Job Hazard Analysis · Plumbing

Job Hazard Analysis: Gas line installation

Installing natural gas or propane piping inside a house or small commercial building. Work runs from the meter or regulator to appliances. Pipe is threaded black iron or CSST. Work includes shutting off gas, cutting and threading pipe, running pipe through framing, crawlspaces, and attics, pressure testing, purging, and lighting appliances. Crew of 2–4 using a powered pipe threader, drills, and 6-ft and 8-ft fiberglass stepladders.

Published 2026-10-23

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. Set up the site and shut off the gas supply
- Gas release from live piping when an existing line is openedHigh
  - Shut the gas valve at the meter or tank and lock and tag it so no one turns it back on.
  - Turn off all appliance valves and pilots before opening any line.
  - Check for gas with a combustible gas detector before work starts.
  - Tell the owner and other trades that the gas is off and why.
- Fire from ignition sources near gas workHigh
  - No smoking, torches, or open flames in the work area.
  - Keep a charged ABC fire extinguisher within reach.
2. Lay out the run and drill or notch framing
- Contact with hidden electrical wires or existing pipes while drilling walls, floors, and joistsHigh
  - Plan the route to stay away from panels, outlets, and wire runs.
  - Look in the attic or crawlspace and use a stud and wire scanner before drilling.
  - Turn off the breaker for circuits near the drill path when you can't confirm where wires run.
  - Use drills with grounded or double-insulated cords and inspect cords before use.
- Wrist and arm injury when a right-angle drill or hole saw bindsMedium
  - Use the side handle and set the clutch to a low setting.
  - Brace your body and keep the handle away from your face and ribs.
- Wood chips and dust in eyesLow
  - Wear safety glasses at all times when drilling, especially overhead.
3. Cut and thread black iron pipe
- Caught in the rotating powered pipe threaderHigh
  - Use a threader with a foot switch and let go to stop it right away.
  - Only one person runs the machine; keep others out of reach.
  - No gloves near the turning pipe, no loose sleeves, and tie back long hair.
  - Support long pipe with pipe stands so it doesn't whip.
- Cuts from sharp pipe ends, burrs, and metal chipsMedium
  - Ream every cut end and clean chips with a brush, not your hands.
  - Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling cut pipe with the machine stopped.
- Skin irritation and slips from cutting oil and pipe dopeLow
  - Read the SDS and keep containers labeled.
  - Put a drip pan under the threader and wipe up spills right away.
  - Wash hands before eating.
4. Run and hang pipe in walls, attic, and crawlspace
- Fall from a stepladder while hanging pipe overheadHigh
  - Inspect the fiberglass stepladder and open it fully with spreaders locked.
  - Don't stand on the top cap or top step; keep 3 points of contact.
  - Have a helper hand up long pipe instead of carrying it up the ladder.
- Heat, poor air, and falling through ceilings in atticsMedium
  - Walk only on joists or set down a plank across them.
  - Do attic work early in the day, take breaks, and drink water often.
  - Use a fan and a work light, and keep a partner nearby who checks on you.
- Crawlspace hazards: tight spaces, nails, standing water, and animalsMedium
  - Check the crawlspace with a light before going in and look for water near wiring.
  - Keep a helper at the entrance who can see or hear you.
  - Wear knee pads, gloves, and a bump cap.
- Back strain from lifting and carrying 21-ft pipe sticksMedium
  - Carry long pipe with two people and keep loads close to your body.
  - Lift with your legs and don't twist.
5. Pressure test the new piping
- Fitting or cap blowing off under air pressureMedium
  - Test with air from a compressor that has a regulator; never use oxygen or gas.
  - Don't go over the test pressure written on the job.
  - Make sure all caps and plugs are tight before you pressurize.
  - Stand to the side of caps and open ends, and bleed pressure before loosening anything.
- Noise from the air compressorLow
  - Set the compressor outside or away from the work area.
  - Wear earplugs when working near it.
6. Connect to supply, purge, leak check, and light appliances
- Gas buildup and explosion during purgingHigh
  - Purge to the outdoors or through a hose to a safe spot, away from flames and switches.
  - Open windows and doors and use a gas detector during purging.
  - Don't use phones or flip switches in the area while purging.
  - Remove locks and tags only after the crew confirms all fittings are tight.
- Undetected leak at joints and appliance connectorsHigh
  - Check every joint with leak detector solution or an electronic detector; never with a flame.
  - Shut the gas and fix any leak before lighting appliances.
- Carbon monoxide from appliances with bad ventingMedium
  - Check vents and flues before lighting appliances.
  - Use a CO meter after lighting; shut off the appliance if readings are high.
7. Clean up and store tools
- Trips and cuts from pipe scraps, chips, and cordsLow
  - Pick up pipe scraps and metal chips and put them in a scrap bin.
  - Coil cords and clear walkways and stairs.
- Fire from oily ragsLow
  - Put oily rags in a closed metal can and take them off site.

