Job Hazard Analysis: Elevator Technicians Using Jumpers

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers the activities of elevator technicians when utilizing jumpers for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of elevator systems. It includes all tasks associated with the application and removal of jumpers, electrical testing, and ensuring safe operation during these procedures. The scope includes all elevator systems within the facility but excludes major elevator modernizations or installations which require separate, project-specific risk assessments.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. Likelihood is rated from Rare to Almost Certain, and Severity from Negligible to Catastrophic. The risk matrix combines these to produce a risk rating of Low, Medium, High, or Extreme. Control measures are selected based on the hierarchy of controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and PPE.

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	High	Extreme
Major	Low	Low	Medium	High	High
Moderate	Low	Medium	Medium	High	High
Minor	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Negligible	Low	Low	Low	Medium	Medium

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Electrical shock due to accidental contact with live electrical components while using jumpers.

Potential Consequences: Severe burns, cardiac arrest, or death.

Affected Persons: Elevator technicians

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• De-energize and lockout/tagout the elevator control circuit before applying jumpers.
• Verify the absence of voltage using a calibrated meter before touching any electrical components.
• Use insulated jumpers and tools.
• Implement a buddy system to provide assistance and monitoring.
• Wear appropriate PPE, including insulated gloves and safety glasses.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

2. Unintended elevator movement due to improper lockout/tagout procedures or bypassing safety circuits with jumpers.

Potential Consequences: Crushing injuries, amputation, or death.

Affected Persons: Elevator technicians, other workers in the vicinity

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Implement a comprehensive lockout/tagout procedure.
• Verify that the elevator is properly locked out before starting work.
• Use group lockout procedures when multiple technicians are working on the same elevator.
• Visually inspect the elevator hoistway and car to ensure no personnel are present before applying jumpers.
• Communicate clearly with all personnel involved in the maintenance activity.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

3. Slips, trips, and falls while working in the elevator machine room or hoistway.

Potential Consequences: Sprains, fractures, or head injuries.

Affected Persons: Elevator technicians

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide adequate lighting in the elevator machine room and hoistway.
• Ensure the work area is free from obstructions and tripping hazards.
• Use fall protection equipment when working at heights.
• Provide training on proper lifting techniques.
• Use mechanical aids for lifting heavy components.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Low

4. Exposure to hazardous materials, such as cleaning solvents, lubricants, or asbestos.

Potential Consequences: Skin irritation, respiratory problems, or long-term health effects.

Affected Persons: Elevator technicians

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure proper ventilation in the elevator machine room.
• Use respiratory protection when working with dust or fumes.
• Store chemicals in approved containers and locations.
• Provide training on the hazards of chemicals used.
• Use appropriate PPE, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling chemicals.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. Equipment malfunction due to improper maintenance or use of incorrect parts.

Potential Consequences: Elevator failure, creating unsafe conditions for passengers and technicians.

Affected Persons: Elevator technicians

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Use only approved replacement parts.
• Never attempt to modify elevator components without manufacturer approval.
• Refer to the elevator's service manual for proper procedures.
• Ensure all work is performed by qualified technicians.
• Inspect all work to ensure it meets safety standards.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. General Control Measures

• All technicians must be trained and qualified to work on elevator systems and to use jumpers safely.

Verify training records and conduct refresher courses as needed.

• Always use properly rated and inspected personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, and appropriate footwear.

Conduct regular PPE inspections and replace damaged items immediately.

• Ensure all tools and equipment are in good working condition and inspected regularly. Remove any defective tools from service.

Implement a tool inspection program with documented checks.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Establish housekeeping procedures and conduct regular inspections.

• Conduct a thorough job briefing before starting any work, discussing potential hazards and control measures.

Use a standardized job briefing checklist.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In case of electrical shock, immediately shut off power, if safe to do so. Use a non-conductive object to separate the victim from the electrical source. Administer first aid and call emergency services.
• For elevator malfunction or uncontrolled movement, activate the emergency stop and evacuate personnel from the elevator car and hoistway.
• In the event of a fire, activate the building alarm, evacuate the area, and use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small and contained.

7. Training Requirements

• Lockout/Tagout Training: Technicians must be trained in the proper use of lockout/tagout procedures, including the identification of energy sources and the application of locks and tags.
• Electrical Safety Training: Training on electrical safety, including arc flash awareness, safe work practices, and the use of personal protective equipment.
• Elevator-Specific Safety Training: Technicians should be trained on the specific hazards associated with elevator systems and the control measures to mitigate those hazards.
• First Aid/CPR Training: Training on first aid and CPR, including how to respond to electrical shock and other emergencies.
• PPE Training: Training on the proper selection, use, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE).

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, and after any incident or near-miss

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Monthly	Safety Manager	Regular inspections of lockout/tagout procedures to ensure compliance.
Performance Indicator	Quarterly	Safety Committee	Review of incident reports and near-miss investigations to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Audit	Annually	External Safety Consultant	Periodic audits of elevator maintenance activities to verify adherence to safety procedures.

9. Special Circumstances

• Working at night or in low-light conditions increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
• Adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow, can create slippery surfaces. Take extra precautions to prevent falls.
• Lone work increases the risk of delayed response in case of an emergency. Implement a check-in system and provide a means of communication.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, and after any incident or near-miss or when significant changes occur.

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