U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
WORK PROJECT/CTIVITY:
Wilderness Field Work,
Desert
LOCATION:
Lake Wenatchee/Leavenworth
Ranger Districts
UNIT:
Wenatchee N.F.
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS (JHA)
Refrences-FSH 6709.11 and -12
NAME OF ANALYST:
McMillin, Therrell
JOB TITLE:
Resource Assistant and Wilderness
Manager
DATE PREPARED:
6/22/02
TASKS/PROCEDURES
HAZARDS
ABATEMENT ACTIONS
Engineering Controls * Substitution * Administrative Controls * PPE
Attitude about work and physical limits
Pride/Ego over-ruling
good judgment
Taking pride in our work is important and one of the pleasures of work. Likewise,
our ego is a tool to help us deal effectively with life. However, sometimes the voice
of "pride/ego" talks us into taking a "calculated risk" or pushing harder than we
should or becoming competitive. Always listen to the "sage voice" inside that is
telling you to slow down, rest, lift less weight, drive slower, etc.
Drive to trailhead
Refer to Driver’s Handbook and Health and Safety
Code Chapter 10 for Defensive Driving techniques
Traffic; narrow mountain
roads; mud/rocks.
Obey all traffic laws. Basic speed rule (conditions determine max. speed). Always
use seat belts and lights. Drive defensively. Inspect vehicle frequently. Refer to
driving JHA.
Backcountry travel (general)
Heat illness
Drink abundant water/fluids. Supplement with electrolytes. Dip baseball cap in
water for cooling. Take frequent breaks in shade if laboring heavily. Mid-day siesta
if appropriate if spending night and can work early evening instead. For heat
regulation, it is OK to hike in shorts and short sleeves if on a trail (or in open
subalpine/alpine environment) that is not brushy or rattlesnake. Schedule most
physical work for coolest parts of day. If simply too hot, stop working and cool off
with shade, cool water, drinking fluids, etc.
Sunburn/skin cancer
Macular degeneration of
eyes
Wear SPF 30-50 sunscreen including lip salve every day. SPF 50 is necessary in the
alpine zone. Wear wide-brim hat, long sleeves, and long pants as needed. Sunglasses
with dark lenses and UV protection. Use aloe Vera for burns.
Hypothermia
Carry ten essentials always. Layer clothing (wicking layer, insulating layer, rain
gear). Return to camp and warm up before getting too chilled; get out of cold wet
clothing and into warm sleeping bag. Sip warm fluids. Do work that is physical
enough to stay warm. Monitor crew members for chilling, slurred speech,
clumsiness, etc and get them to camp to warm up, using first aid if needed.
Anticipate cooler conditions and layer appropriately before body cools. Be prepared
to bivouac on any backcountry trip (emergency supplies).
Wind
If wind is blowing so hard that trees could come down, either move work activities
(and camp) to a location away from large trees OR hike out. Wear hard hat if it is
windy and you are in trees.
Irregular gait causing
repetitive motion injury
Use proper walking technique. Watch and secure footing at all times. Know proper
body alignment, muscular stabilization, knee position, and striking technique. Stretch
every day. See footwear below.
Foot problems
Approved footwear is medium to heavy all leather hiking boots with the following
features; lug sole, firm ankle support, half shank or 3/4 shank footbed, and a good
insole with adequate arch support and metatarsal support. Refer to handouts on shoe
and boot fit. Most 8" boots provide questionable support and comfort for wilderness
travel with a heavy pack. If using 8" boots for wilderness travel, they must meet the
above criteria. All boots must be inspected and approved by supervisor. Socks
should be a soft thick wool. Liner socks can be used if desired under the wool sock.
Hotspots/blisters
Break in new boots with shorter walks and hikes first. Immediately doctor feet as hot
spots or rubbed areas make themselves known. If boots are causing blisters, pretreat
feet at start of workday. Leave blister intact if possible. Change socks daily.
Crossing talus slopes
For large steps, use hands to stabilize or pick easier route. Test for unstable
rock/walk elsewhere. Use 3-point stance. Be prepared to move quickly to next rock
if unstable rock throws off your balance. Stay out of fall line of other hikers crossing
rock. Yell "rock" if you accidentally dislodge a rock.
Fording
Refer to pages 85-86 in Mountaineering Freedom of the Hills 5th ed.
Trips will be planned to avoid fords during high water. If a creek is too high options
are to 1. look up and downstream for a wider and thus shallower crossing, 2. cross in
the morning when water is not as high, or 3. turn around and change trip itinerary
with CWICC. If there is more than one person, it may be possible to ford thigh deep
by holding onto a pole or tool and having only one person move at a time.
