Gutter and Fascia Work at Height

Gutter and fascia installation and replacement requires sustained working at the roof edge of buildings.
The roof edge is the highest-risk zone for falls — most fatal roof falls occur at or near the eaves.
Scaffold, tower scaffolds, or MEWPs should be the primary access method, not ladders.
Ladders may only be used for light, short-duration inspection work where a risk assessment supports their use.
Overreaching from ladders to fix gutters along the fascia line is a leading cause of ladder falls.
Old gutters and fascia boards may contain asbestos cement — testing is required before removal.
Debris from gutter clearing, replacement brackets, and old fixings can fall onto people below.
Working along the eaves line in windy conditions increases the risk of losing balance at height.
The weight of gutter sections and fascia boards makes handling at height awkward and physically demanding.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 hierarchy of control applies to all gutter and fascia tasks.

Eaves falls	The roof eaves edge is the most dangerous position — falls from this height are frequently fatal or life-changing.
Overreaching	Stretching sideways along the fascia line from a ladder is the single biggest cause of gutter work falls.
Asbestos risk	Old asbestos cement gutters and fascia boards release deadly fibres when broken, cut, or drilled.

Do

Don't

Use a scaffold, tower scaffold, or MEWP as the primary access for gutter and fascia work
Move the access equipment along the building rather than overreaching sideways
Test old gutters and fascia boards for asbestos before removal on pre-1990s buildings
Secure all tools and fixings to prevent them falling onto people below
Check wind conditions before starting — eaves work is exposed to gusts
Wear a harness when working from a MEWP at the roof edge
Brief the team on the access method, sequence, and rescue plan before starting
Protect the public below with barriers or netting where gutter work is above footpaths
Handle gutter sections and fascia boards carefully — they are awkward at height
Complete a risk assessment covering fall prevention and asbestos for every gutter task

DON'T use a ladder as the primary access for sustained gutter or fascia installation
DON'T overreach sideways from any access equipment to extend your working reach
DON'T remove old gutters without testing for asbestos on buildings built before 1990
DON'T drop debris, brackets, or old gutter sections to the ground from height
DON'T work at the eaves in high winds — the exposed position amplifies the risk
DON'T carry long gutter sections up ladders — use a hoist or MEWP instead
DON'T stand on the roof edge or lean over the fascia to reach the gutter
DON'T allow the public to walk beneath gutter work without protection barriers
DON'T break or cut old asbestos gutters — handle them whole and bag for disposal
DON'T skip the risk assessment because gutter work seems routine and straightforward

See also: Working at Height Hierarchy of Control | Asbestos Cement Products

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