Blocks 11 and 12: Self-explanatory.
DATE
SIGNATURE
DATE