If a creek seems safe to ford (water is not more than knee deep if fast moving or thigh
deep if slow moving) use the following procedure; unfasten hip belt and sternum
strap, wear shoes or boots, consider removing pants to reduce drag, use shovel or
stick for support on upstream side. Face upstream, and angle upstream as you ford.
Move 1 foot at a time, finding secure placement, then move prop. If water is deep
and slow, you can angle downstream at same rate as current. If you feel you could be
swept off your feet, find a different crossing, backtrack, or wait for lower water the
next morning.
Rock hopping across
streams
Rock hopping across a stream is a big temptation that could result in a serious fall.
Rock hopping should only be undertaken when rocks are adequately spaced, and
either very flat or dry to secure footing. Larger gaps can be jumped with a daypack
or no pack than with a heavy overnight pack. Unfasten hip and waist belts.
Crossing on logs
Logs should not be used when the risk of falling is high unless the log is straddled.
Factors that increase risk of falling include small diameter logs, slippery conditions,
unanchored logs that bounce, or lots of branches.
Slips. falls
Use proper hiking footwear. Adjust hiking pace to terrain/personal comfort zone.
Watch footing with every step, and secure footing before taking next step. Move
slowly if hiking through heavy brush where feet cannot be seen. Don't hurry.
Encountering stock on
trails and in camps
Step off trail; preferably below. Turn around if necessary, to find a safe spot. Do not
stand in front of a tree or rock where you could be crushed. Talk to handler/animals
as they approach and as passing. No hasty/quick movements or noises.
Working alone in remote
areas
Know radio care and procedures. Carry functional radio/extra batteries. Exercise
caution/self-awareness of isolation from aid. Check map with known radio reception
areas before leaving station. Remember sign in/sign out procedure plus daily check-
in. Keep radio on except when sleeping. Follow all safety procedures.
fatigue
Do PT prior to backpacking season to maintain aerobic fitness and stamina. Good
nutrition with balance of high-quality proteins, carbs, fats. Take vitamins. Pace
work. Take rest breaks as needed. Drink LOTS of water, even when weather is cool
or wet. Use electrolyte replacement. Change work plan if needed to manage fatigue,
such as making camp early. Avoid working more than 9-hour day. Get adequate rest
on days off.
Cumulative fatigue
Same as above. Take annual leave if needed to get more rest. Let supervisor know if
you are getting worn out so we can adjust work plan to less arduous work.
Back strain from pack
Fit and adjust pack carefully. If pack is not comfortable, tell supervisor and we can
get you a better fitting pack. Pack heavier items low and close to body. Do not
overload pack! In general, a pack should not exceed 50 pounds unless you are
packing in extra signs or tools. Never load pack to the point of feeling too weighed
down. We can get the job done some other way. Take pack off during rest breaks
and stretch back, especially gentle backbends, shoulder and chest openers, and gentle
twists. Lift pack to knee first with legs in wide stance, knees slightly bent, then swing
around to back.
Litter Removal
Excess weight
If you find too much litter to pack out, bag it up and leave alongside trail with a note
asking for help in packing out. Do not give sharp items to public unless you
personally make contact and explain contents to them. If you find a huge cache of
litter (like an abandoned camp), do your best to clean it up/bag it up and note EXACT
location so we can come back with stock or more people
Cuts
Use extra care with broken glass and rusty cans. Get tetanus shot if cut. Use gloves
if possible. Wrap sharp items carefully within trash bags and double bag.
Bloodborne pathogens
FS will provide Hepatitis B shots. Use latex gloves, sticks, shovel, or litter bag itself
to work with toilet paper, diapers, bloody items, or used condoms. If you expose a
cut to a potential source of blood borne pathogens (body fluids), wash and disinfect
area immediately, radio supervisor, and hike out for medical attention. Hypodermic
needles need to be secured so they won't poke you.
Dangerous Chemicals
This is most likely at trailheads or along Forest Roads. If you see anything that looks
like a chemical dump, immediately leave and secure area, call CWICC to report. Do
not approach or investigate either chemicals or people possibly associated with it.
Know how to recognize meth lab garbage. Get immediate medical attention if any
exposure to fumes.