Steps, hazards and controls
Step	Hazard	Risk	Controls
1. Set up the site and shut off the gas supply	Gas release from live piping when an existing line is opened	High	Shut the gas valve at the meter or tank and lock and tag it so no one turns it back on. Turn off all appliance valves and pilots before opening any line. Check for gas with a combustible gas detector before work starts. Tell the owner and other trades that the gas is off and why.
1. Set up the site and shut off the gas supply	Fire from ignition sources near gas work	High	No smoking, torches, or open flames in the work area. Keep a charged ABC fire extinguisher within reach.
2. Lay out the run and drill or notch framing	Contact with hidden electrical wires or existing pipes while drilling walls, floors, and joists	High	Plan the route to stay away from panels, outlets, and wire runs. Look in the attic or crawlspace and use a stud and wire scanner before drilling. Turn off the breaker for circuits near the drill path when you can't confirm where wires run. Use drills with grounded or double-insulated cords and inspect cords before use.
	Wrist and arm injury when a right-angle drill or hole saw binds	Medium	Use the side handle and set the clutch to a low setting. Brace your body and keep the handle away from your face and ribs.
	Wood chips and dust in eyes	Low	Wear safety glasses at all times when drilling, especially overhead.
3. Cut and thread black iron pipe	Caught in the rotating powered pipe threader	High	Use a threader with a foot switch and let go to stop it right away. Only one person runs the machine; keep others out of reach. No gloves near the turning pipe, no loose sleeves, and tie back long hair. Support long pipe with pipe stands so it doesn't whip.
	Cuts from sharp pipe ends, burrs, and metal chips	Medium	Ream every cut end and clean chips with a brush, not your hands. Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling cut pipe with the machine stopped.
	Skin irritation and slips from cutting oil and pipe dope	Low	Read the SDS and keep containers labeled. Put a drip pan under the threader and wipe up spills right away. Wash hands before eating.
4. Run and hang pipe in walls, attic, and crawlspace	Fall from a stepladder while hanging pipe overhead	High	Inspect the fiberglass stepladder and open it fully with spreaders locked. Don't stand on the top cap or top step; keep 3 points of contact. Have a helper hand up long pipe instead of carrying it up the ladder.
	Heat, poor air, and falling through ceilings in attics	Medium	Walk only on joists or set down a plank across them. Do attic work early in the day, take breaks, and drink water often. Use a fan and a work light, and keep a partner nearby who checks on you.
	Crawlspace hazards: tight spaces, nails, standing water, and animals	Medium	Check the crawlspace with a light before going in and look for water near wiring. Keep a helper at the entrance who can see or hear you. Wear knee pads, gloves, and a bump cap.
	Back strain from lifting and carrying 21-ft pipe sticks	Medium	Carry long pipe with two people and keep loads close to your body. Lift with your legs and don't twist.
5. Pressure test the new piping	Fitting or cap blowing off under air pressure	Medium	Test with air from a compressor that has a regulator; never use oxygen or gas. Don't go over the test pressure written on the job. Make sure all caps and plugs are tight before you pressurize. Stand to the side of caps and open ends, and bleed pressure before loosening anything.
5. Pressure test the new piping	Noise from the air compressor	Low	Set the compressor outside or away from the work area. Wear earplugs when working near it.
6. Connect to supply, purge, leak check, and light appliances	Gas buildup and explosion during purging	High	Purge to the outdoors or through a hose to a safe spot, away from flames and switches. Open windows and doors and use a gas detector during purging. Don't use phones or flip switches in the area while purging. Remove locks and tags only after the crew confirms all fittings are tight.
	Undetected leak at joints and appliance connectors	High	Check every joint with leak detector solution or an electronic detector; never with a flame. Shut the gas and fix any leak before lighting appliances.
	Carbon monoxide from appliances with bad venting	Medium	Check vents and flues before lighting appliances. Use a CO meter after lighting; shut off the appliance if readings are high.
7. Clean up and store tools	Trips and cuts from pipe scraps, chips, and cords	Low	Pick up pipe scraps and metal chips and put them in a scrap bin. Coil cords and clear walkways and stairs.
7. Clean up and store tools	Fire from oily rags	Low	Put oily rags in a closed metal can and take them off site.

Required PPE

ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses — At all times, especially when drilling, cutting, threading, and testing.
Cut-resistant gloves — When handling cut pipe and fittings. Never wear gloves near the running threader.
Hard hat or bump cap — Hard hat on active construction sites; bump cap in crawlspaces and attics.
Safety-toe work boots — At all times, for dropped pipe and fittings.
Earplugs or earmuffs — When running the threader, compressor, or drilling for long periods.
Knee pads — In crawlspaces and for floor-level work.

Training

Gas piping work done by or under a licensed plumber or gas fitter as required by your local jurisdiction.
Trained on the powered pipe threader, including the foot switch and no-glove rule.
Ladder safety training: inspection, setup, and safe climbing.
Gas shutoff, lock and tag, purging, and leak testing procedures, including use of gas and CO detectors.
Hazard communication: reading SDS and labels for cutting oil, pipe dope, and leak detector.
Fire extinguisher use and the site emergency plan.

Emergency

If you smell gas or hear a leak: stop work and don't touch switches, phones, or flames. Shut the gas at the meter or tank if it is safe. Get everyone out. From outside, call 911 and the gas utility, and give the site address. If there is a fire or injury, call 911 first and give first aid only if it is safe.

Official sources

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General information, not legal advice. Templates and examples should be reviewed by a competent person before use. HardHat Binder is not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA.