WAH/Specific Tasks/TBT-WAH-024

Gutter and Fascia Work at Height

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Gutter and Fascia Work at Height

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-WAH-024  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • 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.

Why?

Eaves fallsThe roof eaves edge is the most dangerous position — falls from this height are frequently fatal or life-changing.
OverreachingStretching sideways along the fascia line from a ladder is the single biggest cause of gutter work falls.
Asbestos riskOld 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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