Examples of Meth Lab garage: coolers, stoves, tubing, glassware/beakers, rock salt,
propane tanks, allergy/cold medicine with pseudoephedrine, acetone, lithium
batteries, isopropyl alcohol, coffee filters, starting fluid, drain cleaner, muriatic acid,
denatured alcohol, anhydrous ammonia, toluene, ether, lye.
See "lifting" below. Roll or scoot heavy rocks. Leave if too heavy.
Fire Ring Removal
Strain
See "lifting' below. Roll or scoot heavy rocks. Leave if too heavy.
Burns
Make sure a fire is dead out before dismantling fire ring.
Cuts/Contaminants
See "litter" section above.
Strain
See "lifting' below.
Cairn Construction/repair
Rolling rock
Make sure cairn has a stable base and is stable as your work your way up. Exercise
extreme care to NOT roll rock. Do not work directly above other people. If rock
rolls accidentally, yell "rock" repeatedly until rock comes to rest, unless you can see
that no one is there.
Strain
See "lifting" below.
Pinching/crushing
fingers
Wear gloves. Keep fingers away from contact points at base of rock when setting
down.
Blocking cut switchbacks and removing windfall
Rolling debris
Make sure debris is stable.
Cuts or blows
If debris is large or sharp, wear long clothing, gloves, hardhat, eye protection.
Clearing logs
Watch video; Hand tools for Trail Work
(recommended)
Injury from moving log
Unless working under the direct supervision of a certified sawyer, cut trees only up to
8" in diameter. If the fallen tree is pinned between other trees, and especially if the
trunk is bowed the log is “under bind". A bound tree will spring back to a straight
position once cut. To make your cut, stand on the opposite side of the direction the
log will move. Wear hardhat.
Injury to eyes
Wear safety glasses. Clear a safe workspace, including limbing and brushing.
Cuts from saw or staubs
Wear long pants, long sleeves, and gloves. Clear safe work area. Securely anchor
feet. Keep body parts away from saw. Return saw to sheath when not in use.
Brushing
Watch video; Hand tools for Trail Work
(recommended)
Back strain
Keep back straight and knees bent. Counter forward bending work with gentle
backbends and twists. Stretch frequently.
Injury to eyes
Wear safety glasses and hardhat. Cut limbs and staubs out of way as needed to brush
back to base. Flush cut all limbs and trunks.
Puncture wounds from
staubs
See above item. Wear long sleeved shirt and long pants.
Insect sting or
rattlesnake bite
Look before you leap. Bald face hornets have nests suspended in brush at about head
height. Rattlesnakes may be tucked up underneath brush. If in snake habitat, look
under brush before working on it.
Constructing or maintaining drains. Removing
berm. Cleaning culverts
Watch video; Hand tools for Trail Work
(recommended)
Back Strain
Keep back straight and knees bent. Switch off working from one side of body and
then the other. When shoveling, brace arms against legs to use legs as lever. Stretch
frequently.
Dirt in eyes
Wear eye protection.
Cuts or blows
Wear full PPE including all leather boots and hardhat. Use proper stance with feet
spread for chopping. Use good chopping technique. Carry tool properly and to
downhill side. Use guard on Pulaski and axe during transport.
Tool use – general
Repetitive motion injury
Switch sides/hands if possible. Switch off on tasks. Adjust work method as soon as
problem (pain/stiffness) occurs. Rest as needed. Inform supervisor if problem does
not resolve quickly.
Painting
Exposure to fumes
Ensure ventilation, wear eye protection, follow warning labels/directions. Know
location of MSDS.
Snow Travel
Refer to pages 276-292 and 300-314 on snow
travel in Mountaineering Freedom of the Hills 5
th
ed.
Sliding out of control
Recognize and do not enter avalanche-prone areas. Avoid crossing steep snow slopes
altogether, unless traveling with ice axe and skill to use it or digging steps with
shovel. Know how to "shovel arrest." Use judgement; is situation too risky? If so,
don't do it. No travel on Aasgard Pass until snow is 90% gone due to probability of
slides and rock fall during freeze/thaw.
Ice axe use/possibility of
goring
Avoid steep snow slopes as first course of action. Only use ice axe if authorized by
supervisor. Employee must already be skilled or receive training and practice in an
area without dangerous exposure. PPE for ice axe use includes full raingear with
hood up, gloves, and leather medium to heavy weight hiking boots. Use proper
technique for carrying/transporting axe.
Falling through snow
bridges and pits
Listen for water. Give "edges" a wide berth. Avoid traveling close to exposed
rocks/trees. Probe snow; if in doubt, go around or turn back.
