Job Hazard Analysis: Site cleanup and debris removal

A general example for this task. Your JHA should reflect your crew, equipment and site — review it with a competent person before work starts.

Steps, hazards and controls

1. 1. Walk the site with the foreman and plan the cleanup route, debris piles, and dumpster location.

   • Unprotected floor openings, holes, and edges hidden under debrisHigh
     • Cover every floor hole with plywood rated for the load, secure it, and mark it "HOLE".
     • Confirm guardrails are in place at all edges 6 ft or higher before anyone cleans near them.
     • Flag off areas that are not safe and tell the crew in the morning briefing.
   • Unknown hazardous materials in the debris (chemical containers, suspect asbestos or lead paint debris)Medium
     • Identify hazardous items during the walk and set them aside for proper disposal; do not throw them in the dumpster.
     • If you find suspect asbestos or old painted debris from demolition, stop and call the supervisor before touching it.

2. 2. Set up the roll-off dumpster and the work zone, and guide the delivery truck into place.

   • Struck by the roll-off truck while it backs up or drops the dumpsterHigh
     • Place the dumpster on firm, level ground away from overhead power lines and site traffic.
     • Use one trained spotter who stays in the driver's mirror view; everyone else stays clear.
     • Wear a Class 2 high-visibility vest around moving trucks.
   • Pinch points at the dumpster rear door and cablesMedium
     • Keep hands off the cables and rails while the truck is moving the box.
     • Open and close the rear door with two people and latch it fully.

3. 3. Pick up and sort debris by material: wood, metal, drywall, concrete, trash, and hazardous items.

   • Stepping on nails and cuts from sheet metal, rebar ends, glass, and banding strapsMedium
     • Bend over or pull nails from scrap lumber before stacking or carrying it.
     • Cap exposed rebar ends and cut banding straps with snips, standing to the side.
     • Wear cut-resistant gloves and safety-toe boots with puncture-resistant soles.
   • Skin and eye contact with leftover chemicals (solvents, adhesives, sealants, oily rags)Medium
     • Check the label and safety data sheet before handling any container; keep lids on.
     • Put oily or solvent rags in a closed metal can, not in the dumpster.
     • Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses when handling chemical containers.

4. 4. Carry debris by hand or wheelbarrow and load it into the dumpster.

   • Back strain from lifting heavy or awkward loads (drywall scraps, concrete chunks, bundled lumber)Medium
     • Use wheelbarrows, carts, or the skid steer instead of carrying heavy loads by hand.
     • Lift with your legs, keep the load close, and get a partner for anything over 50 lb or longer than 8 ft.
   • Falls while climbing on or into the dumpster, and debris kicking back when thrownMedium
     • Do not climb into or stand on the dumpster walls; load through the rear door and walk material in.
     • Do not overfill above the top rail; call for a swap when it is full.
     • Wear safety glasses and keep others clear before throwing debris in.

5. 5. Remove debris from upper floors and roofs using an enclosed chute or by carrying it down.

   • Falling from open edges, floor openings, or stairs while handling debrisHigh
     • Never throw debris off an edge; use an enclosed chute or carry it down the stairs.
     • Keep guardrails in place; if a guardrail must be removed, wear a full-body harness tied to an approved anchor.
     • Keep stairs clear and carry loads that let you hold the handrail with one hand.
   • Workers below struck by falling debrisHigh
     • Barricade the area below the chute discharge and post a "Danger – Overhead Work" sign.
     • Keep toeboards on open edges and keep material at least 6 ft back from the edge.
     • Wear a hard hat at all times on site.

6. 6. Move large piles to the dumpster with the skid steer.

   • Ground workers struck or run over by the skid steer, especially when backingHigh
     • Only trained and authorized operators run the skid steer.
     • Keep ground crew out of the swing and travel path; make eye contact with the operator before approaching.
     • Check that the backup alarm works before starting.
   • Skid steer tip-over on slopes or while carrying a raised bucketMedium
     • Carry the bucket low and travel straight up and down slopes, heavy end uphill.
     • Wear the seat belt and keep the lap bar down.

7. 7. Sweep floors and control dust from drywall, concrete, and masonry debris.

   • Breathing silica and other fine dust when sweeping concrete or masonry dustMedium
     • Do not dry sweep or use compressed air on concrete or masonry dust; use a HEPA vacuum or wet it down first.
     • Use sweeping compound on dusty floors and open windows or use fans to move dust away from you.
     • Wear an N95 respirator if dust is still visible, only if you are in the respirator program.
   • Slips on wet floors and trips over cords and hosesLow
     • Wet only small areas at a time and pick up extension cords as you go.
     • Keep walkways and stairs clear of tools and material.

8. 8. Final walk-through: store leftover material, close the dumpster area, and put tools away.

   • Stacked material falling or rolling (lumber, pipe, drywall sheets)Medium
     • Stack material on level ground, blocked and crossed so it cannot roll or slide.
     • Keep stacks away from edges and out of walkways and exits.
   • Heat stress or cold stress during long outdoor cleanupMedium
     • Schedule heavy hauling for cooler hours and take shade or warm-up breaks.
     • Drink water every 15–20 minutes in heat and watch your partner for dizziness, confusion, or shivering.