Hydrovac Potholing Daily Job Hazard Analysis

Daily inspection and pre-task JHA template for hydrovac potholing crews to verify work authorization, identify hazards, and confirm controls for high-pressure water, tolerance zone work, hot water use, slurry handling, and nozzle stand-off distance.

Job Scope and Site Authorization

• Work scope, location, and utility target are clearly defined
  Document the exact potholing or daylighting location, target utility, and purpose of the task.
• Current utility locate, permit, and work authorization are available on site
  Verify the crew has the latest locate marks, permit-to-work, and any required excavation authorization before starting.
• Competent person or designated supervisor has reviewed the task and site conditions
  Confirm oversight by a competent person for excavation-related hazards and changing field conditions.
• Weather, ground conditions, and access/egress are acceptable for safe operation
  Assess mud, ice, slope, standing water, visibility, and traffic access before mobilizing.

Underground Utility and Tolerance Zone Controls

• Tolerance zone boundaries are identified and marked before excavation begins
  Confirm the crew understands the marked tolerance zone and limits of mechanical or water excavation near buried utilities.
• Excavation method is appropriate for the utility type and site conditions
  Verify the chosen method will not damage the utility or compromise the locate.
• Nozzle stand-off distance is maintained per site procedure and utility risk
  Record the planned or observed nozzle stand-off distance. Adjust based on utility sensitivity, soil conditions, and manufacturer/SOP requirements.
• Spotter, hand signals, and communication method are established
  Confirm a clear communication plan between nozzle operator, truck operator, spotter, and any traffic control personnel.

High-Pressure Water and Hot Water Hazards

• Water pressure settings are within approved operating limits
  Document the operating pressure and confirm it matches the task, soil conditions, and equipment limits.
• Hot water use is justified and controlled
  Verify hot water is only used when necessary and that burn/scald hazards are controlled.
• Hoses, fittings, and nozzle show no leaks, damage, or whip hazards
  Inspect for abrasion, cracks, loose connections, damaged guards, or signs of pressure failure.
• PPE for water jet and splash exposure is selected and worn
  Confirm PPE matches the hazard profile for high-pressure water, splash, noise, and wet surfaces.

Slurry, Spoils, and Housekeeping

• Slurry containment and disposal plan is in place
  Verify where slurry will be stored, transferred, and disposed, including any environmental restrictions.
• Spoils are managed to prevent slips, trips, and utility recontamination
  Check that slurry, spoil piles, and hoses are positioned to keep walkways and access points clear.
• Containment area is stable and protected from runoff
  Confirm slurry will not enter storm drains, waterways, or other sensitive areas.

Emergency Readiness and Signoff

• Emergency contact, first aid, and incident reporting process are known to the crew
  Confirm the crew knows who to contact and how to respond to a utility strike, injury, or equipment failure.
• Utility strike response and stop-work criteria were reviewed before starting
  Review immediate stop-work actions for line damage, gas odor, arcing, pressurized release, or unexpected utility exposure.
• Inspection comments include any hazards, deficiencies, and corrective actions
  Document unresolved hazards, non-conformances, and the control measures assigned before work continues.
• Inspector signature
  Signature of the person completing the daily JHA/inspection.