Glissading into hazards
Inspect slope carefully for rocks, holes, debris, and runout area. Look above and
below. Use tool as "brake". Learn proper technique.
Wildfires, lightening
Burns, risk of death
Use fire behavior knowledge. Observe/record weather. Get below ridge
tops/saddles; keep fire above you if possible. Seek safety zone or leave area if fire
behavior is active. Radio dispatch with location, etc.
Burns and electrocution
Observe weather at all times; anticipate storms. During lightning storms, seek lower
ground away from rocks, trees, and water. Do not take shelter in overhangs.
Animals of Concern
Insect/Animal bites
Inform supervisor and co-workers of allergies. Stay to center or inside edge of trail;
yellow jackets nest in soft outer edge of trail. In areas with known nests, wear long
pants, long sleeves, and gloves. If nest is stirred up, yell "bees" to alert crew and run
a short distance away. Get off trail to go around nest. Watch for hornet nests in trees
and brush. Carry antihistamine for allergic reactions and an EpiPen or bee sting kit if
you know you have an allergy. Use caution when around dogs and wildlife. Get
medical attention for mammal bites. For mosquitos and flies use long sleeved
clothing, a head net, and/or bug dope as appropriate.
Tick attacks
Wear long sleeves/pants when working/travelling in heavy brush. Tuck bottom of
pant legs into socks or boot. Keep shirt tucked in, and cuffs tight. Use insect
repellent on skin and clothing. Inspect body periodically and then thoroughly at end
of day. Shower or submerge in water if you can. Know Lyme disease symptoms.
Remove ticks by pulling straight out with forceps. Save dead tick for analysis. Put
clothing in wash or inspect very carefully before wearing again.
Rattlesnake bite
Be observant during hand/foot placement. Wear long pants if brushy in snake habitat.
If bitten; don't panic, immobilize bite. Radio for help. If alone and a helicopter
evacuation is not a possibility, walk slowly, keeping heart rate low, rest periodically,
use a makeshift crutch if bite is on leg. Get immediate medical attention. Do not
suck venom or use a tourniquet.
Cougar attack
If encountered, do not run, scream, crouch, or hide (or act like prey). Leave an
escape route open to cougar. Maintain eye contact and talk calmly and firmly.
Slowly back away. Make self-look big by holding jacket up and open. Don't be so
aggressive you provoke an attack. If cougar approaches throw sticks or stones that
you can grasp without crouching. If attacked, fight back and yell loudly. Try to
remain standing. If knocked over, try to get back up. Protect head and neck with
arms.
Bears
Hang food, toiletries, and trash properly (refer to "Bear Safe Washington" brochure).
Don't cook in campsite. Be observant for bear sign when traveling. If bear is
encountered, do not approach or make eye contact. If bear charges, make yourself
appear as large as possible and yell at the bear. Play dead for grizzly bear and protect
back of neck. Know how to differentiate between grizzly and black bear.
Plants of concern
Poisonous
The only topically poisonous plant here is poison ivy. It is recognized by having
shiny "leaves of three". The only known trail location is the bottom of Castle Rock
Trail. DO NOT TOUCH! If you touch inadvertently, wash skin with Technu and
wash clothing. Many local plants and mushrooms are poisonous if ingested. Do not
eat plants unless you are an expert at identification.
Thorns
A number of plants are thorny including Devil's Club and Wild Rose. Do not grab at
these plants! Wear long clothing. If traveling x-country wear gloves to avoid thorns.
Rash
Learn to recognize and avoid stinging nettles with their heart-shaped serrate leaves,
erect hairs. Wear long clothing. The "sting" will go away overnight and is only a
discomfort, not a health concern. Some people get a rash from pulling knapweed.
Avoid by wearing long sleeves and gloves.
Off-trail travel
Route finding/getting
lost
Do not overextend your skill level. Don't travel cross-country in white-out
conditions. Pre-trip map analysis. Practice compass/map use. Carry ten essentials.
Don't hurry. NO technical climbing on the job. If lost, stay calm. Can you backtrack
to a known spot without endangering yourself? If not, stay put and call on radio for
help. Devise signaling devices; a bright colored item in an opening, a signal fire,
signaling with mirror on compass, using whistle (3 sets of 3 blasts.)
Heavy Brush Making
footing difficult, and
increasing risk of cuts
and pokes
Move slowly/purposefully. Watch for trippers and stubs. Learn to plan travel to
avoid brush fields whenever possible. Wear long pants and long sleeves. Wear eye
protection if brush is at head level or above. Grab brush for added support unless
thorny
Backcountry camping
Bring all items from wilderness gear list
Burns/asphyxiation
Know how to operate the stove before trip. Never cook/light stove in/near tents or
equipment. Never refill fuel cannister indoors. Know location of MSDS.
Giardia/waterborne
parasite
Always boil/filter/or treat drinking water. Boiling method is rolling boil for 5
minutes plus 1 additional minute for each 1,000 feet of elevation.
Snags, falling branches
Inspect camping area. Look above, all around for potential falling snags, widow-
makers, etc. Don't camp within striking range.
Cuts, abrasions, puncture
wounds
Proper training, technique, and PPE. If using a cutting tool or working overhead wear
long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hardhat, eye protection. Use pocketknife properly--
maintain control of blade, cut against something else if needed, don’t push against
back of blade, keep fingers clear when closing blade, close blade to pass knife to
another person.
Public contact
Angry People
Disengage if in a situation as described below. If person is angry, but you do not
perceive a physical threat, you may need to leave and come back later to give them a
chance to calm down. Use "firm but friendly" technique, and "authority of the
resource technique" to avoid pissing them off in the first place. Empathize with their
situation while persuading them to comply with regulations. Give them options. If
no compliance, take I.D. if no physical threat.
Violent Encounters
Leave confrontational people if there is a physical threat, or the presence of guns,
alcohol, drugs, or it is dark. Use radio to call for assistance. Assess all situations;
plan ahead for contingencies. Don't get boxed into a corner.
Creepy People
Get away, even if you have to hike out or change camp location. Once you
intuitively do not feel comfortable with a person's or group's behavior, break away.
You do not have to make contact or check permit.
Search and rescue
putting you at risk
Know radio protocol. Know USFS role in rescue/aid situations. Never put yourself
or additional persons in danger. Establish and maintain communication with CWICC.
Don't let reporting party leave.
First Aid situation
putting you at risk
Follow all training procedures. Ensure your own safety first. Follow all protocols for
blood borne pathogens as described above in "litter".
Lifting heavy objects
Back strain/injury,
scrapes
Use bent legs to lift; keep back straight and stable. Pivot with knees/hips, not back.
Keep weight close to body. Get help. Use mechanical advantage/innovation.
Lighten load if possible. Leave item if too heavy
Weed pulling
Back strain/injury
Refer to lifting above. Use digging tool or cut weed at base if too firmly rooted.
Rashes from Vegetation
Wear gloves and long sleeves. Wash skin as soon as possible after weed pulling.
Emergency Plan
Read pages 407-412 in Mountaineering Freedom
of the Hills 5
th
ed. On search and rescue
You are injured or lost
and need assistance.
Stop and calmly review your situation. Call CWICC and explain situation, your
location, and the closest area you think a helicopter could land. Have CWICC
contact your supervisor by phone or radio. See "lost" above.
You are overdue at the
end of your trip.
Make every effort to get out on time without endangering yourself. If you have an
unavoidable delay use the radio to notify your supervisor, the person picking you up
and notify CWICC. If you are overdue and unable to communicate, we will initiate
a search starting at the trailhead you were to come out at and tracing back toward the
last place you radioed in from. If you come in late, BE SURE to sign in with CWICC
and on our scheduling calendar. Call your supervisor at home and leave a message.
A crew member you are
out with is missing.
Notify supervisor and CWICC by radio. Leave a message at camp of your search
plans in case the person returns; check back periodically. Begin a search if you can
do so safely. Ask all other users if they have seen the missing individual. Don't
search in the dark or in exposed places like cliffy terrain.
LINE OFFICER SIGNATURE
TITLE
DATE
The JHA shall identify the location of the work project or activity, the name of employee(s)
writing the JHA, the date(s) of development, and the name of the appropriate line officer
approving it. The supervisor 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.
c. Discuss the work project/activity with participants
d. Observe the work project/activity
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.
b. Substitution. For example, switching to high flash point, non-toxic solvents.
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 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.
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 frequency(s).
e. Contact person.
f. Local hazards to ground vehicles or aviation.
g. Weather conditions (wind speed & direction, visibility, temp).
h. Topography.
i. Number of person(s) to be transported
j. Estimated weight of passengers for air/water evacuation.
The items listed above serve only as guidelines for the development of emergency
evacuation procedures.
development of this JHA (as applicable) and accompanying emergency evacuation
procedures. We have thoroughly discussed and understand the provisions of each of these
SIGNATURE DATE
SIGNATURE DATE
Work Leader